How it works
- Pick your CPU and GPU. Each maps to a normalized 0–100 gaming-performance score.
- Choose a resolution. Lower resolutions lean on the CPU; higher ones (1440p, 4K) shift the load onto the GPU.
- Optionally add a specific game, RAM, or DLSS/FSR. These don’t change the bottleneck % — it’s a pure CPU↔GPU figure — they surface advisory tips, and their exact effect on frames lives on the FPS calculator.
- We take the capability gap between your two parts and scale it by how much the weaker side matters at that resolution. The weaker part is the limiter; the scaled gap is the percentage shown.
Already know your bottleneck? Jump to the FPS Calculator to see the frames this build should push.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 10% bottleneck bad?
No. Every real-world build has some imbalance. Under roughly 15% we call it balanced — normal and usually unnoticeable. It only matters when one component sits idle while you chase frames the other can’t deliver.
Why do other calculators give different numbers?
Because most never publish their formula. Different benchmark sources and hidden weightings produce different results. We show ours in full and attach a confidence range so you can judge it.
Does resolution change my bottleneck?
Yes — significantly. The same pair can be CPU-bound at 1080p and GPU-bound at 4K, because higher resolutions ask far more of the GPU while the CPU’s workload stays roughly flat.
Should I fix a small bottleneck?
Usually not. Spending money to erase a 5–8% gap rarely pays off. Upgrade when the limiting component is clearly capping the experience you actually want at your resolution.