Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty GPU Benchmark Analysis
Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty update has brought substantial changes, enhancing the gaming experience for PC users. From the fixed AMD SMT support to the introduction of Nvidia's DLSS 3.5, the game has seen a variety of updates. In this analysis, we focus on GPU performance, using the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for testing. The benchmarks cover three presets - Ray Tracing: Ultra, Ultra, and Medium - at resolutions of 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
Methodology for Benchmark Testing
Our test involved a 30-second benchmarking pass in Dogtown, mainly conducted indoors due to its demanding nature. The system used included a Ryzen 7 7800X3D with 32GB DDR5-6000 memory. Drivers used were Game Ready 537.42 and Adrenalin Edition 23.9.2. We focused on rendering the game at its highest visual fidelity using ray tracing.
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Ray Tracing Performance Analysis at 1080p
The Ray Tracing Ultra preset results at 1080p show the RTX 4090 leading with about 104 fps, showcasing its robust performance. Other notable results include the 4080's 77 fps and the 4070 Ti's 67 fps. AMD's 7900 XTX trails behind at 47 fps. For those using GPUs slower than the RTX 3070 Ti/4060 Ti, it's advisable to lower RT settings or disable them for better performance.
Performance Assessment at 1440p with Ray Tracing
At 1440p, ray tracing demands more from the hardware, with the RTX 4090 averaging 70 fps and the 4080 at 49 fps. This resolution makes DLSS upscaling more attractive. The RTX 3090 Ti and 4070 Ti hover around 40 fps, suggesting that GPUs in this performance range struggle to maintain a smooth experience at 1440p with ray tracing enabled.
Evaluating 4K Ray Tracing Capabilities
In the realm of 4K, ray tracing becomes even more challenging. The RTX 4090 manages only 36 fps, with a steep drop to 23 fps for the RTX 4080. Performance for GPUs like the RTX 4070 Ti is less than ideal, indicating that 4K gaming with intense ray tracing is currently beyond the reach of most GPUs without significant reliance on upscaling technologies like DLSS.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The Phantom Liberty update for Cyberpunk 2077 showcases the continuous advancement in gaming graphics and the increasing demands on GPUs. While top-tier GPUs like the RTX 4090 demonstrate strong performance, most GPUs struggle with high-resolution ray tracing. Gamers with less powerful hardware should consider adjusting settings for a balanced gaming experience. The update also highlights the growing importance of technologies like DLSS for rendering high-fidelity graphics at playable frame rates. As GPU technology continues to evolve, we can expect further enhancements in gaming visuals and performance.
