The standard for turn-time benchmarks. Late-game turns require huge CPU throughput to process AI moves. High-resolution textures also demand a fair amount of VRAM.
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 13 to 40 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 6 to 18 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 539% above the recommended GPU (GeForce GTX 770) for Civilization VI. The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is 117% above the recommended CPU (Core i5-4xxx).
The GeForce RTX 4090 sets the FPS ceiling at all 1080p settings, 1440p (medium/high), while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition still has additional frame-generation headroom. The FPS ceiling is closely matched at 1440p (low/ultra), all 4k settings.
Approximated average price on current market:
Combo price: $1824. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 33 FPS, equivalent to 0.02 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.043 fps/$ | 0.032 fps/$ | 0.023 fps/$ | 0.018 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.022 fps/$ | 0.015 fps/$ | 0.012 fps/$ | 0.007 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.010 fps/$ | 0.008 fps/$ | 0.005 fps/$ | 0.003 fps/$ |
* Table values represent FPS per Dollar (higher is better)
This section is based on estimated CPU/GPU FPS ceilings, not utilization percentages.
At 1080p ultra, the GeForce RTX 4090 sets the ceiling at about 34 FPS, while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition has headroom up to 117 FPS. In this scenario, the GPU limits the CPU potential by 71% (FPS gap: 83 FPS). Overall distribution: GPU limits 6/12 cells, CPU limits 0/12, balanced 6/12.
Your GeForce RTX 4090 is the limiting side in the heaviest mismatch. This means part of the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 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 69% | GPU Limits CPU 71% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | Balanced | GPU Limits CPU 18% | GPU Limits CPU 31% | Balanced |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
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 117% above and your GPU is 539% above the recommended specs. Ultra settings at 1080p, or High at 1440p/4K.
+117%vsrecommended
+539%vsrecommended
+552%vsminimum
+2751%vsminimum
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Civilization VI 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 $1824 ($175 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 Civilization VI performance right now. GPU fully utilized at: 1080p low, 1080p medium, 1080p high, 1080p ultra, 1440p medium, 1440p high.
Civilization VI 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.
Civilization VI requires at minimum a Core i3-2120 (CPU) and GeForce GTS 450 (GPU) with 4 GB RAM and 12 GB storage. For the recommended experience, you need a Core i5-4xxx and GeForce GTX 770 with 8 GB RAM. Your Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and GeForce RTX 4090 both exceed the recommended specs, so you're well-positioned for a great experience.
These Civilization VI 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.
