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 46 to 100 FPS depending on quality settings. At 1440p, frame rates range from 49 to 115 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 29 to 67 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 870% above the recommended GPU (GeForce GTX 570) for Hearts of Iron IV. The Core i7-7800X is 409% above the recommended CPU (Core i5-750).
The Core i7-7800X sets the FPS ceiling at 1080p (low/medium/ultra), all 1440p settings, all 4k settings, while the GeForce RTX 4090 still has headroom. The FPS ceiling is closely matched at 1080p high.
Approximated average price on current market:
Combo price: $1903. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 46 FPS, equivalent to 0.02 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.053 fps/$ | 0.044 fps/$ | 0.037 fps/$ | 0.024 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.060 fps/$ | 0.046 fps/$ | 0.038 fps/$ | 0.026 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.035 fps/$ | 0.030 fps/$ | 0.021 fps/$ | 0.015 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 i7-7800X sets the ceiling at about 29 FPS, while the GeForce RTX 4090 could reach 80 FPS. In this scenario, the CPU limits the GPU potential by 64% (FPS gap: 51 FPS). Overall distribution: CPU limits 11/12 cells, GPU limits 0/12, balanced 1/12.
Your Core i7-7800X 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 18% | CPU Limits GPU 21% | Balanced | CPU Limits GPU 38% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | CPU Limits GPU 30% | CPU Limits GPU 38% | CPU Limits GPU 28% | CPU Limits GPU 44% |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | CPU Limits GPU 63% | CPU Limits GPU 63% | CPU Limits GPU 62% | CPU Limits GPU 64% |
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 409% above and your GPU is 870% above the recommended specs. Ultra settings at 1080p, or High at 1440p/4K.
+409%vsrecommended
+870%vsrecommended
+262%vsminimum
+1112%vsminimum
The Core i7-7800X and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Hearts of Iron IV at smooth framerates. At 1080p Ultra, you can expect around 46 FPS which is classified as "playable". Consider lowering settings or upgrading your hardware.
This CPU + GPU combo costs approximately $1903 ($254 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 i7-7800X 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 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 i7-7800X 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.
