The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best CPU and GPU Combo in 2023

TLDRStop buying bad CPU and GPU combos. Learn how to choose the best CPU and GPU combination for gaming and productivity in 2023. Understand bottlenecking, prioritize vram, and optimize performance based on your budget.

Key insights

🔑Bottlenecking occurs when one component limits overall system performance. Balance CPU and GPU to avoid bottlenecks.

💻Consider the amount of vram on your GPU, as it impacts gaming performance and future-proofing.

⏲️Upgrade the part that is bottlenecking your performance. Prioritize GPU for gaming and CPU for productivity workloads.

💸Maximize GPU performance within your budget. Opt for at least 8GB of vram and consider future GPU releases.

🎮Choose the CPU and GPU combo that matches your gaming needs and software requirements for productivity workloads.

Q&A

What is bottlenecking?

Bottlenecking occurs when one component, usually the CPU or GPU, limits the performance of the entire system. Upgrading the bottlenecking component can increase overall performance.

Should I prioritize CPU or GPU for gaming?

In gaming, the GPU is usually the bottleneck. Prioritize getting a powerful GPU within your budget to maximize FPS.

How much vram do I need?

For future-proofing and running AAA titles on release, aim for at least 8GB of vram on your GPU.

How do I choose the best CPU and GPU combo for productivity workloads?

Consider the specific software requirements of your workloads. Some programs prioritize CPU cores, while others rely more on GPU performance.

Should I invest more in CPU or GPU?

Allocate your budget based on your priorities. If gaming is your main focus, invest more in the GPU. For productivity workloads, prioritize a CPU with sufficient cores and threads.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the importance of choosing the right CPU and GPU combo.

03:58Explanation of bottlenecking and its impact on system performance.

09:59Considerations for GPU vram and its role in gaming performance.

12:59Optimizing CPU and GPU selection based on specific workloads and budget constraints.

16:32Guidelines for choosing the right CPU and GPU combo at different budget levels.

23:15Discussion on future-proofing and considerations for upgrading components.

25:45Conclusion and final recommendations for selecting the best CPU and GPU combination.