What the FPS estimate means.

1. Measured GPU anchors

Each current GPU has measured average raster FPS anchors for 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. The anchors come from the Tom's Hardware 2026 GPU hierarchy, which uses a Ryzen 7 9800X3D test system, 32GB DDR5-6000, and a multi-game suite at a mix of high and ultra settings.

2. Game and CPU modeling

The selected game applies a workload factor and a CPU-sensitivity factor to that measured GPU anchor. Competitive games receive more CPU sensitivity; demanding cinematic games remain more GPU-sensitive. CPU adjustments are scaled down at 1440p and 4K because those resolutions generally move more work to the GPU.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the reference CPU because it is used in the current GPU testbed. Relative CPU adjustments are informed by independent gaming tests such as GamersNexus' multi-game processor review.

3. Why a range, not one number

A single game can vary substantially between maps, scenes, patches, drivers, and background tasks. BuildFPS therefore applies a wider uncertainty band to competitive titles and a smaller—but still meaningful—band to GPU-heavy games. The displayed 1% low is also a modeled range, not a directly captured frame-time run.

4. Confidence and limitations

• Medium confidence means the GPU anchor is measured but the exact game/CPU combination is modeled.
• Factory-overclocked cards, power limits, thermals, memory tuning, and operating-system changes are not modeled individually.
• Game updates can invalidate old relationships, so workload factors need periodic review.
• Affiliate commission never changes performance scores, compatibility results, or uncertainty ranges.