A bottleneck occurs when one component in your system limits the performance of other components. For example, a powerful GPU paired with an older CPU might not reach its full potential because the CPU can't process data fast enough to keep the GPU fully utilized.

Our calculator uses a comprehensive database of real-world benchmarks and sophisticated algorithms to provide highly accurate predictions. We consider multiple factors including specific workloads, resolutions, and component interactions to deliver more nuanced results than simple percentage-based calculators.

Yes! If you're looking for personalized recommendations based on your specific use case, budget, and existing components, our team can provide custom guidance. Just fill out the contact form with details about your requirements, and our experts will get back to you with tailored suggestions.

We update our database as soon as reliable benchmarks become available for new hardware releases. This typically happens within 1-2 weeks of a component's market release, ensuring our tool stays current with the latest technology.

Our advanced calculator does include options for common overclocking scenarios. For highly specific custom overclocks, we recommend using the contact form to get personalized analysis from our team of experts who can factor in your exact configuration and performance targets.

Yes, our basic bottleneck calculator is completely free to use. We also offer premium features for power users that include detailed performance metrics, benchmark comparisons, and custom upgrade paths. These premium features help support the continued development of our free tools.