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Can Your CPU Bottleneck The GPU? Yes, But You Can Fix That

Overclocking your CPU may be an ideal way to solve this problem

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The CPU and GPU work together to process and render graphics in a computer system for smooth performance. However, if the CPU cannot keep up with the demands placed on it by the GPU, it can cause bottlenecking. This guide will take you through steps for fixing CPU bottlenecking GPU.

Alternatively, check our article onunderclocking your GPUand lowering its performance safely.

Can a CPU bottleneck GPU?

Can a CPU bottleneck GPU?

CPU bottlenecking GPU occurs when the graphics processing unit (GPU) is constrained by the processing power of the central processing unit (CPU).

In other words, the CPU cannot handle the demands placed on it by the GPU. Hence, the GPU is underutilized or not reaching its full potential.

When CPU bottlenecks GPU, the following can happen:

Check out our review of thebest bottleneck calculatorsfor your PC. These tools will help in identifying the degree of bottlenecking.

What causes the CPU to bottleneck the GPU?

How do I fix CPU bottlenecking GPU?

How do I fix CPU bottlenecking GPU?

Go through these preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:

Overclock your CPU

Overclocking your CPU will push it beyond its stock speed to achieve higher performance and faster processing.

Read about some of thebest Intel overclocking toolsto maximize performance on your PC. Further, check our article on how tooverclock your CPU without BIOSon Windows 11.

The last option to consider is to upgrade your CPU. If your current CPU is outdated or underpowered, upgrading to a more powerful CPU can help alleviate the bottleneck.

Should you have further questions or suggestions regarding this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

More about the topics:CPU,GPU

Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.

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Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills.