Bottlenecks in a PC can significantly impact its performance, leading to slow processing speeds and laggy graphics. The two main components responsible for the overall performance of a PC are the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Understanding the concept of CPU and GPU bottlenecks is crucial for optimizing system performance and ensuring a smooth computing experience.
A bottleneck occurs when the CPU or GPU becomes the limiting factor in a system, slowing down data processing and affecting overall performance. It can happen when one component is significantly more powerful than the other, causing an imbalance in workload distribution. For example, if a PC has a powerful GPU but a weak CPU, the CPU may struggle to keep up with the GPU’s processing demands, resulting in a bottleneck.
Fixing a bottleneck in your PC involves identifying the specific component that is causing the bottleneck and taking appropriate measures to address it. This could involve upgrading the CPU or GPU, optimizing system settings, or balancing the performance of both components. In this blog, we will explore the concept of CPU and GPU bottlenecks in more detail and provide solutions for fixing bottlenecks to improve your PC’s performance.
Understanding CPU and GPU Bottleneck
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) are two essential components in a computer that play a crucial role in data processing and workload management.
The CPU, often referred to as the “brain” of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It handles tasks such as running the operating system, executing software programs, and managing data flow between different hardware components. The CPU consists of various components, including the control unit, registers, ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), and memory management unit.
The GPU, on the other hand, is specialized in handling graphics-related tasks. It processes and renders images, videos, and other visual content, delivering them to the display. GPUs are particularly critical for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications. Modern GPUs are equipped with multiple cores that can perform parallel processing, allowing for faster and more efficient graphics rendering.
A CPU bottleneck occurs when the CPU cannot keep up with the workload demanded by the system. This can happen when the CPU’s processing power is insufficient to handle the tasks assigned to it. A GPU bottleneck, on the other hand, occurs when the GPU becomes the limiting factor in the system, affecting the overall graphics performance.
To understand CPU and GPU bottlenecks, it is essential to consider the workload and the demands placed on each component. Different applications and tasks require different levels of CPU and GPU processing power. For example, gaming and video editing tasks are typically more GPU-intensive, while tasks such as data analysis and software development may rely more on the CPU.
Definition of Bottleneck in Computing
In computing, a bottleneck refers to a point in the system where the data flow is limited or constrained, leading to decreased performance. It occurs when a specific component or subsystem becomes the limiting factor in the overall system performance.
In the context of CPUs and GPUs, a bottleneck can occur when either component is unable to keep up with the workload demanded by the system. This can happen due to various reasons, such as outdated hardware, insufficient processing power, or imbalanced system configuration.
In the case of a CPU bottleneck, the CPU’s processing power is insufficient to handle the tasks assigned to it, resulting in slower system performance. Similarly, a GPU bottleneck occurs when the GPU becomes the limiting factor, affecting graphics rendering and overall visual performance.
Identifying and addressing bottlenecks is crucial for optimizing system performance and ensuring a smooth computing experience. By understanding the concept of bottlenecks and the specific components involved, users can take appropriate measures to fix bottlenecks and improve their PC’s performance.
How Bottlenecks Affect Your PC Performance
Bottlenecks can significantly impact the performance of your PC, leading to slower processing speeds and decreased overall system performance. When a bottleneck occurs, the affected component becomes the limiting factor, affecting the performance of the entire system.
A CPU bottleneck can result in slower application loading times, decreased multitasking capabilities, and reduced overall system responsiveness. Tasks that require intensive CPU processing, such as running software programs or operating system functions, may experience delays and slowdowns.
Similarly, a GPU bottleneck can lead to laggy graphics, decreased frame rates, and reduced visual quality. Gaming performance may suffer, with choppy gameplay and lower graphics settings.
Bottlenecks can also impact power consumption, as the affected component may require more power to handle the workload. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher operating costs.
Advancements in CPU technology, such as increased clock speeds and the introduction of multi-core processors, have helped alleviate bottlenecks and improve overall system performance. However, it is essential to identify and address bottlenecks to ensure optimal performance and maximize the capabilities of your PC.
Identifying a Bottleneck in Your PC
Identifying a bottleneck in your PC is crucial for understanding the root cause of performance issues and taking appropriate measures to fix it. Several diagnostic tools and performance metrics can help determine whether a CPU or GPU bottleneck is affecting your system.
One way to identify bottlenecks is by using diagnostic tools that provide real-time monitoring of CPU and GPU usage. These tools can display performance metrics such as CPU and GPU utilization, temperature, and clock speeds. By analyzing these metrics, users can identify if the CPU or GPU is consistently operating at maximum capacity, indicating a potential bottleneck.
Benchmarking software can also be useful in identifying bottlenecks. These programs run intensive tests on the CPU and GPU, measuring their performance under different workloads. By comparing benchmark scores to standardized results, users can determine if their CPU or GPU performance is below average, indicating a potential bottleneck.
Another method to identify bottlenecks is by monitoring application-specific performance metrics. This involves analyzing frame rates, rendering times, and overall performance in specific applications or games. If certain tasks or games consistently perform poorly despite having sufficient hardware, it may indicate a bottleneck.
Additionally, users can analyze system resource usage using built-in performance monitoring tools in the operating system. These tools can provide insights into CPU and GPU utilization, memory usage, and disk activity, helping identify potential bottlenecks.
By utilizing diagnostic tools, performance metrics, and application-specific analysis, users can identify whether a CPU or GPU bottleneck is affecting their PC’s performance. Once identified, appropriate measures can be taken to address the bottleneck and optimize system performance.
Tools and Methods for Diagnosing Bottlenecks
Several software programs and methods can help diagnose bottlenecks in your PC and determine whether the CPU or GPU is the limiting factor.
Diagnostic software, such as CPU-Z and GPU-Z, provides detailed information about the CPU and GPU, including clock speeds, core count, and other relevant specifications. These tools can help identify if the CPU or GPU is operating at its maximum potential or if there are any hardware issues.
Performance monitoring software, such as MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor, can display real-time CPU and GPU usage, temperature, and clock speeds. By analyzing these metrics during intensive tasks or gaming sessions, users can identify if the CPU or GPU is consistently operating at maximum capacity, indicating a potential bottleneck.
Benchmarking software, such as 3DMark or Cinebench, can run intensive tests on the CPU and GPU, measuring their performance under different workloads. These benchmarks provide scores that can be compared to standardized results, helping identify if the CPU or GPU performance is below average, indicating a potential bottleneck.
Analyzing system resource usage using built-in performance monitoring tools in the operating system, such as Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac), can provide insights into CPU and GPU utilization, memory usage, and disk activity. These tools can help identify potential bottlenecks and determine if the CPU or GPU is the limiting factor.
By utilizing these tools and methods, users can diagnose bottlenecks in their PC and determine if the CPU or GPU is causing performance issues. This information is crucial for taking appropriate measures to address the bottleneck and improve system performance.
Symptoms of CPU and GPU Bottlenecks
Identifying the symptoms of CPU and GPU bottlenecks can help users determine if their PC is affected by these performance issues.
One common symptom of a CPU bottleneck is high CPU usage. When the CPU is unable to keep up with the workload demanded by the system, it may operate at maximum capacity, resulting in high CPU usage percentages.
In the case of a GPU bottleneck, symptoms may include decreased frame rates in games, laggy graphics, and reduced visual quality. The GPU may struggle to render complex graphics, resulting in choppy gameplay and lower graphics settings.
Another symptom of both CPU and GPU bottlenecks is increased processing time for tasks that require intensive CPU or GPU processing. Tasks such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and data analysis may take longer to complete, indicating a bottleneck.
By identifying these symptoms, users can determine if their PC is affected by CPU or GPU bottlenecks. Once identified, appropriate measures can be taken to address the bottleneck and optimize system performance.
Solving CPU Bottlenecks
Fixing a CPU bottleneck involves addressing the limitations of the CPU and optimizing its performance. Here are some solutions for solving CPU bottlenecks:
- CPU Upgrade: Upgrading the CPU to a more powerful model with a higher core count and faster clock speed can significantly improve system performance. Researching the best CPU options for your specific needs and budget is crucial.
- Overclocking: Increasing the CPU’s clock speed through overclocking can provide a performance boost. However, this should be done with caution and a proper understanding of the risks involved, as it can lead to increased heat generation and potential stability issues.
- Optimizing CPU Settings: Adjusting CPU settings such as power management, virtual memory, and cache settings can help improve performance. Increasing the amount of virtual memory can provide more space for the CPU to store data, while optimizing cache settings can enhance data access speeds.
- Balancing Workloads: Distributing tasks evenly across multiple cores can help alleviate CPU bottlenecks. This can be achieved by using software that allows for thread affinity, ensuring that each core is utilized effectively.
- Upgrading System RAM: Increasing the amount of RAM in your system can help alleviate CPU bottlenecks, as it provides more memory for the CPU to store and retrieve data quickly.
When solving CPU bottlenecks, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your system and the tasks you perform. Proper research and understanding of the CPU’s capabilities and limitations are essential for effectively addressing bottlenecks and optimizing system performance.
Upgrading Your CPU
Upgrading your CPU is a viable solution for addressing CPU bottlenecks and improving system performance. When considering a CPU upgrade, it is important to research and choose the best CPU for your specific needs and budget.
Both Intel and AMD offer a range of CPUs suitable for different use cases. Intel Core processors are known for their strong single-core performance, making them well-suited for tasks that rely heavily on single-threaded performance, such as gaming. AMD Ryzen processors, on the other hand, offer excellent multi-core performance at a more affordable price point, making them ideal for tasks that require extensive multi-threading, such as content creation and video editing.
When upgrading your CPU, it is important to ensure compatibility with your motherboard and other system components. Researching the specific requirements and limitations of your system is crucial to avoid potential compatibility issues.
Optimizing CPU Settings and Processes
Optimizing CPU settings and processes can help alleviate CPU bottlenecks and improve overall system performance. Here are some optimization techniques:
- Virtual Memory: Increasing the size of the virtual memory can provide more space for the CPU to store data. This can help prevent memory-related bottlenecks and improve performance.
- Instruction Cycle Optimization: Analyzing and optimizing the instruction cycle, which represents the sequence of steps performed by the CPU to execute instructions, can help improve overall processing speed and efficiency.
- Cache Optimization: Optimizing cache memory, which is a small and fast memory unit located within the CPU, can significantly improve data access speeds. Adjusting cache size and settings based on specific workloads can help maximize performance.
- Task Prioritization: Prioritizing CPU-intensive tasks or setting affinity to specific CPU cores can help distribute the workload more efficiently and prevent bottlenecks.
By optimizing CPU settings and processes, users can alleviate CPU bottlenecks and improve system performance. Experimenting with different settings and techniques while monitoring performance metrics can help identify the most effective optimizations for your specific system and workload.
Addressing GPU Bottlenecks
Addressing GPU bottlenecks involves optimizing the GPU’s performance and ensuring it can handle the demands placed on it. Here are some solutions for addressing GPU bottlenecks:
- Graphics Settings Optimization: Adjusting graphics settings in games and applications can help reduce the GPU workload and improve performance. Lowering settings such as resolution, texture quality, and anti-aliasing can alleviate GPU bottlenecks.
- GPU Upgrade: Upgrading the GPU to a more powerful model with higher core counts and more video memory can significantly improve graphics performance. Researching the best GPU options for your specific needs and budget is crucial.
- Overclocking: Overclocking the GPU can provide a performance boost by increasing its clock speed. However, caution should be exercised, as overclocking can potentially lead to increased heat and stability issues.
- Video Memory Optimization: Adjusting video memory allocation and settings can help optimize GPU performance. Increasing the amount of video memory available to the GPU can prevent memory-related bottlenecks.
- Driver Updates: Keeping GPU drivers up to date is important for optimal performance. Updating to the latest drivers can provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements.
When addressing GPU bottlenecks, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your system and the graphics-intensive tasks you perform. Proper research and understanding of the GPU’s capabilities and limitations are essential for effectively addressing bottlenecks and optimizing system performance.
Upgrading Your GPU
Upgrading your GPU is a viable solution for addressing GPU bottlenecks and improving graphics performance. When considering a GPU upgrade, it is important to research and choose the best GPU for your specific needs and budget.
High-end GPUs, such as those from NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX series or AMD’s Radeon RX series, offer top-of-the-line performance and are suitable for demanding graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and professional applications. These GPUs feature advanced technologies such as ray tracing and DLSS, which can enhance visual quality and performance.
When upgrading your GPU, it is important to ensure compatibility with your motherboard and power supply. Researching the specific requirements and limitations of your system is crucial to avoid potential compatibility issues and ensure a smooth upgrade process.
Tweaking Graphics Settings for Better Performance
Tweaking graphics settings can significantly improve GPU performance and alleviate GPU bottlenecks. By adjusting settings such as resolution, texture quality, and frame rate, users can optimize their graphics settings for better performance without sacrificing visual quality.
Lowering the resolution can reduce the GPU workload and improve frame rates. Decreasing texture quality can also have a noticeable impact on performance, as it reduces the amount of data the GPU needs to process. Adjusting other settings such as anti-aliasing, shadows, and reflections can further optimize performance.
Monitoring FPS (Frames Per Second) and adjusting the frame rate limit based on the capabilities of your display can also help improve performance. Matching the frame rate to the refresh rate of the monitor can result in smoother gameplay and better overall performance.
Optimizing graphics settings requires experimentation and finding the right balance between performance and visual quality. By tweaking these settings, users can achieve better GPU performance and alleviate GPU bottlenecks.
Balancing CPU and GPU Performance
Balancing CPU and GPU performance is crucial for achieving optimal hardware balance and maximizing gaming performance. A well-balanced CPU-GPU combo ensures that neither component becomes a bottleneck, leading to smoother gameplay and better overall system performance.
When selecting a CPU and GPU combination, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the games or applications you intend to run. Different tasks may rely more heavily on CPU or GPU performance, so finding the right balance is key.
For gaming, a balanced CPU-GPU combo ensures that the CPU can keep up with the demands of the GPU, allowing for smooth frame rates and reduced input lag. CPU-intensive games may benefit from a high-performance CPU, while graphics-intensive games may require a powerful GPU.
Additionally, considering the resolution and refresh rate of your monitor is essential for hardware balance. Higher resolutions and faster refresh rates demand more GPU power, while lower resolutions and refresh rates may place more emphasis on CPU performance.
Balancing CPU and GPU performance also involves considering other system components, such as RAM and storage. Sufficient memory capacity and fast storage can further enhance overall system performance and prevent bottlenecks.
Finding the Right CPU-GPU Combo
Choosing the right CPU-GPU combo is crucial in optimizing your PC’s performance and avoiding bottlenecks. The number of processor cores and the capabilities of your graphics card play a significant role in determining the overall performance of your system, especially when it comes to gaming.
For gaming purposes, it is generally recommended to have a balanced CPU-GPU combo. This means that neither the CPU nor the GPU should be significantly more powerful than the other. If the CPU is too weak compared to the GPU, it can become a bottleneck and limit the performance of the graphics card. Conversely, if the GPU is too powerful compared to the CPU, the CPU may not be able to keep up with the graphics card’s demands, resulting in a CPU bottleneck.
When selecting a CPU, consider the number of cores and the clock speed. More cores generally result in better multitasking and overall performance. For gaming, a quad-core CPU or higher is recommended. Additionally, a higher clock speed will allow the CPU to process instructions faster.
The graphics card is equally important. Look for a graphics card with sufficient VRAM and processing power to handle the games you want to play. Research the minimum and recommended system requirements for the games you play to ensure that your CPU-GPU combo is up to the task.
Adjusting Game Settings and Resolution
Adjusting game settings and resolution can help optimize your PC’s performance and reduce the strain on the CPU and GPU. By finding the right balance between visual quality and performance, you can prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth gaming experience. Here are some tips for adjusting game settings and resolution:
- Lower the graphics settings: Reduce the settings for details such as textures, shadows, and anti-aliasing. This can significantly lighten the workload on the GPU.
- Optimize resolution: Lowering the resolution can improve performance, as the GPU has to render fewer pixels. However, keep in mind that lower resolutions may result in a less crisp image.
- Adjust aspect ratio: If your monitor supports different aspect ratios, consider using a lower one. This can further reduce the number of pixels the GPU needs to render.
- Disable unnecessary effects: Some effects, such as motion blur or depth of field, can be taxing on the CPU and GPU. Disabling these effects can improve performance.
Remember to experiment with different settings to find the right balance between performance and visual quality for your specific system and preferences.
Preventing Future Bottlenecks
To prevent future bottlenecks and ensure optimal performance, it’s important to regularly monitor your hardware, keep your drivers up to date, and perform routine system maintenance.
Regular hardware monitoring and maintenance can help you identify any potential issues with your CPU or GPU before they become serious problems. Monitoring the temperature of your components, such as using software like HWMonitor or SpeedFan, can help you identify if your CPU or GPU is running too hot, which can lead to performance issues. Ensure that your system has proper cooling and clean any dust buildup regularly.
Keeping your drivers up to date is also crucial for optimal performance. Graphics card drivers, in particular, are regularly updated to improve compatibility and performance. Check the manufacturer’s website or use software like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to ensure that you have the latest drivers installed.
System maintenance, such as cleaning up temporary files, optimizing startup programs, and performing regular malware scans, can also help improve overall performance. Use tools like Windows Disk Cleanup or third-party software like CCleaner to clean up unnecessary files and optimize your system.
By regularly monitoring your hardware, keeping your drivers up to date, and performing routine system maintenance, you can help prevent future bottlenecks and ensure that your PC is running at its best.
Regular Hardware Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular hardware monitoring is essential to ensure the health and performance of your PC. One important aspect of hardware monitoring is temperature monitoring. Overheating can lead to decreased performance, system instability, and even hardware damage. Tools such as HWMonitor, SpeedFan, or MSI Afterburner can provide real-time temperature readings for your CPU and GPU.
In addition to temperature monitoring, it’s important to regularly check the overall health of your PC. This includes monitoring the usage and performance of the CPU, GPU, RAM, and hard drives. Windows Task Manager or third-party tools like CPU-Z and GPU-Z can provide valuable insights into the performance of these components.
Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning dust from the CPU and GPU heatsinks, as well as ensuring proper airflow in the system, can help prevent overheating and performance issues. Also, make sure to keep your motherboard’s BIOS and firmware up to date to take advantage of any performance optimizations or bug fixes provided by the manufacturer.
By regularly monitoring the temperature and health of your PC, and performing routine maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your system is running smoothly and prevent potential bottlenecks.
Staying Updated with Latest Drivers and Software
Staying updated with the latest drivers and software is crucial for optimizing the performance of your CPU and GPU.
Driver updates, especially for graphics cards, often include performance optimizations and bug fixes that can improve the overall performance of your system. Graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD regularly release driver updates that address compatibility issues, enhance game performance, and introduce new features. Be sure to check for updates regularly through the manufacturer’s website or use software like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to ensure that you have the latest drivers installed.
Software optimization is also important. Game developers often release patches and updates that improve performance and fix bugs. Keeping your games up to date ensures that you’re running the most optimized version, minimizing the risk of encountering performance issues or bottlenecks.
Finally, keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for overall system stability and performance. Operating system updates often include important security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Regularly check for updates and install them to ensure that your system is running the latest version.
By staying updated with the latest drivers and software, you can take advantage of performance optimizations and ensure that your CPU and GPU are running at their best.
How to Fix CPU and GPU Bottleneck?
When experiencing performance issues like a dim scene in games, it could be due to either a CPU or GPU bottleneck. To address this, you need to identify which component is causing the issue. Use monitoring software such as Prime 95 (also a CPU stress test tool), MSI Afterburner, or HWiNFO.
First, download and install one of these tools on your PC. Open the software while gaming to monitor your system’s components. If you notice that the CPU usage is high while the GPU usage is low, you have a CPU bottleneck, meaning the game relies more on the processor. Conversely, if the GPU usage is high and the CPU usage is low, you have a GPU bottleneck, indicating the game depends more on the graphics card. Once you determine the type of bottleneck, you can work on balancing the performance of both the CPU and GPU to resolve the issue.
How to Fix CPU Bottleneck?
Solution – 1. Increase Game Resolution
If you have a CPU bottleneck, it means your processor can’t keep up with your GPU. To address this, you can slow down your graphics card to match the CPU’s pace by increasing the game’s graphics settings to a higher resolution, like 4K. This increases the workload on the GPU, making it take more time to render the high-resolution images.
Conversely, if you have a GPU bottleneck, you can increase the CPU’s workload to slow it down. Generally, ensuring that both the GPU and CPU operate at normal speeds will reduce the likelihood of encountering a bottleneck.
Solution – 2. Close Unnecessary Background Processes
Solution 1 to address a bottleneck issue is to reduce the amount of data waiting to be processed. This way, the bottlenecked component doesn’t have to operate at high speeds to meet demands.
Another method to handle a bottleneck is by decreasing the workload of the bottlenecked component. For instance, if you have a CPU bottleneck, you can end unnecessary background processes in Task Manager. This can lead to a significant increase in game FPS.
Solution – 3. Lower In-game CPU-related Settings
Similarly, reducing the CPU workload in a game can lower the chance of experiencing a CPU bottleneck. To achieve this, you can lower in-game settings that are CPU-intensive, which is especially effective for CPU-heavy games. These settings include reducing draw distance, turning off music and sound effects, and lowering video settings.
Solution – 4. Overclock CPU
Overclocking the CPU means making the processor run at a speed higher than its manufacturer’s specified limit. This allows the CPU to process data much faster, reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks.
Solution – 5. Overclock RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) significantly impacts CPU performance as it is directly involved in the CPU’s processing tasks. Therefore, overclocking the RAM can also enhance the processor’s performance.
How to Fix GPU Bottleneck?
Unlike a CPU bottleneck, there are fewer solutions for a GPU bottleneck. Possible fixes include lowering graphics settings, overclocking the GPU and RAM, or upgrading the GPU. However, experiencing a GPU bottleneck is somewhat better than a CPU bottleneck, as it usually doesn’t cause screen glitches or stuttering.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding and addressing CPU and GPU bottlenecks are crucial for optimizing your PC’s performance. By diagnosing and resolving these bottlenecks through upgrades, optimizations, and monitoring, you can ensure a smoother gaming or computing experience. Balancing CPU and GPU performance, staying updated with the latest hardware and software, and practicing regular maintenance are key to preventing future bottlenecks. With the right strategies in place, you can maximize the potential of your PC and enjoy seamless operation without performance limitations.
FAQ:
What is a Good CPU to GPU Usage Ratio?
The ideal CPU to GPU usage ratio depends on the specific workload and applications you are running. In general, it is recommended to aim for a balanced usage between the CPU and GPU to maximize performance. However, different tasks may require different levels of CPU or GPU usage. Monitoring the CPU and GPU usage while performing different tasks can help you determine the optimal ratio for your specific workload.
Can Overclocking Reduce Bottlenecks?
Overclocking, which involves increasing the clock speed of the CPU or GPU, can potentially reduce bottlenecks by increasing their performance. However, it is important to note that overclocking can also increase power consumption and heat generation, which may require better cooling solutions and can impact system stability. Overclocking should be done cautiously and with proper knowledge to avoid damaging your components or compromising stability.
How Often Should I Upgrade My PC to Avoid Bottlenecks?
The frequency of upgrading your PC to avoid bottlenecks depends on various factors, including your specific needs, budget, and the pace of hardware advancements. As technology advances rapidly, it is generally recommended to upgrade your PC every 3-4 years to stay up to date with the latest CPU and GPU technologies. However, if your current system meets your requirements and runs the latest software and games smoothly, there may not be a need for frequent upgrades.
Is It Better to Have a CPU or GPU Bottleneck?
Ideally, it is best to have a balanced CPU and GPU usage to maximize gaming performance and avoid bottlenecks. However, if you have to choose between a CPU or GPU bottleneck, it is generally better to have a GPU bottleneck. GPU-bound scenarios can often be optimized by adjusting game settings, resolution, or upgrading the graphics card, while CPU-bound scenarios may require a more significant system upgrade.