How a bottleneck calculator for your GPU and CPU works

They're a quick way to help you check component compatibility before you build or upgrade a system.

By Charles Burgar Nov. 7, 2026 2:00 pm EST Dikushin/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Troubleshooting computer components can be daunting. After the physical labor of installing a new part, you'll want to stress-test it to make sure your replacement works properly. Finding a faulty part is relatively straightforward, but what if the component is limiting the rest of your system? During a stress test, you might see your CPU at 100 percent while your GPU is practically idling.