Build smarter.
Upgrade faster.
Understand your PC
Catalog tiers help prioritize what to investigate. We explain the limits and show how to check your own performance before buying.
Targeted Performance
Select your monitor resolution and refresh rate. We calculate exactly what hardware you need to hit that 144Hz sweet spot without overspending.
Budget Intelligence
Compare example upgrades, check compatibility, and verify current prices. If your PC meets your goals, keep it.
How the analyzer works
When you enter your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and target resolution, the analyzer compares your build against a curated catalogue of real-world parts and performance heuristics. It estimates which component is limiting your frame rate and how much headroom you have for upgrades.
- Scores each component for your target resolution and refresh rate.
- Highlights the primary bottleneck (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, or PSU).
- Suggests realistic upgrade paths instead of generic “buy the best” advice.
Example scenarios
- 1080p competitive player wondering if a GPU upgrade will actually raise FPS.
- 1440p gamer on an older CPU who isn't sure whether to upgrade GPU or platform.
- Content creator checking if RAM or storage is behind slow project loads.
Limitations
The tool does not run benchmarks on your machine. It uses heuristic models and vendor-agnostic guidance, so you should always sanity-check recommendations against your budget, local pricing, and specific games.
Latest upgrade guides
Timely advice for the 2026 hardware market.
Upgrading from 1080p to 1440p: Monitor and GPU Guide
16GB vs 32GB RAM for Gaming: What You Actually Need in 2026
AM4 to AM5 in 2026: Upgrade Now or Ride Out DDR4?
CPU Upgrades That Don't Need a New Motherboard (AM4, AM5, LGA1700)
Frequently asked questions
What do the 0-100 scores mean?
Scores are approximate editorial tiers and capacity indicators. They are not measured FPS, and a score of 80 does not mean twice the performance of 40.
Where does the performance data come from?
We use a curated, incomplete hardware catalog and local rules. These rules do not run benchmarks or an AI model. Verify an upgrade using your own measurements and game-specific reviews.
Is this a bottleneck calculator?
It's more than a simple percentage. We look at how your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and PSU fit together for the games and resolution you actually care about, then suggest upgrade paths that avoid wasting money.
Does it replace real benchmarks?
No. The analyzer is a decision-support tool. It's designed to get you to a short list of sensible options, not to replace in-depth reviews or hands-on testing.
Where should I start?
If you already have a PC, start with the Analyzer to see whether your current bottleneck is CPU, GPU, RAM, or something else. If you're building from scratch, the Smart Builder can generate a balanced parts list.
Want to dive deeper?
Our hardware guides explain common upgrade dilemmas in detail, like CPU vs GPU priority or whether a specific jump (for example, 5600X to 5800X3D) is worth it for how you play.