The Core Principle
Instead of claiming exact benchmark results that vary wildly by driver version, OS settings, background processes, and scene complexity, we give you honest ranges: minimum, average, and maximum FPS — plus a 1% Low for frametime stability.
Hardware Tier System
Every CPU and GPU in our database is assigned a performance tier from very-low to enthusiast. Tiers are derived from real gaming benchmark aggregates and relative performance indices.
| Tier | CPU Examples | GPU Examples | Avg FPS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Low | Core 2 Duo, Atom | Intel HD 2000, GT 710 | ~8 |
| Low | i3-3xxx, Pentium G | Intel HD 4000, GT 1030 | ~20 |
| Entry | i5-4xxx, Ryzen 3 1xxx | GTX 1050, RX 560 | ~45 |
| Mid | i5-9600K, Ryzen 5 3600 | GTX 1660, RX 5600 XT | ~75 |
| Upper Mid | i7-10700, Ryzen 7 5800X | RTX 3060 Ti, RX 6700 XT | ~115 |
| High | i9-12900K, Ryzen 9 7900X | RTX 4070, RX 7800 XT | ~165 |
| Enthusiast | i9-14900KS, Ryzen 9 7950X | RTX 4090, RX 7900 XTX | ~240 |
FPS Calculation Model
The base FPS calculation combines CPU and GPU constraints, then applies scaling penalties:
- Resolution Multiplier: 720p (×1.35), 1080p (×1.0), 1440p (×0.68), 4K (×0.38)
- Preset Multiplier: Low (×1.30), Medium (×1.0), High (×0.75), Ultra (×0.55)
- RAM Penalties: Below game minimum (-25%), 8GB on modern title (-10%), Single-channel mode (-12%)
- VRAM Penalties: Severe penalty when VRAM capacity is less than required texture pool
Compatibility Verdicts
Our system evaluates every component against the game publisher's minimum and recommended hardware sheets:
Can't Run
Hardware falls critically short of minimum specs.
Runs Poorly
Meets minimum but will experience sub-30 FPS or severe stutter.
Playable
Solid 30–50 FPS with reasonable visual quality.
Good
Consistent 50–75 FPS on medium/high settings.
Great / Excellent
Smooth 75–120+ FPS on high/ultra settings.
Bottleneck Analysis
Bottlenecks occur when one component operates significantly slower than another, preventing the faster component from reaching its potential. We calculate load distribution across CPU vs GPU pipelines.
Upgrade Advisor
Our Upgrade Advisor detects your system's single greatest limiting factor (e.g., VRAM shortage vs single-channel RAM vs CPU core deficit) and models the exact expected FPS gains before you spend money.