Here are 6 real ways to avoid bottlenecks on your gaming PC

Bottlenecks can be a scary word for novice PC builders as they conjure up visions of limited performance and abnormal PC behavior in their minds. However, it is not difficult to avoid bottlenecks when building a gaming PC. The key is to build a balanced PC without skimping where it matters most.

Additionally, you should look at bottlenecks from a holistic perspective instead of just focusing on your CPU and GPU. Any component of your PC (even software) can become a bottleneck. Therefore, it's helpful to take a step back and make sure you're avoiding components that you'll soon regret purchasing later.

6 Keep an eye out for software updates

Having the latest OS version and drivers can be a godsend

You might think that bottlenecks only exist on the hardware side, but software also plays a crucial role. From your Windows 11 build and driver versions to background processes and malware, numerous things can invisibly affect your PC's performance. A recent example of this was the huge increase in gaming performance that the Windows 11 24H2 update brought to both Intel and AMD systems.

From your Windows 11 build and driver versions to background processes and malware, numerous things can invisibly affect your PC's performance.

You might also know what drivers Nvidia and AMD release on the first day a popular new game is released. These specially optimized drivers will, in most cases, give you the best chance of maximizing your FPS in these specific titles. However, I don't recommend blindly opting for every single operating system or driver update considering the system-damaging errors that could accompany these updates.

The right balance can be found by waiting some time after a new Windows update or driver version is released. Pay attention to the response from other users on Reddit or coverage from renowned authors and publications. If everything seems fine, update your system to benefit from the performance increase.

5 Don't block yourself from future upgrades

Try to buy forward-looking hardware

Bottlenecks don’t just have to exist on your existing facility; They may also raise their heads in the near future. When choosing components for a new gaming rig, try not to limit your upgrade path in terms of processor platform, GPU support, or physical compatibility for other components. For example, building an AM4-based gaming PC isn't the best move right now, considering the newer AM5 socket is available and AMD promises to support it until at least 2027.

You can also limit a future processor upgrade by purchasing a motherboard with an entry-level chipset that doesn't have the performance capabilities of a more powerful processor. It may even not have a faster memory kit, lack support for a newer generation SSD, or lack CPU overclocking support.

Even a PC case that isn't big enough to accommodate a larger graphics card or cooler can become a major bottleneck.

Another way to make upgrades to your gaming PC difficult is to purchase a poorly equipped power supply or CPU cooler. Even a PC case that isn't big enough to accommodate a larger graphics card or cooler can become a major bottleneck. Such decisions can prevent you from easily switching to a new CPU or graphics card later unless you also replace the problematic components. The solution is to opt for mid-range components instead of the cheapest options.

4 Don't skimp on RAM

Slower memory can affect performance

Even if you build a DDR5-based gaming PC, it can still happen that the RAM is slower than you need. Considering that DDR5 memory speeds start at around 4,800 MT/s, compared to the 3,600 MT/s kits that most DDR4 PCs had, some newer manufacturers might just get a cheap DDR5 kit and call it a day. This can significantly affect your PC's gaming performance.

In fact, you can end up sacrificing up to 20-30% FPS if you buy a kit rated for 4,800 MT/s CL40 instead of 6,000 MT/s CL30. The latter is generally considered the sweet spot for modern gaming CPUs. Perhaps the most important reason not to buy the cheapest RAM you can find is that you won't save more than about $20 to $30 on a 32GB kit. If that's all that's stopping you from reaching your PC's maximum gaming performance, get the faster kit with your eyes closed.

3 Choose a fast and capacious SSD

Storage can be a bottleneck in several ways

Memory may be closely related to your gaming FPS, but memory can also make or break your experience. First, a slower SSD not only affects in-game load times, but also causes the PC to slow down overall. Your SSD is responsible for providing the GPU with the necessary textures as you explore gaming environments. A faster NVMe SSD makes this process much smoother and prevents storage-related stutters and glitches.

A more obvious way that your SSD can become a bottleneck is that it is too small. An SSD with only 240GB or 500GB capacity can fill up quickly and prevent you from installing multiple games on your drive at the same time. This can lead to frustration and regret if you have the habit of playing multiple AAA games in parallel.

An SSD with only 240GB or 500GB capacity can fill up quickly and prevent you from installing multiple games on your drive at the same time.

Sometimes manufacturers resort to cheap, low-quality SSDs like the WD Green models, which can often slow down your system extremely. A simple rule of thumb is to purchase a 1TB or 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for your PC. Check out our best gaming SSDs if you need help.

2 Don't hinder your GPU

A powerful CPU is more important than ever

By now, every PC manufacturer probably knows that the graphics card is not the sole factor in a PC's gaming performance. The CPU is becoming more and more important, and not just in simulation games where the processor takes on the majority of the load. Even in story-driven single-player AAA titles, more and more games are using more than the often mentioned 6 CPU cores.

An even better choice would be one of the Ryzen X3D processors, which are currently at the top of all gaming benchmarks.

Therefore, it is important that you do not waste your entire budget on your graphics card and choose a budget CPU as a compromise. An easy way out of this dilemma is to purchase a 6-core processor of the latest or previous generation. However, you should try to buy an 8-core chip if your budget allows it. An even better choice would be one of the Ryzen X3D processors, which are currently at the top of all gaming benchmarks. If gaming is your only priority, these chips offer more than adequate value for money.

1 Get a gaming monitor your PC deserves

It can be one of the biggest bottlenecks

Your monitor is often the biggest bottleneck on your gaming PC, stopping you from enjoying the great gaming experience your PC offers. Say you have an RTX 4070 Super and a Ryzen 5 7600 on your DDR5 gaming PC, but only a 60Hz or even a cheap 144Hz monitor. You won't get the most out of your PC experience.

A high-quality IPS or OLED panel can deliver stunning colors, responsive images, a great HDR experience and buttery-smooth gameplay.

Upgrading your monitor is about many things, but the most important ones are size, resolution, refresh rate and panel type. A high-quality IPS or OLED panel can deliver stunning colors, responsive images, a great HDR experience and buttery-smooth gameplay. Plus, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great gaming monitor. You can get excellent IPS monitors from reliable brands for around $300 or even less.

Don't worry about shortages

There are PC bottlenecks that, in extreme cases, can result in a lot of gaming performance being lost. However, you don't have to worry too much about it as long as you make an informed decision when choosing PC components. Don't skimp on the core components like CPU, GPU and RAM. Also, try to get a mid-range motherboard, a spacious and modern SSD, a powerful power supply and a future-proof case. Finally, your monitor should be good enough to display your games the way they are meant to be experienced. Once you've ticked these boxes, you can be confident that you've minimized the bottlenecks on your new gaming PC.