WattsyWhat is a bottleneck?
Your CPU prepares each frame, then your graphics card draws it. Whichever part is slower sets your frame rate. If your CPU can prepare 150 frames a second but your GPU can only draw 90, you get 90 — the GPU is the bottleneck.
Some bottleneck is normal and unavoidable. One part is always the limit. A gap under about 10% means the parts are well matched.
How resolution changes it
Higher resolutions make the graphics card work much harder, while the CPU's work stays about the same. That's why a CPU bottleneck at 1080p often disappears at 1440p or 4K. Competitive shooters at high frame rates lean harder on the CPU, and strategy and simulation games are often CPU-limited on any hardware.
How this calculator works
Each CPU and GPU has a relative gaming performance score based on typical benchmark results. The calculator scales the GPU's score for your resolution and game type, compares the two, and reports how far apart they are. It's an estimate — real results vary by game, settings and upscaling like DLSS or FSR. For a precise answer in a specific game, watch GPU usage in an overlay: if it stays well below 95%, the CPU is likely holding you back.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 10% bottleneck bad?
No. Under about 10% is a well-matched system. Even 20% is fine if your frame rate is where you want it.
How do I fix a CPU bottleneck?
Raise the resolution or graphics settings so the GPU does more of the work, cap your frame rate, or upgrade the CPU. Close background apps too. If your board supports it, enabling your RAM's XMP or EXPO profile can also help.
How do I fix a GPU bottleneck?
Lower demanding settings like ray tracing, turn on DLSS, FSR or XeSS upscaling, or upgrade the graphics card. Being GPU-limited is the normal, healthy state for most games.
Are bottleneck calculators accurate?
They give a useful rough picture, not exact numbers. Every game behaves differently, so use the result as a guide for upgrade decisions and check real benchmarks for the games you play.