A classic 2D sandbox. While generally light, heavy boss fights and fluid physics can slow down older CPUs. It requires Shader Model 2.0 support.
This game has a built-in FPS cap of 60 FPS
Actual FPS may vary based on RAM speed, background processes, and other system factors
Performance Report
At 1080p, frame rates range from 48 to 51 FPS depending on quality settings. At 1440p, frame rates range from 46 to 49 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 46 to 47 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 6804% above the recommended GPU (GeForce 9600 GT) for Terraria. The FX-9590 is 365% above the recommended CPU (Core 2 Duo).
The FX-9590 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: $1749. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 51 FPS, equivalent to 0.03 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.027 fps/$ | 0.028 fps/$ | 0.028 fps/$ | 0.029 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.027 fps/$ | 0.028 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.026 fps/$ | 0.027 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 low, the FX-9590 sets the ceiling at about 52 FPS, while the GeForce RTX 4090 could reach 136 FPS. In this scenario, the CPU limits the GPU potential by 62% (FPS gap: 84 FPS). Overall distribution: CPU limits 12/12 cells, GPU limits 0/12, balanced 0/12.
Your FX-9590 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 62% | CPU Limits GPU 62% | CPU Limits GPU 62% | CPU Limits GPU 61% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | CPU Limits GPU 58% | CPU Limits GPU 58% | CPU Limits GPU 58% | CPU Limits GPU 57% |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | CPU Limits GPU 54% | CPU Limits GPU 54% | CPU Limits GPU 54% | CPU Limits GPU 53% |
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.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | CPU0% - 11% <> GPU3% - 15% <> | CPU0% - 11% <> GPU3% - 15% <> | CPU0% - 11% <> GPU3% - 15% <> | CPU12% - 27% <> GPU0% - 6% <> |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | CPU6% - 17% <> GPU1% - 11% <> | CPU6% - 17% <> GPU1% - 11% <> | CPU6% - 17% <> GPU1% - 11% <> | CPU13% - 28% <> GPU0% - 9% <> |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | CPU4% - 11% <> GPU7% - 17% <> | CPU4% - 11% <> GPU7% - 17% <> | CPU4% - 11% <> GPU7% - 17% <> | CPU9% - 20% <> GPU7% - 16% <> |
The FX-9590 + GeForce RTX 4090 pairing runs this title with CPU utilization between 0% and 28% and GPU utilization between 0% and 17%. FX-9590 keeps significant headroom across presets, while GeForce RTX 4090 is utilized efficiently without persistent saturation. As resolution scales, average GPU load rises from 8% at 1080p to 12% at 4K, while CPU averages move from 10% to 10%.
Neither component is close to saturation: CPU tops out at 28% and GPU at 17%. This pattern suggests possible engine-side limits, an FPS cap, or workload constraints unrelated to raw hardware throughput. It also shows why low utilization does not automatically mean there is no FPS limiter.
At 1080p, averages sit around CPU 10% and GPU 8%. At 1440p, that shifts to CPU 14% and GPU 6%, and at 4K it reaches CPU 10% and GPU 12%. This shows that workload scaling is limited, which can indicate engine-side constraints.
4K (Ultra HD) Low is the most balanced preset based on this dataset. It runs around CPU 8% (4-11%) and GPU 12% (7-17%), which keeps GeForce RTX 4090 well utilized without constant max-out behavior while FX-9590 remains stable for consistent frame delivery.
Current utilization does not show an urgent upgrade requirement for either component; the FX-9590 and GeForce RTX 4090 remain reasonably matched for this title.
Understanding Hardware Utilization: These percentages represent how much of your component's maximum processing power is actively being used during gameplay. They describe hardware load, but they do not directly tell you which component sets the FPS ceiling.
Important: a CPU or GPU can still be the FPS limiter without reaching 100% utilization. Two processors can both show 40% usage and still deliver very different frame rates, depending on per-core speed, cache, engine threading, driver overhead, and frame preparation efficiency.
Data generated by our Machine Learning engine trained on real-world benchmarks. Shows the approximate average utilization at each setting.
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 365% above and your GPU is 6804% above the recommended specs. Ultra settings at 1080p, or High at 1440p/4K.
+365%vsrecommended
+6804%vsrecommended
+240%vsminimum
+2422%vsminimum
The FX-9590 and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Terraria at smooth framerates. At 1080p Ultra, you can expect around 51 FPS which is classified as "playable". Consider lowering settings or upgrading your hardware.
This CPU + GPU combo costs approximately $1749 ($100 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 Terraria, upgrading the CPU would have the biggest impact on performance. The FX-9590 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.
Terraria 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.
Terraria requires at minimum a Pentium 4 (CPU) and GeForce FX 5900 (GPU) with 2.5 GB RAM and 200 MB storage. For the recommended experience, you need a Core 2 Duo and GeForce 9600 GT with 4 GB RAM. Your FX-9590 and GeForce RTX 4090 both exceed the recommended specs, so you're well-positioned for a great experience.
These Terraria 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.
