Fallout 4 Performance Comparison: PS4, Xbox One, and Budget Gaming PC

Fallout 4 Performance Comparison: PS4, Xbox One, and Budget Gaming PC

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Fallout 4 Performance Comparison
   1. PS4 vs. Xbox One
   2. Budget Gaming PC Specifications
3. Adjusting Quality Levels to Match Consoles
   1. Mixture of Low, Medium, and High Settings
   2. Impressive Texture Filtering
4. Headroom on GTX 750Ti
   1. Achieving 30 FPS Minimum Frame Rate
   2. Exceeding Console Quality Visuals
5. Engine Optimization for Multi-Core CPUs
   1. Utilization of Processing Threads
   2. Even Load Distribution on Eight Threads
6. VRAM Utilization and Performance
7. Lack of Frame Rate Locking Options
   1. Impact of Adaptive VSync and FPS Cap
   2. Consistency in Frame Rate
8. Scalability and Good Performance on Budget PC
9. Conclusion

Fallout 4 Performance Comparison: PS4, Xbox One, and Budget Gaming PC

Fallout 4, one of the most popular open-world role-playing games, has been released on multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. In this article, we will examine the performance differences between the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game, as well as how a budget gaming PC equipped with an Intel Core i3-4130 CPU and an Nvidia GTX 750Ti graphics card holds up against the consoles.

PS4 vs. Xbox One: Which Performs Better?

The first question that arises when comparing console versions is which performs better, the PS4 or Xbox One? Both consoles offer a similar gaming experience, but there are some subtle differences in terms of performance. Through our testing, we have found that the PS4 generally has a slight edge over the Xbox One in terms of graphical fidelity and overall smoothness.

Budget Gaming PC Specifications

Before diving further into the performance comparison, let's take a look at the specifications of the budget gaming PC we used for testing purposes. Our budget build features an Intel Core i3-4130 CPU and an Nvidia GTX 750Ti graphics card. These components were chosen earlier this year to strike a balance between performance and affordability.

Adjusting Quality Levels to Match Consoles

When comparing the visuals of Fallout 4 on a budget gaming PC with the console versions, it is important to set up the quality levels to match those of the consoles. After running some initial comparisons, we concluded that no single PC preset matches exactly what the consoles are doing. To achieve a similar visual experience, we utilized a mixture of low, medium, and high settings.

One area where the budget gaming PC excels is in texture filtering. With features like temporal anti-aliasing, SSAO, and bokeh depth of field, the visuals on the PC surpass those of the consoles. Additionally, we discovered that the GTX 750Ti had plenty of headroom to spare, allowing us to target a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS without any hiccups.

Engine Optimization for Multi-Core CPUs

Bethesda games, including the Fallout series, are known for favoring PC hardware due to their engine's multi-core awareness. In our testing, we observed a maximum utilization of 94% on our Core i3-4130 CPU, showcasing the game's ability to make use of processing threads. Further testing with an i7 processor revealed an even distribution of load across all eight threads.

VRAM Utilization and Performance

One surprising aspect of Fallout 4's performance on the budget gaming PC is the restrained utilization of VRAM. Even on ultra settings at 1080p resolution, the Game rarely exceeds the two-gigabyte threshold. This efficient use of VRAM ensures that even lower-spec PCs can enjoy high visual fidelity without running into performance issues.

Lack of Frame Rate Locking Options

One drawback of the PC version of Fallout 4 is the lack of frame rate locking options. While consoles offer a fixed frame rate, PC users have to resort to different methods to achieve a consistent experience. We experimented with Nvidia's halfway adaptive VSync, but found that it caused severe stuttering. However, when combined with Rivatuner Statistics Server's 30 FPS cap, the game performed much better.

Scalability and Good Performance on Budget PC

Overall, the performance of Fallout 4 on our budget gaming PC is impressive. The game offers scalability, allowing players to adjust the quality settings to achieve a balance between performance and visual quality. With the combination of good optimization for multi-core CPUs, efficient VRAM utilization, and the headroom provided by the GTX 750Ti, even budget-oriented PCs can provide higher visual fidelity and improved performance compared to the console versions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fallout 4 performs admirably on both the PS4 and Xbox One consoles, with the PS4 having a slight edge in terms of graphical fidelity and smoothness. However, a budget gaming PC equipped with an Intel Core i3-4130 CPU and an Nvidia GTX 750Ti graphics card offers even higher visual fidelity and improved performance compared to the consoles. The game's engine optimization for multi-core CPUs, efficient VRAM utilization, and scalability make it a great option for PC owners. With some tweaking to address frame rate inconsistencies, the PC version can provide a consistent and enjoyable gaming experience.

Highlights:

• PS4 generally performs slightly better than Xbox One in Fallout 4.
• A budget gaming PC with Intel Core i3-4130 and Nvidia GTX 750Ti offers higher visual fidelity and improved performance compared to consoles.
• The game's engine is well-optimized for multi-core CPUs.
• VRAM utilization is efficient, even at ultra settings.
• Lack of frame rate locking options on PC requires additional tweaking for a consistent experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I achieve 60 FPS on a budget gaming PC? A: While a budget gaming PC may struggle to consistently achieve 60 FPS in Fallout 4, it is possible to improve performance through various tweaks and optimizations.

Q: Are there any advantages to playing Fallout 4 on a console over a PC? A: Consoles offer a more streamlined gaming experience and the assurance of consistent performance without the need for extensive hardware upgrades.

Q: Can I run Fallout 4 on a lower-end PC? A: Fallout 4 is a demanding game, but with the right settings adjustments and hardware optimization, it is possible to run the game on lower-end PCs. However, sacrifices may have to be made in terms of visual quality and overall performance.