Bottleneck
When one component (usually the CPU or GPU) limits the performance of the system because it can't keep up with the other. Causes wasted potential in the faster component.
What is a bottleneck?
A bottleneck occurs when one component in your system can't keep pace with another, limiting overall performance. The most common: a CPU bottleneck where the processor can't prepare frames fast enough for the GPU, causing the graphics card to sit idle between frames.
Every system has a bottleneck — there's always one component that's the limiting factor. The goal isn't to eliminate bottlenecks (impossible), but to ensure the balance isn't so lopsided that you're wasting money on a component that can't perform at its potential.
How to identify a bottleneck
CPU bottleneck signs: GPU usage below 90%, changing resolution doesn't change FPS, FPS drops in CPU-heavy scenes (open worlds, crowds). GPU bottleneck signs: GPU usage at 99-100% (this is ideal — it means you're using your GPU's full power), lowering resolution increases FPS proportionally.
Use our Bottleneck Calculator to check your specific CPU+GPU pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GPU bottleneck bad?
No — a GPU bottleneck is actually ideal. It means your GPU is the limiting factor, which means it's running at 100% utilization. You're getting full value from your most expensive component. The "bad" bottleneck is a CPU bottleneck, where your GPU sits partially idle.