Riot Games designed Valorant to run on a wide range of hardware by heavily modifying Unreal Engine 4. The game is intentionally CPU-bound to ensure competitive integrity, prioritizing visual clarity over heavy effects. However, Windows 11 users should note the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements for the Vanguard anti-cheat, which necessitates relatively modern hardware (Intel 8th Gen / Ryzen 2000 or newer) despite the game's low graphical demands. For those aiming for a stable 360 FPS, high CPU clock speeds and low-latency RAM are key.
Actual FPS may vary based on RAM speed, background processes, and other system factors
Performance Report
At 1080p, frame rates range from 44 to 99 FPS depending on quality settings. At 1440p, frame rates range from 33 to 85 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 17 to 48 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 500% above the recommended GPU (GeForce GTX 1050 Ti) for Valorant. The Core 5 120UL is 65% above the recommended CPU (Core i3-4150).
The GeForce RTX 4090 sets the FPS ceiling at all 1080p settings, all 1440p settings, all 4k settings, while the Core 5 120UL still has additional frame-generation headroom.
Approximated average price on current market:
Combo price: $1919. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 44 FPS, equivalent to 0.02 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.052 fps/$ | 0.039 fps/$ | 0.032 fps/$ | 0.023 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.044 fps/$ | 0.033 fps/$ | 0.025 fps/$ | 0.017 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.025 fps/$ | 0.019 fps/$ | 0.011 fps/$ | 0.009 fps/$ |
* Table values represent FPS per Dollar (higher is better)
This section is based on estimated CPU/GPU FPS ceilings, not utilization percentages.
At 4k ultra, the GeForce RTX 4090 sets the ceiling at about 19 FPS, while the Core 5 120UL has headroom up to 212 FPS. In this scenario, the GPU limits the CPU potential by 91% (FPS gap: 193 FPS). Overall distribution: GPU limits 12/12 cells, CPU limits 0/12, balanced 0/12.
Your GeForce RTX 4090 is the limiting side in the heaviest mismatch. This means part of the Core 5 120UL frame-generation potential remains unused in those settings.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | GPU Limits CPU 58% | GPU Limits CPU 64% | GPU Limits CPU 74% | GPU Limits CPU 80% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | GPU Limits CPU 70% | GPU Limits CPU 74% | GPU Limits CPU 81% | GPU Limits CPU 86% |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | GPU Limits CPU 81% | GPU Limits CPU 84% | GPU Limits CPU 90% | GPU Limits CPU 91% |
We estimate the maximum FPS the processor can sustain and the maximum FPS the graphics card can sustain in each setting, then compare those limits directly.
Limit Factor formula: (stronger - weaker) / stronger. Example: if CPU ceiling is 200 FPS and GPU ceiling is 140 FPS, then GPU limits CPU by 30%.
CPU Limits GPU means the processor ceiling is lower. GPU Limits CPU means the graphics ceiling is lower. Balanced means the FPS ceilings are close enough that the gap is negligible.
A component can still be the FPS limiter without reaching 100% utilization. The displayed percentages are derived from FPS ceilings, not generic utilization heuristics.
See how your processor and graphics card compare against the game official minimum and recommended system specs. The placement of your hardware is calculated using relative synthetic performance scores to help you gauge overall playability.
Your CPU is 65% above and your GPU is 500% above the recommended specs. Ultra settings at 1080p, or High at 1440p/4K.
+65%vsrecommended
+500%vsrecommended
+157%vsminimum
+2484%vsminimum
The Core 5 120UL and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Valorant at smooth framerates. At 1080p Ultra, you can expect around 44 FPS which is classified as "playable". Consider lowering settings or upgrading your hardware.
This CPU + GPU combo costs approximately $1919 ($270 CPU + $1649 GPU). Your GeForce RTX 4090 provides phenomenal top-tier performance but at a premium enthusiast price. Since you are essentially at the ceiling of current hardware capabilities, there are no meaningful performance upgrades available. However, if you wanted a more cost-effective build that still delivers a great experience, you could theoretically step down to a high-end card with a significantly better value rating.
Your GeForce RTX 4090 is already a top-tier graphics card. While it's technically the limiting factor here (which means you are fully utilizing your GPU's visual horsepower exactly as intended), there is no meaningful upgrade path that would drastically improve your Valorant performance right now. GPU fully utilized at: 1080p low, 1080p medium, 1080p high, 1080p ultra, 1440p low, 1440p medium, 1440p high, 1440p ultra, 4k low, 4k medium, 4k high, 4k ultra.
Valorant does not currently support Frame Generation technologies like DLSS 3 or FSR 3. Your performance is based entirely on native rendering. If the game adds support in a future update, newer GPUs will benefit the most.
Valorant requires at minimum a Core 2 Duo E8400 (CPU) and GeForce GT 730 (GPU) with 4 GB RAM and 23 GB storage. For the recommended experience, you need a Core i3-4150 and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 8 GB RAM. Your Core 5 120UL and GeForce RTX 4090 both exceed the recommended specs, so you're well-positioned for a great experience.
These Valorant FPS results are not arbitrary numbers. They come from calculations informed by thousands of real gaming benchmarks, and the typical accuracy range is around 10% to 15%. That makes them far more useful than generic FPS calculators that simply invent values without a benchmark foundation. Actual in-game performance can still vary with drivers, updates, RAM configuration, cooling, and the exact scene being rendered.
Performance estimates are based on synthetic benchmarks and hardware capabilities.
Results may vary based on drivers, OS, and background processes.
