01
Introduction
A few months ago, I shared various game performance tests pairing budget-friendly entry-level processors with the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER GPU. The tested processors included the Core i5-12400F, Ryzen 5 7500F, and Ryzen 5 5600, among others.
The results were underwhelming. At 1080p resolution, these processors could only utilize 70–80% of the GPU’s maximum performance, leaving the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER underutilized. Please refer to the chart below.
What is the highest-performance GPU that entry-level processors can pair with effectively? This is a topic of significant interest and research value. Current indications suggest the GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER, which is a tier below the 4070 Ti SUPER, may be a better match.
In this article, we will test the gaming performance of the Core i5-12400F paired with the GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER. Those interested can use this as a reference.
02
Specifications Overview
Core i5-12400F
Released on January 4, 2022, this processor is built on a 10nm process, featuring six performance cores with no efficiency cores, for a total of 12 threads. Its base clock is 2.5 GHz, and the maximum turbo frequency reaches 4.4 GHz. The L2 cache is 7.5MB, while the L3 smart cache is 18MB. It has a power consumption of 65W and a suggested retail price of $184.00–$194.00. Currently, its OEM price is approximately 600 RMB.
GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
Launched on January 8, 2024, this GPU uses the AD104-350 chip based on the Ada Lovelace architecture and TSMC’s 5nm process. It features 7,168 CUDA cores, 224 texture units, 80 raster units, 56 RT cores, 56 SMs, 224 Tensor cores, and a 48MB L2 cache.
03
Test Platform Configuration
The test setup includes the following components:
- Processor: Core i5-12400F
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WIFI D4 or MSI equivalent
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 3600 MHz
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
- Storage: Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 22H2
04
Game Testing Results (Core i5-12400F with RTX 4070 SUPER)
Seven games were tested at 1440p resolution:
1. God of War
- Average FPS: 106
- Minimum FPS: 87
- Frame Time: 9.8ms
- CPU Usage: 42%, Power: 43W, Temperature: 57°C
- Memory Usage: 12.8GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 7.5GB, Power: 215W, Temperature: 73°C
The game runs smoothly with over 100 FPS average, GPU near full utilization, and a minimum FPS above 80. There are no bottlenecks.
2. Alan Wake 2
- Average FPS: 59
- Minimum FPS: 44
- Frame Time: 16.1ms
- CPU Usage: 27%, Power: 33W, Temperature: 42°C
- Memory Usage: 10.7GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 8.9GB, Power: 208W, Temperature: 68°C
The average FPS is around 60, with the GPU operating at full capacity. Performance is lower compared to God of War but remains smooth with no bottlenecks.
3. Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Average FPS: 85
- Minimum FPS: 70
- Frame Time: 12.5ms
- CPU Usage: 29%, Power: 46W, Temperature: 42°C
- Memory Usage: 12.5GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 7.1GB, Power: 208W, Temperature: 70°C
Average FPS is above 80, with a consistent frame rate and no performance issues.
4. Cyberpunk 2077
- Average FPS: 40
- Minimum FPS: 31
- Frame Time: 20.3ms
- CPU Usage: 57%, Power: 45W, Temperature: 57°C
- Memory Usage: 12.6GB
- GPU Usage: 97%, VRAM: 12.1GB, Power: 205W, Temperature: 71°C
Average FPS hovers around 40, with occasional delays due to higher frame times. Performance is less optimal but remains playable.
5. Silent Hill 2 Remake
- Average FPS: 60
- Minimum FPS: 41
- Frame Time: 16.4ms
- CPU Usage: 26%, Power: 33W, Temperature: 51°C
- Memory Usage: 11.9GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 8.4GB, Power: 214W, Temperature: 74°C
Performance is solid with an average FPS of 60 and no noticeable issues.
6. The Last of Us Part I
- Average FPS: 85
- Minimum FPS: 54
- Frame Time: 9.4ms
- CPU Usage: 86%, Power: 58W, Temperature: 64°C
- Memory Usage: 13.9GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 9.8GB, Power: 207W, Temperature: 74°C
CPU usage is high, but the game achieves excellent fluidity with an average FPS above 80.
7. Black Myth: Wukong
- Average FPS: 64
- Minimum FPS: 47
- Frame Time: 15.9ms
- CPU Usage: 32%, Power: 37W, Temperature: 54°C
- Memory Usage: 12.1GB
- GPU Usage: 98%, VRAM: 5.4GB, Power: 198W, Temperature: 68°C
Performance is consistent, with an average FPS exceeding 60 and no bottlenecks.
05
Test Conclusion
The results are clear: in all the game tests, the GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER operated at nearly full utilization throughout. Therefore, the configuration of Core i5-12400F paired with GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER does not present a bottleneck, making it a “reasonably balanced” setup.
Why “reasonably balanced”? The tests were conducted at 1440p resolution rather than 1080p. At 1080p, where the GPU is fully utilized, the CPU workload would likely increase by a few percentage points. However, it is unlikely to reach a level that creates a bottleneck.
In summary, if the goal is to meet gaming performance demands for the next two to three years, the combination of Core i5-12400F and GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER is “reasonably balanced.” The potential limitations are minor and can essentially be disregarded, though the setup cannot be described as “effortlessly overpowered.”
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