If you want to make your PC work efficiently, it is important to know how well different parts of your computer are working together. Sometimes, one part of the PC can slow down the other parts. This condition is called a bottleneck. In this article, we will explain how to test PC performance using bottleneck analysis and explore how to fix these problems if they happen.
Click here:
What is a Bottleneck in a PC?
A bottleneck happens when one part of your computer is slowing down the other parts. It can happen anywhere in CPU, GPU, RAM, or storage. If one part is not working well, it can affect the performance of other parts and can make your system slower. For example:
- If your CPU is slow, it can hold back the GPU, even if your GPU is very powerful.
- If you have a great GPU but a weak CPU, the CPU will limit the working of the GPU.
Why Should You Test PC Performance Using Bottlenecks?
Testing PC performance for bottlenecks helps in:

How to Test PC Performance for Bottlenecks?
Testing your PC for bottlenecks involves checking how well each part of your system performs. You may use the following methods:
Monitor CPU and GPU Usage
Check the usage of your CPU and GPU to see which is affecting the performance of the other.
- CPU Bottleneck: If your CPU is at 100% usage, but your GPU is below 95%, the CPU is the problem.
- GPU Bottleneck: If your GPU is at 100% usage, but your CPU is not fully used, the GPU is the bottleneck.
You can use tools like MSI Afterburner, Task Manager, or HWMonitor to check the usage while your PC is running.
Use Benchmarking Tools
Benchmarking tools help test your PC’s performance and compare it to others:
- 3dMark: Tests the GPU and helps find GPU bottlenecks.
- Cinebench: Tests the CPU to identify CPU bottlenecks.
- PCMark: Gives an overall performance score for your entire PC.
Check Memory and Storage Performance
Your memory (RAM) and storage also play a big role in your PC’s speed:
- Memory Bottleneck: Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to see if your RAM is being fully used. If it’s maxed out, it could slow your system.
- Storage Bottleneck: Use CrystalDiskMark to test your hard drive or SSD speed. Slow storage can make your PC feel sluggish, especially when loading games or saving files.
Use Online Bottleneck Calculators
You can enter your PC parts into an online calculator to get an idea of possible bottlenecks:
- PC Build’s Bottleneck Calculator
- CPU Agent Bottleneck Tool: These tools aren’t always 100% accurate, but they provide a general idea.

How to Fix Bottlenecks?
If you find a bottleneck in your system, here’s how you can fix it:
- Upgrade the Slow Parts: If your CPU is too slow, upgrading to a faster one can help your PC run better. If your GPU isn’t strong enough, getting a more powerful graphics card will make things run faster, especially in games.
- Adjust Settings: To make your PC run better, lower the graphics settings in games or apps. This takes less work from your GPU and helps things run smoother. Also, close programs you don’t need, so your CPU can focus on important tasks.
- Overclock (if possible): If your hardware allows it, you can overclock your CPU or GPU to make them run faster. But be careful, as overclocking can generate extra heat.
- Balance Your Build: Make sure your CPU and GPU work well together. For example, don’t pair a high-end GPU with a weak CPU, as this can create a bottleneck and reduce performance.
- Update Software: Keep your drivers up to date to improve your hardware’s performance and fix issues related to bottlenecks.
Testing your PC for bottlenecks is a simple way to make sure it runs well. By finding out which part of your PC is slowing it down—like the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, or network—you can make it faster. Once you know the problem, you can upgrade the right parts, change settings, or use tools to check how things are working. Fixing bottlenecks will make your PC run faster, improve gaming, and make daily tasks easier. You can also test PC performance by using our bottleneck calculator.