Bottlenecking In PC – What You Need To Know: Bottlenecking is a popular term among most computer users, especially among gamers. However, not everyone knows what it means and how it affects the computer system. There are ways to optimize your PC and improve FPS, but even at that, some components may negatively affect the overall performance.
Bottlenecking occurs when some components of your PC restrict the proper performance of other components. It limits the processing power and graphical performance of your PC. A bottleneck occurs due to the differences between the maximum capabilities of two components of your PC.
As a result, a component hits its maximum capability and then restricts the performance of the other. What causes bottlenecking? How can you prevent it? In case your system has it already, how can you fix it? Below are the answers you need.
Bottlenecking In PC – What You Need To Know
Bottleneck is all about the maximum capability of your computer components and how they are used. This phenomenon can affect two main parts: the CPU and the graphics card. The typical scenario is that one reaches its maximum capability and prevents you from effectively using the other.
For instance, gamers usually update their PC components regularly for future-proofing their device for new game versions. The GPU is the easiest component to upgrade, but if you upgrade it without the others, there will be a wide gap between the processing power of the GPU and CPU, hence, bottlenecking.
This issue can happen anytime and to either a new or old PC. A new device can develop bottlenecking if you don’t install the right components. If you splash your cash to purchase an advanced CPU while you buy a cheap graphics card to reduce cost, you are creating a necessity for bottlenecking.
Also, bottlenecking is inevitable if you invest in a better graphics card but an old processor. The best way to be in control is to create a balance between the components; once there is a balance, the functionality of a component will not be more than or restrict the functionality of another.
Bottlenecking in a PC is not an issue of quality, brand, age, or parts; it is the issue of the relationship between the functionality of the components. If care is not taken, it can happen to new, advanced, high-end, and low-budget PCs.
Examples Of Pc Bottlenecking
The most common PC bottleneck, especially in gaming computers, is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) bottleneck. Does the list end there? Definitely not. Keep reading;
1.CPU/GPU Bottlenecking
The CPU is a crucial component of your computer system. It is often called the brain of the computer because it executes critical calculating tasks and sends instructions to the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). In most cases, if your device is old and outdated, and the CPU cannot sync with the advanced graphics card, it will reduce the number of FPS.
You could exhaust your GPU if the CPU is more powerful; however, it will keep idling due to the issue of bottlenecking.
2. GPU/CPU Bottlenecking
If your CPU is more powerful than your GPU, the CPU will process the game faster than the GPU can sync to render it. Why this scenario seems bad: your PC will generate all the required frames, especially while gaming. This is why you must use a gaming PC guide to build your device.
3. Hard Drive Bottlenecking
This is the type of bottlenecking that has to do with storage. If your PC is old and outdated, but you have upgraded the essential components such as CPU, GPU, and RAM, you must upgrade your OLD hard disk drive (HDD), too.
With old HDDs, your PC will keep experiencing slow loading time, especially when your device is trying to access data from the obsolete HDD instead of a new/advanced and faster SDD.
4. Display Bottlenecking
In this kind of bottlenecking, the issue is not from the internal component. Suppose you purchase a high-budget Nvidia RTX 3080 but still gaming on a 60Hz or 1080Hp monitor. Your video display and output will be outstanding, and you will activate all the ultra settings while gaming; however, your hardware won’t function at the maximum capability.
How To Check For Bottlenecks On Your PC
Bottleneck is the issue if your PC is not performing at its maximum capability. However, figuring out how your device’s parts inter-function and which one is not functioning at its best is not as simple as altering the volume of your PC. There are some simple but technical ways to check for bottlenecking before you get hands-on. They include;
1.The Use Of CPU Agent’s Fps And Bottleneck Calculator
To use this method, follow the step below;
- Go to the site
- Provide your CPU, GPU, and RAM info
- Click the calculator FPS and calculator button
2. The Use Of PC Builds Bottleneck Calculator
This option follows the same process as the first (above); however, you don’t need to enter your RAM information, but it will require you to explain what you use your PC for to determine what the issue is.
Another way to check for bottlenecking apart from using the calculator is to pay close attention to your PC’s performance while using it; this method is more accurate but more attention-demanding. You can use performance metrics, such as the one available with Nvidia GeForce Experience, to track performance in real time.
You can also use this metric to check the functionality of your CPU and GPU during gaming while you also track for bottlenecking.
How To Fix Bottlenecking
The best way to fix bottlenecking is to purchase a balanced set of components for your PC. Select the best hardware set to ensure optimum component functionality and avoid bottlenecking. Instead of splashing your cash on advanced individual components, purchase a compatible balanced kit to avoid PC lagging.
Before setting up your PC, visit websites that can guide you through your computer build, as they will give you information about the components that can work together and those that can not. Following the guides on some of those websites will guide you through creating a computer system you can get the best out of, regardless of the software or game you are running.
Also, upgrade your PC components when necessary because, most of the time, an old PC is a common cause of bottlenecks. Upgrade the CPU and other components, such as the motherboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is Bottlenecking In PC?
It is a situation whereby the performance of a component is reduced due to another component, leading to an overall reduction in performance. It occurs when essential parts such as the CPU or GPU hinder the maximum functionality of others.
2. How Does Bottlenecking Occur?
Bottlenecking occurs when some components of your PC function more or are more powerful than others. For instance, a powerful graphics card and a weak CPU will always cause bottlenecking.
3. Signs Of Bottleneck In Your PC
You can spot several signs to notice that your PC has bottlenecking. They include low GPU utilization, excess CPU usage, low FPS, and slow loading time.
4.How Do I Fix Bottlenecks In Your PC?
Before fixing the bottleneck issue, you need to figure out which component is causing the problem so that you can upgrade that component. Balance the performance capability of all the parts and optimize the software and settings.
5. Can Bottlenecking Damage Your Device’s Components?
Bottlenecking does not by itself damage your PC components. However, a long period of bottlenecking by some components can lead to overheating, which is harmful to your computer system.
Final Thoughts
An imbalance in the performance capability of your PC’s components mainly causes bottlenecking. Once you notice any sign of bottlenecking in your PC, the best way to resolve the situation is to upgrade your PC components, especially the CPU and GPU, to a balanced level.
Make sure all the components are compatible based on performance capability.
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