Frequently asked questions
What a bottleneck actually is, how we turn your parts into a 0‑100 score, and what we will and won't tell you to buy.
What is a PC bottleneck?
A bottleneck is when one component — usually the CPU or the GPU — limits what the rest of your build can deliver. Your graphics card may be capable of far more FPS than your processor lets through, or the other way around. BottleneckScore measures both sides and tells you which one is actually holding you back.
How is the bottleneck score calculated?
We score your CPU and GPU on real benchmark data (gaming-weighted for gaming profiles), combine them with usage-profile weights, then apply RAM and storage multipliers. The result is a 0‑100 build score plus the limiting component. It's a deterministic engine: same input, same verdict — no AI guesswork.
Is BottleneckScore free?
Yes — free, no account, no signup. Upgrade prices come from EU retailers and are refreshed weekly by our price tracker.
Which upgrade should I buy?
The report highlights the best-value upgrade first: the part with the highest real performance gain per euro at current prices. And when your build is already balanced, we say so — keep your money.
Do you support prices outside Europe?
Not yet. Prices and Buy links currently come from EU retailers and are shown in euros. US and UK retailer support is on the roadmap — the scoring engine itself works for any build, wherever you are.