PC Bottleneck Calculator
Select your CPU and GPU to instantly calculate which component limits your gaming performance — and by how much.
How the bottleneck is calculated
We believe in being transparent about our methodology. Here is exactly how the numbers are produced.
CPU gaming score
Raw PassMark single-thread score is scaled to approximate real gaming throughput — single-thread speed matters most, but core count and architectural efficiency add headroom.
score = singleCore × log₂(cores + 1) × tierScaleTier scale: Entry 1.0 → Mid 1.1 → High 1.25 → Ultra 1.4 → Enthusiast 1.6
GPU score & resolution scaling
The GPU's PassMark raster score is divided by a resolution multiplier — higher resolutions demand proportionally more from the GPU, shifting the bottleneck toward the graphics card.
effectiveGPU = rasterScore / resolutionRatioResolution ratios: 1080p = 1.0 · 1440p = 1.78 · 4K = 4.0
RAM bandwidth penalty (optional)
Slow or single-channel memory starves the CPU. The reference point is DDR4-3600 dual-channel — no penalty, no bonus. Below that, effective CPU score is reduced by up to 25%.
factor = 0.75 + 0.25 × min(1, bandwidth / 7200)
effectiveCPU = cpuScore × factorBandwidth = speedMHz × channels. Reference: 3600 × 2 = 7200
Bottleneck decision
The imbalance percentage is the relative gap between the two scores. Below 10% the system is considered well-matched. The weaker component is identified as the bottleneck.
gap = |cpuScore − gpuScore| / max(both) × 100< 10% → Balanced · CPU score < GPU → CPU bottleneck · GPU score < CPU → GPU bottleneck
Benchmark data is sourced from PassMark. Scores are normalized and intended as a relative guide — real-world performance varies by game, driver version, and system configuration. Always cross-reference with reviews and benchmarks for your specific use case.