What the calculator can do (and can't)
The estimate is based on a curated CPU and GPU table for CS2 as a reference, combined with resolution and game multipliers. For other titles, relative factors are applied that reflect real benchmarks — e.g. Valorant runs CPU-lighter than CS2, Warzone significantly more demanding. Engine caps (Apex 300, Rocket League 250, GTA V 187, Overwatch 2 600) are taken into account automatically.
Accuracy is typically ±15%. What shifts the value:
- RAM speed: AM5 with slow 5200 DDR5 loses ~10% vs. 6000 EXPO
- Background apps: Discord, browser, OBS stream — easily -50 FPS
- Map / scene / situation: Mirage mid with four smokes eats FPS, empty Dust2 doesn't. Squad wipe in Warzone vs. solo loot run = double the difference.
- Settings beyond Low/Medium: most competitive players run Low — higher settings noticeably push GPU load up
- Windows power plan, driver version, BIOS: can move things another ±5-10%
If the calculator says "600 FPS" and you measure 480, you're in the normal scatter. More accuracy only comes from a real in-game benchmark — most games have an FPS counter in the menu, in CS2 e.g. with cl_showfps 1 or generally with cq_netgraph 1.
When does which upgrade pay off?
CPU bottleneck: You have a sweet-spot setup for most esports titles (CS2, Valorant, Apex, OW2, R6). More GPU power buys you little here — the bottleneck is CPU compute. An upgrade only pays off when you switch to an X3D class (5800X3D / 7800X3D / 9800X3D) or Intel 13th/14th gen.
GPU bottleneck: Your GPU brakes — relevant at 1440p/4K or graphics-heavy titles (Cyberpunk, Warzone, Battlefield, Marvel Rivals, Fortnite with effects). For competitive titles at 1080p Low, almost any GPU from the last 4 years is enough.
Engine cap reached: You're hitting the game's FPS cap. Apex at 300, Rocket League at 250, GTA V at 187 — for some games you can raise it via console or config file, for others it's hardcoded. Hardware upgrade buys you nothing then.