Trusted by 2M+ Users Worldwide

About Bottleneck Calculator

We're a team of PC enthusiasts, gamers, and engineers dedicated to helping you build the perfect system—without wasting money on mismatched hardware.

2M+
Users Served
150+
CPUs & GPUs
2019
Founded
100%
Free Forever

Our Story

Back in 2019, our founder was building a gaming PC on a tight budget. After weeks of research, he paired an Intel Core i5-9400F with an RTX 2080 Ti—only to discover his CPU was bottlenecking the GPU by over 30%.

That frustrating experience sparked an idea: What if there was a simple, free tool that could predict these issues before you buy?

What started as a personal project quickly grew into one of the web's most trusted PC building resources. Today, Bottleneck Calculator helps millions of gamers, content creators, and PC builders worldwide make smarter hardware decisions.

2019 - Project Started
2020 - 100K Users Milestone
2022 - Algorithm v2 Launch
2024 - 2M+ Users Worldwide

How Our Calculator Works

Unlike simple 'tier list' comparisons, our algorithm uses real performance data to simulate how your CPU and GPU will interact in actual games.

1. Benchmark Analysis

We analyze thousands of real-world benchmarks from trusted sources to establish baseline performance for each component at different resolutions.

2. Workload Simulation

Our algorithm simulates how CPU and GPU workloads interact, accounting for resolution scaling, API overhead, and single vs. multi-threaded performance.

3. Bottleneck Detection

We calculate the performance delta and identify which component is holding back your system—with actionable recommendations for optimization.

Our Core Values

Everything we build is guided by these principles.

Accuracy Over Hype

We don't make sensational claims. Our results are based on data, benchmarks, and proven performance metrics—never marketing hype.

Community First

User feedback directly shapes our roadmap. Many of our features—like resolution-specific calculations—came from community suggestions.

Always Free

We believe every gamer deserves access to good information. Our calculator is—and will always be—100% free to use, no login required.

Constant Improvement

New hardware launches every month. We continuously update our database and refine our algorithm to stay accurate and relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bottleneck Calculator really free?
Yes, completely free with no hidden costs. We sustain the project through non-intrusive advertising. There's no premium version or locked features.
How accurate is the bottleneck calculation?
Our calculations are based on aggregated benchmark data from multiple trusted sources. While real-world results can vary by ±5-10% depending on specific games and settings, our estimates provide a reliable general guideline.
How often do you update the hardware database?
We update our database within 2-4 weeks of new CPU/GPU launches. Major architecture releases (like new RTX or Ryzen generations) are typically added within the first week, once reliable benchmark data is available.
Why don't you factor in RAM or storage?
While RAM speed and storage can affect performance, the CPU and GPU are by far the biggest factors in gaming bottlenecks. We plan to add RAM speed considerations in a future update.

Ready to Optimize Your Build?

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