Known to slow down in the late game due to the exponential number of unit calculations. Single-core CPU speed is the most important factor for performance.
Actual FPS may vary based on RAM speed, background processes, and other system factors
Performance Report
At 1080p, frame rates range from 33 to 78 FPS depending on quality settings. At 1440p, frame rates range from 24 to 78 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 15 to 44 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 870% above the recommended GPU (GeForce GTX 570) for Hearts of Iron IV. The Core i3-4170T is 23% above the recommended CPU (Core i5-750).
The Core i3-4170T sets the FPS ceiling at all 1080p settings, all 1440p settings, all 4k settings, while the GeForce RTX 4090 still has headroom.
Approximated average price on current market:
Combo price: $1666. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 33 FPS, equivalent to 0.02 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.047 fps/$ | 0.047 fps/$ | 0.038 fps/$ | 0.020 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.047 fps/$ | 0.035 fps/$ | 0.027 fps/$ | 0.014 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.022 fps/$ | 0.015 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 Core i3-4170T sets the ceiling at about 14 FPS, while the GeForce RTX 4090 could reach 83 FPS. In this scenario, the CPU limits the GPU potential by 83% (FPS gap: 69 FPS). Overall distribution: CPU limits 12/12 cells, GPU limits 0/12, balanced 0/12.
Your Core i3-4170T is the limiting side in the heaviest mismatch. This means part of the GeForce RTX 4090 rendering potential remains unused in those settings.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | CPU Limits GPU 37% | CPU Limits GPU 26% | CPU Limits GPU 21% | CPU Limits GPU 57% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | CPU Limits GPU 53% | CPU Limits GPU 60% | CPU Limits GPU 57% | CPU Limits GPU 74% |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | CPU Limits GPU 76% | CPU Limits GPU 76% | CPU Limits GPU 76% | CPU Limits GPU 83% |
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 23% above and your GPU is 870% above the recommended specs. High/Ultra at 1080p. Lower settings for higher resolutions.
+23%vsrecommended
+870%vsrecommended
-13%vsminimum
+1112%vsminimum
The Core i3-4170T and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Hearts of Iron IV at smooth framerates. At 1080p Ultra, you can expect around 33 FPS which is classified as "playable". Consider lowering settings or upgrading your hardware.
This CPU + GPU combo costs approximately $1666 ($17 CPU + $1649 GPU (Rank #77 Value)). Since the CPU is the main limiting factor, investing in a stronger processor will improve your framerates and overall value. For example, the Ryzen 9 9950X is a great upgrade option for around $649 (Rank #5 for value).
For Hearts of Iron IV, upgrading the CPU would have the biggest impact on performance. The Core i3-4170T is currently the limiting factor — the GeForce RTX 4090 has extra headroom that a faster processor could take advantage of. This is especially noticeable at 1080p where CPU performance matters more. CPU-limited 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.
Hearts of Iron IV 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.
Hearts of Iron IV requires at minimum a Core 2 Quad Q9400 (CPU) and GeForce GTX 470 (GPU) with 4 GB RAM and 2 GB storage. For the recommended experience, you need a Core i5-750 and GeForce GTX 570 with 4 GB RAM. Your Core i3-4170T and GeForce RTX 4090 both exceed the recommended specs, so you're well-positioned for a great experience.
These Hearts of Iron IV 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.
