Stalker 2 Test: GPU/CPU Benchmarks

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Stalker 2 Test: GPU/CPU Benchmarks - Performance Analysis Across Hardware

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Stalker series, has finally arrived. But before you dive into the atmospheric world of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, many gamers are curious about its performance. This article delves into the results of extensive GPU and CPU benchmarks, providing insights into how different hardware configurations handle the game's demanding visuals and physics engine. We'll analyze the data to help you determine if your system can run Stalker 2 smoothly and identify potential bottlenecks.

Methodology: Testing Environment and Settings

Our benchmarks were conducted using a variety of CPUs and GPUs, encompassing both high-end and mid-range configurations. To ensure consistent results, we maintained a standardized testing environment:

• Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest updates)
• Drivers: Latest drivers for all components were used.
• Resolution: Tests were performed at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions.
• Settings: We tested at both High and Ultra settings to highlight the performance differences. Ray tracing was tested separately to assess its impact.
• Benchmark Location: A consistent, representative in-game location was used to minimize variability.

We tracked average frames per second (FPS), minimum FPS, and 1% low FPS to gauge overall performance and identify potential stuttering.

GPU Benchmark Results: A Deep Dive into Graphics Performance

The GPU heavily influences Stalker 2's visual fidelity. Our testing revealed some interesting trends:

High-End GPUs: Mastering the Zone

High-end cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 and AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX consistently delivered high frame rates, even at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled. However, even these powerful GPUs struggled to maintain a perfectly smooth experience at maximum settings and 4K.

Mid-Range GPUs: Finding the Balance

Mid-range GPUs such as the RTX 3070 and RX 6700 XT provided playable frame rates at 1080p and 1440p with High settings. However, achieving smooth performance at 4K or with Ultra settings proved challenging, often resulting in noticeable dips in frame rate.

Budget GPUs: Challenges in the Zone

Budget-friendly GPUs faced considerable challenges, frequently resulting in sub-optimal frame rates even at lower resolutions and settings. Compromising graphical settings was necessary to achieve a playable experience.

Ray Tracing Impact: Beauty with a Cost

Enabling ray tracing significantly impacted performance across all tested GPUs. While it undeniably enhanced the game's visuals, it came at the cost of a considerable FPS drop. This impact was more pronounced at higher resolutions.

CPU Benchmark Results: The Processor's Role

While the GPU is crucial for visuals, the CPU plays a vital role in processing game physics and AI.

High-Core Count CPUs: Smooth Performance

High-core-count CPUs, like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Intel Core i9-13900K, exhibited excellent performance, minimizing CPU bottlenecks even at higher resolutions and settings.

Mid-Range CPUs: Acceptable Performance

Mid-range CPUs, such as the Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-12600K, generally delivered acceptable performance at 1080p and 1440p, but could experience occasional stuttering at higher resolutions, particularly with demanding settings enabled.

Budget CPUs: Potential Bottlenecks

Budget CPUs showed a greater susceptibility to bottlenecking, particularly at higher resolutions. This could manifest as lower frame rates and noticeable stuttering.

Conclusion: Optimizing Your Stalker 2 Experience

Our benchmarks highlight the demanding nature of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. High-end hardware is recommended for a consistently smooth experience at higher resolutions and maximum settings, especially with ray tracing enabled. Mid-range configurations can provide playable frame rates with appropriate setting adjustments, while budget systems may require significant compromises. Consider carefully balancing your graphical settings and resolution to optimize your performance based on your hardware. Remember that these are benchmark results and individual experiences may vary slightly depending on other system factors.