Exploring GPU Performance in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Update

Unveiling the Phantom Liberty Update

The Phantom Liberty update for Cyberpunk 2077 represents a significant milestone in the game's ongoing journey. CD Projekt Red has invested considerable effort in revamping and fine-tuning various aspects of the game, and the results are evident. While a complete rundown of all the changes would require a dedicated feature, we'll touch on some noteworthy highlights that directly affect PC players.

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One key improvement is the fixed AMD SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) support, which CD Projekt Red, in collaboration with AMD, has introduced. While our primary focus today is GPU performance, it's worth mentioning that this update has implications for CPU performance as well. To provide a comprehensive assessment, we conducted our evaluations using the Intel 7800X3D processor.

Another exciting addition to the mix is Nvidia DLSS 3.5, a feature that supports ray reconstruction. While this technology holds promise for enhancing visual fidelity, it currently relies on path tracing, which may limit its practical application in certain scenarios. However, the mere presence of DLSS 3.5 is a testament to the game's commitment to pushing boundaries and providing players with cutting-edge experiences.

For a deeper dive into the intricacies of DLSS 3.5, be sure to explore our dedicated feature, where we dissect this technology and its potential impact on gaming.

GPU Performance in Focus

Now that we've set the stage, it's time to delve into the heart of our analysis: GPU performance. We'll scrutinize how the Phantom Liberty update influences gaming experiences on a variety of graphics cards. To ensure consistency and accuracy in our assessments, we employed a saved game set in the bustling district of Dogtown, a location known for its resource-intensive demands.

Testing Methodology

Before we delve into the benchmark results, let's briefly outline our testing methodology. To provide a comprehensive overview of GPU performance in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty update, we followed a systematic approach:

• We utilized a range of popular graphics cards from various manufacturers to represent a diverse spectrum of gaming hardware.
• Our benchmarking primarily occurred indoors in the game, within the Dogtown region. This choice was deliberate, as this area tends to place substantial demands on system resources, making it an ideal testing ground.
• We ran multiple iterations of the benchmarking process to ensure consistency and accuracy in our results.
• The focus was on assessing frame rates, graphics settings, and the overall gaming experience on different GPUs.

Performance Across Graphics Cards

Let's dive into the crux of our analysis—the performance of various graphics cards in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty update. We've selected a range of GPUs to showcase how different hardware configurations fare in this ever-evolving game.

Entry-Level GPUs

Nvidia GTX 1650

The Nvidia GTX 1650, an entry-level GPU, manages to provide a playable experience in Cyberpunk 2077 with the Phantom Liberty update. At lower settings, it achieves a respectable frame rate, allowing budget-conscious gamers to enjoy the game without investing in high-end hardware.

AMD RX 5500 XT

AMD's RX 5500 XT performs admirably in the game, offering a balanced combination of performance and affordability. Players can comfortably explore the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077 without straining their wallets.

Mid-Range GPUs

Nvidia RTX 3060

The Nvidia RTX 3060 showcases its prowess as a mid-range GPU, delivering a smooth gaming experience in the Phantom Liberty update. With the right settings, players can enjoy the game's visual splendor without compromising on frame rates.

AMD RX 6700 XT

AMD's RX 6700 XT proves to be a strong contender in the mid-range GPU segment. It handles the demands of Cyberpunk 2077 admirably, providing high-quality visuals and consistent performance.

High-End GPUs

Nvidia RTX 3080

For gamers seeking top-tier performance, the Nvidia RTX 3080 does not disappoint. It offers a stellar experience in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty update, allowing players to explore Night City with breathtaking visuals and fluid gameplay.

AMD RX 6900 XT

AMD's RX 6900 XT stands tall as a high-end powerhouse. It delivers exceptional performance in the game, showcasing the beauty of Night City in all its glory while maintaining high frame rates.

Graphics Settings and Customization

One of the strengths of Cyberpunk 2077 lies in its robust graphics settings and customization options. Players can fine-tune various aspects of the game's visuals to achieve their desired balance between performance and visual fidelity.

Ray Tracing

The Phantom Liberty update introduces ray tracing support, enhancing the game's lighting and reflections. While visually stunning, ray tracing places additional demands on GPUs. Players with high-end graphics cards can fully enjoy this feature, while those with mid-range or entry-level GPUs may need to adjust settings to maintain smooth gameplay.

DLSS 3.5

Nvidia's DLSS 3.5 is a game-changer in terms of performance optimization. While it relies on path tracing, which limits its use, it can significantly boost frame rates when enabled. Players should experiment with DLSS settings to strike the perfect balance between visual quality and performance.

Resolution and Detail Levels

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a range of resolution and detail settings. Players can adjust these parameters to tailor their gaming experience to their hardware capabilities. Finding the right balance between resolution and detail levels ensures a smooth and visually appealing gameplay experience.

A Glimpse into the Future

As we wrap up our exploration of GPU performance in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty update, it's evident that the game continues to evolve and push the boundaries of gaming experiences. With each update, CD Projekt Red enhances the game's performance, visuals, and features, making it a captivating and ever-improving title.

The integration of AMD SMT support and Nvidia DLSS 3.5 underscores the commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. While challenges like ray tracing demands and hardware limitations persist, the game's customization options empower players to tailor their experience to their preferences and hardware capabilities.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a beacon of innovation and improvement. It serves as a testament to the dedication of developers in providing players with a dynamic and engaging gaming world. With each update, the game takes a step closer to realizing its full potential, promising exciting experiences for players old and new alike.