The GPU is the most important component for increasing FPS, but CPU, RAM, and storage also impact performance. Upgrading to a high-end GPU can boost FPS by up to 200%, but bottlenecks can limit gains. If your CPU is maxed out while your GPU is underutilized, or low RAM causes stuttering, your system needs optimization. This guide will help you identify bottlenecks and make the right upgrades using our Bottleneck Calculator.
The Most Important PC Parts for Higher FPS in Gaming
If you’re looking to boost FPS in your favorite games, upgrading the right PC components is key. While the GPU is the biggest factor, the CPU, RAM, and storage also play a role in maintaining smooth and responsive gameplay. Let’s break down how each part impacts FPS and which upgrades provide the best performance boost.
1. Graphics Card (GPU) – The Biggest FPS Booster
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is the most important component when it comes to increasing FPS in gaming. It’s responsible for rendering graphics, processing textures, and handling visual effects. A powerful GPU will dramatically improve performance, especially in modern, graphics-intensive games.
🔹 How a GPU affects FPS:
- More VRAM allows for higher-resolution textures and better performance at 1440p and 4K.
- Higher CUDA cores (NVIDIA) or Stream processors (AMD) speed up rendering and shader calculations.
- Faster clock speeds help generate frames more quickly, reducing lag and improving responsiveness.
Expert Insight:
“Upgrading your GPU often results in the most significant FPS boost, especially in graphically demanding titles.”
Common Bottlenecks Related to GPUs
- Can a GPU bottleneck a CPU? Yes, if your processor isn’t fast enough, your GPU may not reach its full potential, limiting FPS.
- Can a motherboard bottleneck a GPU? Not directly, but an outdated motherboard with PCIe bandwidth limitations can slow down high-end graphics cards.
2. Processor (CPU) – Essential for CPU-Intensive Games
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for handling game logic, AI, physics, and background processes. While the GPU dictates how games look, the CPU controls how they run. A weak CPU can lower FPS, even if you have a high-end GPU.
🔹 When a CPU upgrade boosts FPS:
- Games with a lot of AI and NPCs (like strategy and open-world games) demand strong CPU performance.
- If your CPU utilization is at 100%, while your GPU usage is low, you may have a CPU bottleneck.
- Higher clock speeds and more cores/threads improve multi-threaded performance, leading to smoother gameplay.
Common Bottlenecks Related to CPUs
- Can a motherboard bottleneck a CPU? Yes, if it doesn’t support high-speed RAM, overclocking, or PCIe 4.0/5.0 for modern GPUs.
- What should CPU utilization be when gaming? Ideally, it should be around 40-70% with occasional spikes in CPU-heavy scenarios.
3. RAM – Reducing Stutters & Enabling Higher Textures
RAM plays a crucial role in gaming performance and FPS stability. It stores temporary game data for quick access, reducing stutters and allowing smoother gameplay. Not having enough RAM can cause serious FPS drops and lag spikes.
🔹 How RAM affects FPS:
- 8GB is the minimum, but most modern games run best with 16GB or more.
- Faster RAM speeds (3200MHz+ DDR4 or 5200MHz+ DDR5) improve performance, especially in CPU-limited games.
- Low RAM causes stuttering, frame drops, and longer loading times, particularly in open-world and AAA titles.
If you’re looking to improve FPS in PC gaming, upgrading to faster and larger RAM can help eliminate performance hiccups.
4. Storage (SSD vs. HDD) – Faster Load Times, But No FPS Gains
A Solid State Drive (SSD) doesn’t directly increase FPS in games, but it reduces loading times and prevents slow texture streaming. This leads to smoother gameplay and better responsiveness.
🔹 Why SSDs Improve Gaming Performance:
- Reduces texture pop-ins in open-world games.
- Speeds up game load times so you spend less time waiting and more time playing.
- Enhances system responsiveness, making overall performance feel smoother.
Pro Tip: If your game stutters due to texture streaming delays, an SSD can help maintain smoother performance.
Pro Tip: If you experience stuttering due to slow texture loading, moving your game to an SSD can make a noticeable difference in performance.
Diagnosing Bottlenecks & Optimizing Performance
How to Identify Bottlenecks Using a Bottleneck Calculator
A Bottleneck Calculator helps determine whether your CPU or GPU is limiting performance. If one component is running at 100% utilization while another is underutilized, an upgrade is needed.
🔹 What should my CPU utilization be?
- Under 70% – No significant CPU bottleneck.
- Above 90% consistently – CPU is limiting FPS.
🔹 What should my GPU utilization be?
- Above 95% – Optimal GPU performance.
- Below 80% with high CPU usage – GPU is being held back by the CPU.
Best Upgrade Path Based on Bottleneck Type
| Bottleneck Type | Upgrade Recommendation |
|---|---|
| GPU Bottleneck (Low FPS, 100% GPU Utilization, Low CPU Utilization) | Upgrade to a higher-end graphics card |
| CPU Bottleneck (High CPU Usage, Low GPU Utilization) | Upgrade to a faster CPU with more cores/threads |
| RAM Bottleneck (Hitching, Stuttering, High Disk Usage) | Upgrade to 16GB+ RAM |
| Storage Bottleneck (Long Load Times, Texture Pop-ins) | Upgrade to an NVMe SSD |
FPS Gains by Upgrading Components (Benchmark Data)
1. GPU Upgrade – The Biggest FPS Gains
A high-end GPU upgrade can increase FPS by 50-200% in graphically demanding games.
| GPU Upgrade | FPS Increase |
|---|---|
| GTX 1650 → RTX 3060 | Up to 120% |
| RTX 2060 → RTX 4070 | Up to 150% |
| RX 5700 → RX 7900 XTX | Up to 180% |
2. CPU Upgrade – Improves Minimum FPS
A new CPU improves 1% and 0.1% low FPS, reducing stuttering in CPU-bound games.
| CPU Upgrade | FPS Improvement |
|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 → Ryzen 7 5800X | Up to 40% |
| i5-9600K → i7-13700K | Up to 60% |
3. RAM Upgrade – Reduces Stuttering
Going from 8GB to 16GB+ improves stability, particularly in open-world or multiplayer games.
| RAM Upgrade | FPS Stability |
|---|---|
| 8GB → 16GB DDR4 | Fewer FPS drops, smoother gameplay |
| 16GB → 32GB DDR5 | Faster load times, improved performance in high-memory games |
Why Use a Bottleneck Calculator?
A Bottleneck Calculator helps users:
✔ Determine whether GPU, CPU, RAM, or storage is limiting FPS.
✔ Optimize their upgrade path before spending money.
✔ Ensure balanced performance for future-proof gaming.
Real User Feedback:
“After using a Bottleneck Calculator, I realized my CPU was holding back my RTX 3070. Upgrading to a Ryzen 7 5800X increased my FPS by 50%!”
FAQs
1. What to upgrade in PC to get more FPS?
The best upgrade for more FPS depends on your weakest component. A powerful GPU is the biggest factor for gaming performance, but if your CPU is too slow, it can hold back your FPS. Upgrading RAM and storage can help with smoother gameplay, but they won’t directly boost frame rates.
2. What component gives the most FPS?
The graphics card (GPU) has the biggest impact on FPS since it renders the game visuals. However, if your CPU isn’t strong enough, it can limit performance, especially in CPU-heavy games. Sufficient RAM also helps by preventing stuttering and lag.
3. Does RAM increase FPS?
RAM can improve FPS in certain cases, but it mostly helps with stability and reducing stutters. If your PC has too little RAM, games may slow down or crash. For modern gaming, 16GB is ideal, while 32GB is useful for high-end setups and multitasking.
4. Will GPU increase FPS?
Yes, upgrading your GPU is the most effective way to boost FPS, especially in graphically demanding games. However, if your CPU is outdated or RAM is too low, your FPS gains may be limited due to bottlenecks.
5. What increases FPS the most?
The biggest FPS boost comes from a strong GPU, but a fast CPU and enough RAM also play key roles. SSDs don’t directly increase FPS, but they help with game load times and smooth performance.
6. What PC part should I upgrade first?
If your FPS is low in most games, upgrading the graphics card is usually the best move. If your CPU is struggling, especially in open-world or strategy games, consider a CPU upgrade instead. Check for bottlenecks before upgrading.
7. Does CPU affect FPS?
Yes, your CPU plays a huge role in gaming performance, especially in CPU-intensive games like open-world or multiplayer titles. If your CPU is too weak, your GPU won’t reach its full potential, lowering FPS.
8. What PC parts boost FPS?
The GPU, CPU, and RAM are the key parts that impact FPS. A powerful GPU increases FPS the most, but a balanced system with a capable CPU and enough RAM ensures smooth performance.
9. What affects FPS most?
The GPU has the biggest impact on FPS, followed by the CPU in processor-heavy games. Insufficient RAM can cause stuttering, while slow storage affects loading times but not FPS directly.
10. What part of a PC makes it run faster?
The CPU and RAM affect general speed, while the GPU is key for gaming performance. Upgrading to an SSD makes Windows and games load faster, but it doesn’t directly increase FPS.
Conclusion
For those looking to boost gaming performance, the GPU is the most impactful upgrade, but the CPU, RAM, and storage also play key roles in delivering smooth gameplay. A well-balanced system prevents bottlenecks, ensuring that no single component holds back your FPS. By using a Bottleneck Calculator, you can identify the best hardware upgrades for maximizing frame rates while avoiding unnecessary expenses.