I'm currently hitting around 200 FPS in Valorant, with some drops to about 170 FPS. I'm trying to understand if the limitations I'm facing are due to my GPU, CPU, or if there's something else in my system causing the issue.
I play at 1080p (Full HD) with all graphics settings on low. Since I'm planning to upgrade to a 240Hz monitor, I want to ensure I can achieve higher FPS. Considering my current setup, what is likely causing the bottleneck and what should I prioritize upgrading first? Here are my specs:
• Intel i7-10700K
• MSI Z490 WiFi
• 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200
• Samsung 970 EVO 1TB NVMe
• RTX 2080 Ti (used)
• 850W PSU
5 Answers
I agree, with low graphics settings, it's likely a CPU limit. My setup with a 13400F can maintain around 150 FPS, so consider that when evaluating your CPU.
Valorant is known to be quite CPU-intensive, and since you’re running it at low settings, I think your CPU might be the bottleneck here. You can check whether it’s your CPU or GPU by using the Nvidia App’s Overlay to monitor their usage during gameplay. Just enable the Advanced Statistics to see the utilization rates for both components.
You might want to consider upgrading your GPU. An AMD 6800 could provide a nice boost in performance if you're looking for higher FPS.
You should also try using Intel presentmon to monitor GPU load. If your GPU isn't busy while you're gaming, then that’s a clear sign your CPU is the one slowing things down.
If your GPU isn't hitting near 100% usage while playing, then it's likely that your CPU is holding you back. Your specs look pretty balanced, but in games like Valorant, the CPU can be more crucial, especially with lower graphics presets.

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