Bottleneck test
A bottleneck is one part limiting another: the graphics card could push more frames, but the processor cannot prepare them fast enough. Pick your pairing and see which component is holding it back, and what it costs in frames.
Common pairings and how balanced they are
Which component limits performance at each resolution
CPU: Limited by the processor · GPU: Limited by the graphics card · OK: Balanced
| Processor + Graphics card | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D + GeForce RTX 5090 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D + GeForce RTX 5090 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9900X + GeForce RTX 5090 | Limited by the processor | Balanced | Balanced |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9900X + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9900X + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| AMD Ryzen 9 9900X + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 245K + GeForce RTX 5090 | Limited by the processor | Limited by the processor | Balanced |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 245K + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 245K + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 245K + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core i5-13400F + GeForce RTX 5090 | Limited by the processor | Limited by the processor | Balanced |
| Intel Core i5-13400F + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| Intel Core i5-13400F + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Balanced | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core i5-13400F + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core i5-12400F + GeForce RTX 5090 | Limited by the processor | Limited by the processor | Balanced |
| Intel Core i5-12400F + GeForce RTX 5070 | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| Intel Core i5-12400F + GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Balanced | Balanced | Limited by the graphics card |
| Intel Core i5-12400F + GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card | Limited by the graphics card |
Pick your processor and graphics card in the FPS calculator: we show the bottleneck and the FPS at every resolution.
Which graphics card suits other processors?
Frequently asked questions
What is a bottleneck?
A bottleneck is when one part (usually the processor) limits the performance of another: the graphics card could generate more frames, but the processor cannot prepare them fast enough. A small imbalance is normal - it only becomes a problem when the gap is large and you are not getting the frames you paid for.
How much bottleneck is normal?
The calculator treats a pair as balanced while the processor-side imbalance stays under 15% and the graphics-card side under 22%. A graphics card that is the limit is normal: it runs at full load while the processor keeps up with preparing frames.
Why is the bottleneck bigger at 1080p than at 4K?
The lower the resolution, the more frames the graphics card can render, while the processor does the same work for every frame. So at 1080p the processor limits more often, and at 1440p and 4K the load moves to the graphics card.
How do I reduce a bottleneck?
If the processor is the limit, play at a higher resolution or settings, or replace the processor. If the graphics card is the limit, lower the settings or resolution, or replace the card. The upgrade advisor shows which change gains the most FPS.
The figures are estimates - real FPS depends on the game, settings and drivers. The FPS model is calibrated against public TechPowerUp, Tom’s Hardware and Hardware Unboxed benchmarks. CPU and GPU calibration: July 2026 · Newest games added: September 2026. How we calculate FPS