The recent launch of Nvidia’s RTX 50 series graphics cards has ignited excitement among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, primarily due to the significant performance enhancements these cards bring. Titles like the RTX 5090 and 5080 can effortlessly handle nearly all current PC games, delivering exceptional frame rates, even at 4K resolution. However, this surge in power has inadvertently outpaced the optimization efforts of many game developers, leaving some enthusiasts feeling that even the most advanced hardware can struggle under the weight of poorly optimized titles.
Many modern games are designed to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as DLSS and ray tracing, which can create a barrier for players using older or less powerful systems. Surprisingly, a considerable number of gamers still rely on GPUs that are nearly a decade old, making it increasingly challenging to enjoy the latest GPU-intensive titles. Even those equipped with high-end cards may find themselves grappling with subpar performance if the game settings are not finely tuned.
Alan Wake 2
The long-awaited sequel to “Alan Wake” has finally arrived, much to the delight of its dedicated fanbase. However, the game’s Epic Games Store exclusivity and demanding hardware requirements have left many players unable to experience it. The minimum graphics card recommended for “Alan Wake 2” is a GTX 1070 or RX 5600 XT, which, while still competitive against newer models, may struggle on lower-end setups like the GTX 1650, where maintaining 40 FPS at standard HD resolution proves challenging, even with FSR enabled.
While lower-end cards can run the game with adjusted settings, pushing everything to the maximum can overwhelm even the RTX 5090, which battles to maintain frame rates without the assistance of DLSS. This makes “Alan Wake 2” an intriguing benchmark for testing system capabilities, as players can tweak settings to gauge their hardware’s limits.
Black Myth: Wukong
“Black Myth: Wukong” offers a unique advantage with its free benchmarking tool available on Steam, allowing players to assess their system’s compatibility before committing to a purchase. This feature is particularly beneficial for those using low-end PCs or portable devices like the Steam Deck, which struggles with the game’s high graphical demands. Despite its requirements being less stringent than those of “Alan Wake 2,” “Wukong” still presents challenges for many players.
Even with a powerful RTX 5090, achieving smooth gameplay at 4K resolution can be a challenge, as the RTX 4090 barely surpasses 60 FPS. AMD’s top-tier cards also face difficulties, and lower-end GPUs may find themselves unable to meet the demands of the game, especially at higher settings.
Cyberpunk 2077
<p"Cyberpunk 2077" serves as a cautionary tale regarding pre-ordering games, as its initial launch was marred by performance issues that extended beyond low-end PCs to affect consoles as well. Fortunately, subsequent updates have improved its performance on PC, allowing it to run more smoothly on lower-tier cards. However, the game's demanding graphical settings remain a significant hurdle, as even the RTX 5090 struggles to maintain consistent frame rates at maximum settings with ray tracing enabled.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Released on PC in January 2025, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” poses a formidable challenge for low-end systems. Many older graphics cards cannot run the game without modifications, and even those that can may find themselves overwhelmed. Unlike other titles, “Rebirth” outright refuses to launch on outdated hardware, highlighting the increasing demands of modern gaming.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
“Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024” is designed to be accessible, with minimum requirements that include the GTX 970 or RX 5700. However, the game’s expansive on-demand streaming data creates a significant load on CPUs, which can affect performance at lower resolutions. While a 5090 performs admirably at 4K, it can still experience stuttering, particularly at lower settings, emphasizing the need for a robust CPU alongside a powerful GPU.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
“Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” has garnered praise from those fortunate enough to play it, but its high hardware requirements have limited accessibility. The game necessitates hardware ray tracing and requires GPUs with at least 8 GB of VRAM, making it one of the most demanding titles on this list. For those who meet the specifications, the game runs smoothly, even at 4K resolution, but it remains a significant challenge for many players.
Silent Hill 2
The remake of “Silent Hill 2” presents its own set of challenges, with minimum specs that include Nvidia’s 1070 Ti and RX 5700. While the game can technically run on lower-end cards, achieving stable frame rates is a struggle. Even at lower settings, the game has been criticized for poor optimization, leading to stuttering and performance issues that can frustrate players.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” shares similar performance inconsistencies, with many players experiencing stutters and optimization problems. Recent patches have improved the situation, but even high-end GPUs like the RTX 5090 can struggle to maintain playable frame rates at maximum settings. This title tests the entire gaming setup, highlighting the importance of a balanced system.
Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft’s “Star Wars Outlaws” presents a moderate challenge, with the RTX 5090 being the only card capable of sustaining 4K ultra settings above 60 FPS. Players with lower-end GPUs may encounter significant issues, including visual bugs and texture loading problems. This trend of poor optimization is echoed in other recent “Star Wars” titles, raising concerns about the future of high-profile releases.
Starfield
Despite being playable on a Steam Deck, “Starfield” was not designed with portability in mind. Minimum specs mirror those of “Silent Hill 2,” and even meeting these requirements may yield less than 30 FPS at 1080p ultra settings. However, with recent patches, “Starfield” has become one of the few titles capable of exceeding 100 FPS on the RTX 5090 at 4K, showcasing the potential for optimization in future updates.
Bonus: Heavily Modded Skyrim
Though “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” debuted in 2011, its vibrant modding community continues to breathe new life into the game. With hundreds of mods available, including high-resolution texture packs and ray tracing support, “Skyrim” can become a formidable challenge for even the most advanced GPUs. As the community pushes the boundaries of what is possible, this classic title remains relevant in the conversation about modern gaming performance.
