How do I identify a bottleneck?

[bluecew]

I have MSI Afterburner on and currently monitoring my CPU/GPU usage and RAM usage. I want to see if there is a bottleneck in my system but I don't really know how to analyze the usages. An explanation to usages would be helpful, thanks!

[gloop]

I believe there is no such thing as a bottleneck. 
 

For example, what do you use the system for? If you use it for games, check what usage the CPU, GPU and RAM are at, and then upgrade accordingly. 
 

if the GPU is at 95% and the CPU 40%, then the most obvious option would be to upgrade the GPU. 

[Haro]

A Bottleneck occures if either the cpu or the GPU can't keep up with the other component leading to the stronger component to slow down so it's more even 

If for e.g the cpu is at a way like WAY less usage than the GPU or the other way around the it's a Bottleneck

[bluecew]

Just now, TofuHaroto said:

A Bottleneck occures if either the cpu or the GPU can't keep up with the other component leading to the stronger component to slow down so it's more even 

If for e.g the cpu is at a way like WAY less usage than the GPU or the other way around the it's a Bottleneck

For example in one game, my GPU usage is always above 90% and CPU usage is always above 60%, is that bottlenecked?

[Haro]

3 minutes ago, bluecew said:

For example in one game, my GPU usage is always above 90% and CPU usage is always above 60%, is that bottlenecked?

No it's not 

In some games it's more GPU intensive than cpu 

A Bottleneck would be if one of them is PINNED at 100 all the times and one is at like 30 that would be a Bottleneck

[bluecew]

1 minute ago, TofuHaroto said:

No it's not 

In some games it's more GPU intensive than cpu 

A Bottleneck you be if one of them is PINNED at 100 all the times and one is at like 30 that would be a Bottleneck

Ah thanks, that's what I wanted to hear. Great explanation!

[xAcid9]

There's always a bottleneck somewhere or else your games will be running at gazillions fps. 

[Haro]

Just now, xAcid9 said:

There's always a bottleneck somewhere or else your games will be running at gazillions fps. 

That is "technically" true but it's not the Bottleneck that would actually matter