There’s no shame in paying more attention to a frame counter than an actual game. Frameworks stick out like a sore thumb as minimum system requirements increase. FPS (frames per second) figures have long captured the hearts of gamers as games top 60. It is the biggest measure of value for performance.
The higher framerate baseline is just starting to gain traction in next-gen console gaming. But PC gaming systems in 2022 continue to lead the way for high-fidelity experiences. Users expecting the highest settings should have hardware to back it up. While higher budgets only add more padding for more powerful next-gen games to come.
“Subjectively, there are very expensive ways to achieve maximum settings in PC games.”
Gamers deserve the best gaming experience from new gaming PC builds. Frames have long been evidence of months of savings. From hours of meticulously selecting parts. Of the time sacrificed to get a graphics card at MSRP. From every PC builder’s pile of boxes stands an RGB system that just keeps on giving. Users can budget to assemble the best of the best.
This guide unapologetically aims to give users a premium gaming experience. Subjectively, there are very expensive ways to achieve maximum settings in PC games. While budget components are out the window. Staying ahead of the PC Master Race involves having the parts to back it up.
Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War and Doom Eternal were the first games I didn’t waste time on after my last build. There was a point where I wanted to see both shooters at their full potential. It took patience and CGM’s coverage of the introduction of Intel 12th Gen to catch up. I was filled with satisfaction as the previously unstable settings were noted. Both games respectively introduced Ray Tracing (RTX) to their franchises. My own PC build baseline at max settings managed to hold together over the 100+ frame range. Depending on construction time, prices may vary.
TypePartPrice (MSRP)GPUZotac GeForce RTX 3080Ti Amp Holo, 12GB GDDR6 VRAM$1899.00 CADCPU12th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K, 3.7GHz$399.99 CADCoolerCooler Master PL360 Flux AIO Liquid CPU Cooler$262.99 CADRAMCorsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB RAM @ 3000MHz (4x8GB)$309.99 CADMotherboard z69GB AORUS Elite AX DDR4$339.00 CADStorageWD Blue SN550 NVME 500GB&Samsung 870 QVO SSD 2TB&Seagate Barracuda HDD 4TB$75.99 CAD $289.99 CAD $89.90 CADPower Supply (PSU)EVGA 700BR Power Supply$99.99 CADSound CardCreative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Hi-Res Audio Card$188.99 CADWi-Fi CardASUS PCE AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Card $69.99 CAD~$4025.82 Approx.
Confession: this is overkill.
But it also became a tangible combination to achieve Max settings. While much of my components have been purchased and swapped out over the years. Imagine a broom handle and brush that constantly shut down, but with entirely new computer parts. My initial i3-6100 and GTX 1050 Ti build has since been an afterthought (everyone starts somewhere).
It is surprisingly easier to identify higher end parts to suit a single purpose. Options are smaller as users view markets at the enthusiast level. Of course, this comes with fewer shortcuts. Although a combination of high to low parts can still reach maximum settings. Frames are basic.
But the premium CPU and GPU pairing translates into no-compromise gaming. Intel’s 12th generation processors only perform as well as the most outrageous RTX 3080ti variants that consumers can get their hands on. Faster response times, lower latency, and juicy RTX visuals are among the fruits once these components come together, making a big impact on overall system performance.
GPU
Wasting no time, I imported a 3080Ti graphics card into the kit. This is the deal breaker for PC builds, while also burning the most holes in wallets and one of the parts that will have the biggest impact on a system’s gaming performance. The maximum settings depend mostly on that hardware, minus the dynamic resolution. This means that the inclusion of a graphics card is well ahead of the games. Future-ready video memory and 8K capabilities add extra breathing room.
Zotac’s AMP Holo GeForce RTX 3080 Ti managed to tip the scales with a boosted 1710 megahertz (MHz). This higher overclock was unusually high compared to the already roided 3080. While the extra speeds under heavier loads are useful for maintaining frames at max graphics. The Zotac GPU is paired with a massive 12GB GDDR6 video memory to support good performance. The 60fps baseline for smooth gameplay is overclocked, making it a great gaming GPU.
Subjectively, users are free to pair the 3080 Ti with multiple resolutions. My tried and true 1080p monitor only supported frames five times above the 60 FPS baseline. I could also use the 3080 Ti to upscale the resolution further to 4K. Maxed games, including Halo Infinite, barely broke a sweat. The added boost clocks allow the 3080 Ti to keep up with the ever-widening Zeta Halo. Fauna, mountains of dead elites, and explosions were crisper than ever. This comes in part with the AMP Holo’s generous VRAM to even the odds for 4K.
Ray Tracing is no longer a frame killer in the latest games. The feature is known to cut frames in half for natural light, reflections and shadows. But I chose Zotac’s iteration of the 3080 Ti for its base. That’s where its memory comes in, along with the fast transfer speeds of PCI-E 4. Zotac’s GPU also includes a 3rd generation Ray Tracing core to handle the trick without compromise. On Doom Eternal’s Ultra Nightmare settings, I saw the GPU support frames well above 300. While Ray Tracing comes with sharper textures thanks to native rendering. Every visualization came together. Bethesda’s rage-fueled shooter uses just over half of the future-ready 3080 Ti’s VRAM.
Installing a GPU comes with a few physical caveats. It’s just a giant device, suitable for medium towers and higher. Rooms will be well heated in winter thanks to the 3080 Ti’s 80 degree temperature at full load. AMP Holo will occupy one or two PCI-E slots. Using a 350W Zotac also recommends a 750W PSU to accommodate (though I bent the rules a bit). Its triple fans will also cause a whirlwind of noise for open case users. Under Maxed Out gaming workloads, the 3080 Ti will run without tempered glass to minimize noise.
Yes: works with Crysis Remastered. RGB is also included.
processor
Intel’s 12th generation processors (Alder Lake) dominate the market in 2022. Creators looking to go beyond mid-range settings should expect Intel’s Core i5-12600K to get the job done with plenty of headroom thanks to the number of cores and the new processor architecture. Reviewed and submitted by editor-in-chief Brendan Fry, the latest mid-range i5 actually managed to beat the former number one CPUs (CPU). Case in point: my ninth-gen Intel i9-9900K is no longer the apex predator.
The Intel Core i5-12600K runs at a delightful 3.7 GHz. It contains as many as ten cores with 16 threads. On paper, six performance cores work with four power-efficient cores. This adds powerful support for maximum settings without interfering with the almighty 3080 Ti. Overclocking sends the processor into near 5 GHz territory under heavy load.
In the case of Max settings, my i5 maintained 90% utilization of all cores. Animations, enemy AI, and open worlds all came to life without straining performance. In other words, the CPU is essential to tell the GPUs what to render. The mid-range Intel i5-12600K isn’t impressive just for its price. It also showed no stutters when displaying long draw distances, legions of scum expelled on the screen, and real-time cutscenes.
The i5-12600K is Cyberpunk 2077’s best friend. CDPR’s work-in-progress still manages to look cutting-edge. Running at Max and Psycho settings with RTX, Intel’s i5 handled the world impressively with some minimal drops. My i5-12600K and 3080 Ti pairing was able to keep Night City fully rendered at maximum download distance. Framerates were still holding above 60. The game would reach the mid-50s around crowded spaces and billboards.
The i5-12600K now uses two different cores to split workloads. Its P-Cores (power) show tangible results by going all-in on games. While E-Cores (Efficiency) are used for separate processing of background tasks. This high efficiency keeps games running smoothly without any system interruptions. Intel’s i5-12600K is ironically the bare minimum for gaming at the highest possible settings. Especially considering that it already performs at the same value as the best 12th gen i9-12900K.
Installing the CPU is easy with any motherboard that supports LGA 1700. In other words, Intel’s i5-12600K needs the latest 12th generation off-the-shelf motherboards to work. Its larger, rectangular design may also hurt compatibility with a number of heatsinks on the market. But the water AIO (all-in-one) coolers work beautifully to keep all the cores of the i5-12600K running efficiently.
RAM
Somehow, this build managed to load all of Cyberpunk 2077 in five seconds or less, with respawning in Night City even faster, loading almost instantly. The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro memory modules added more than enough performance at 3000MHz with DDR4. Years later, its frequency still works well with two-channel capabilities. I highly recommend using four 8GB sticks for long term swappability. Chrome, Discord and other gaming apps will benefit the most from the ridiculous 32GB spare.
Vengeance also supports Intel’s Extreme Memory Profile (XMP). This BIOS-enabled “performance profile” allows the RAM to run at its fastest. Although it won’t hold for the i5 as the game worlds are rendered in real time. Under maximum settings, users may still find a lot of value in having 32GB.
But PC builders are free to find interchangeably faster 3600MHz RAM to boost framerates. Vengeance RGB Pro shows…
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