Building a computer from scratch is not easy or costly. It is definitely challenging to put the parts together, but ensuring those parts are compatible is even more complex. Even if you manage to match the right hardware, you end up with only a fraction of the expected FPS in games. But why?
Well, the culprit in such situations is typically the CPU. This is what tech enthusiasts like to call a processor bottleneck.
But what precisely is a bottleneck, and how can you eliminate it?
Let’s quickly begin to address those questions.
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CPU Bottleneck, What Is It?
A CPU bottleneck is when the processor in a system is not powerful enough to handle the demands of the rest of the system’s hardware. Generally, the component that has the most requirements is the graphics card (GPU).
GPUs are powerful and manage all the visuals for video games. Consequently, if the CPU is slow when compared to the GPU, users will experience sluggish and uneven video, leading to a reduced overall speed.
In such cases, even if the system is upgraded to the premium-tier AMD or NVIDIA GPU, the gaming performance will be precisely the same simply because the CPU isn’t powerful enough to process all that information.
How Do I Know If I’m CPU Bottlenecked?
It’s evident what a CPU bottleneck is, but how can you determine if it is affecting your computer?
There is no uncomplicated technique to tell if your CPU is impeding your GPU. However, you can utilize online information to ascertain it.
There are likely heaps of people out there with a processor just like yours. You can use their performance data, compare it with yours and find the offender.
For instance, if a system utilizes the identical processor with a swifter GPU, yet the results are the same, it is likely that the CPU has already reached its zenith.
However, keep in mind that almost all systems are constrained by their CPU (depending on the game).
So, as you enhance to quicker and swifter processors, the bottleneck is reduced, but it still exists. Even contemporary processors like the Ryzen 5600X bottleneck GPUs, and if you upgrade to a top-of-the-line Ryzen 5950X, the difference in performance won’t be substantial.
Above is an excellent example of a CPU bottleneck. These systems use an RTX 3080, but the average/1% low/0.1% low FPS increases when moving over to a faster CPU. So even a CPU such as the 5900X is bottlenecking the RTX 3080.
Currently, the i9-12900K is the swiftest gaming processor on the market, which could also be bottlenecking the GPU, but we won’t know that until a faster CPU is released like Ryzen 7000.
How To Get Rid Of A CPU Bottleneck
Regrettably, there’s no straightforward solution to eliminate a bottleneck. You might have some luck by raising the in-game resolution to 1440p or 4K, which will shift the workload to your GPU. However, this may lead to a significant decrease in FPS.
Instead, your best option is to upgrade to an improved CPU.
How To Avoid A CPU Bottleneck
To avoid getting in this situation, it’s best to be more prudent when selecting the hardware that will end up in your system.
You’ll want to invest a bit more in the hardware surrounding the CPU. Get a costlier motherboard, faster RAM, and an excellent processor.
You might end up with reduced money for your GPU in the end, but upgrading to a better graphics card is significantly less complex than upgrading to a superior CPU.
To safeguard your money, determine what CPU you possess and search for processors that will fit the same motherboard.
You should think about using PcPartPicker, as it can assist in selecting suitable PC components. A preferred option among technology enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts/CPU Recommendations
CPU bottleneck is unwanted, but this doesn’t mean that you should immediately buy the priciest one you can find.
Generally, these new generations of CPUs are rapid, so you won’t have to worry too much about a bottleneck. Even Intel’s low-end Alder Lake processors, like the i3-12100f, are quick enough to handle an RTX 3090.
Of course, an i9-12900K will handle that formidable beast of a GPU better, but the i3 will still be adequate enough.
If you plan on upgrading your CPU, here are some of our recommendations: i3-12100F, i5-12400, i5-11400, i5-12600K, Ryzen 3600, and Ryzen 5600X. All of these SKUs offer outstanding performance for less than $300.
