Diablo 4 releases tomorrow, however, those that have purchased its Ultimate Edition have been able to play it since June 2nd. And, since we’ve gotten access to the game, we’ve decided to put it to the test and benchmark it.
For this PC Performance Analysis, we used an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, 32GB of DDR5 at 6000Mhz, AMD’s Radeon RX580, RX Vega 64, RX 6900XT, RX 7900XTX, NVIDIA’s GTX980Ti, RTX 2080Ti, RTX 3080 and RTX 4090. We also used Windows 10 64-bit, the GeForce 535.98 and the Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 23.5.2 drivers. Moreover, we’ve disabled SMT and the second CCD on our 7950X3D.
Blizzard has added a lot of graphics settings to tweak. PC gamers can adjust the quality of Textures, Shadows, Shaders, SSAO, Water, Fur, Fog and more. The game also has a Colorblind option, supports DLSS 2/3 and DLAA, and has a resolution scaler and a framerate limiter.
Diablo 4 does not feature any built-in benchmark tool. Thus, for our tests, we used the Tavern area in Kyovashad. This area appeared to be the most demanding in that big city. Do note, however, that the game can display a lot of enemies on screen. Unfortunately, we could not benchmark such a scenario as this happens randomly. So yeah, be sure to keep that in mind.
Diablo 4 does not require a high-end CPU for gaming at over 100fps. By simulating only two cores (with SMT enabled), we were able to run the game with a minimum of 150fps at 1080p/Ultra Settings. So, if you own an old CPU, you’ll be completely fine and you’ll be able to run it.
At 1080/Ultra Settings, most of our GPUs were able to provide a constant 60fps experience. Even our AMD Radeon RX580 came close to it. In fact, if you own a Free-Sync monitor, you’ll be able to enjoy the game even with that old GPU.
At 1440p/Ultra Settings, our top six GPUs were able to offer framerates over 60fps at all times. And, if you own a G-Sync monitor, you can get a smooth experience on the GTX 980Ti. As for native 4K/Ultra Settings, our top five GPUs were able to run the game smoothly.
Graphics-wise, Diablo 4 looks amazing. This is easily one of the best-looking isometric hack n slash games. Diablo 4 features a more dark art style than Diablo 3, something that will please a lot of die-hard Diablo fans. Moreover, the game has some cool snow deformation effects. Not only that, but its character models are highly detailed, and Blizzard has used a lot of high-resolution textures. Most light sources also cast shadows and yes, Diablo 4 is a really gory game. To be honest, there is nothing to complain about, the game looks really polished.
All in all, we were pleasantly surprised by Diablo 4’s performance. The game can run smoothly on a wide range of CPUs and GPUs, meaning that you won’t need a high-end PC system. We did experience some stutters, so don’t expect a stutter-free experience. Still, and regarding solely these stutters, things are nowhere as bad as they’re in all recent PC games.
Enjoy!
John is the founder and Editor in Chief at DSOGaming. He is a PC gaming fan and highly supports the modding and indie communities. Before creating DSOGaming, John worked on numerous gaming websites. While he is a die-hard PC gamer, his gaming roots can be found on consoles. John loved – and still does – the 16-bit consoles, and considers SNES to be one of the best consoles. Still, the PC platform won him over consoles. That was mainly due to 3DFX and its iconic dedicated 3D accelerator graphics card, Voodoo 2. John has also written a higher degree thesis on the “The Evolution of PC graphics cards.”
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My 6900xt performs better at a higher resolution?
Ah yes, Good old 980ti can still get some work done. 70+ fps at ultra 1080p AND looks good enough with environment filled with details.
this should be the case for most games nowadays say at medium or low settings as long as they are mediocre and not breathtaking
Imagine a 2080 struggling to game at medium settings sucks af
recently I learned about Crunch Culture in game development, which apparently is the cause of this mess
how does one fix this?
By replacing humans with things that don’t complain.
Just Recently??? Uh???
By recently I mean maybe 3-4 yrs ago & I watched a video essay days ago that summarizes crunch meaning in game development so I connected the dots ???
In the past I didn’t bother understanding how game development works as I was a teenager who had every game running just fine.
but yeah you are probably right crunching was a problem many years ago
Game has VRAM Leak problems since alpha.
Now more report that, on 3000 series (on others too) on high (not ultra) textures, sounds like NV paid some cash to push this game together with 4000 series
It doesn’t have VRAM leaks. When you go over VRAM you spill into system memory and the performance isn’t as smooth. PS5 is probably at high because that is what they say is a 4k experience. Unless you have 10 GB of VRAM you are going to have to settle for less in some games and you have to keep in mind PS5 upscales to. If you want native resolutions higher than that you need more RAM. Turn down shadows or upscale with DLSS. You are gonna want 10 GB at least going forward for 1440p. Sell the GPU now and upgrade while it still has any value at all.
The stuttering in between zones is also server related.
Runs at a locked 120 FPS (4k, ultra) on my 3080 Ti. Not sure why anyone on a 3000 series card wouldn’t be running Ultra textures anyway.
Are you getting any stutters?
None at all.
Played the final beta on a 3080ti + i7 9700k and it didn’t break a sweat at 4K, DLAA and 120fps. Having said that, I don’t purchase games from Activision, so I’ll let this one slip.
Lucky you, this will now be a game from Microsoft.
As long as Bobby – I’m the literal devil – Kotick stays on board I’m not buying a single Microsoft product, not that other CEO’s are much better than this leech.
Nice white knighting.
Except I haven’t and don’t purchase Activision trash. You do you. Keep supporting the devil if that is your fancy ?
Well I did buy three copies (my PC, girlfriend’s PC and Series X for couch coop) as well as the Lilith statue. Happy to support AVB because I don’t buy into the sheep mentality. You hate them because you were told to hate them. Also, think you have no idea what “white knighting” means if you think I was suggesting you purchase AVB games.
Can you also confirm later that DirectStorage is working?
weird I get the same performance with my 7900 XTX at 1080P with a 3700X CPU.