Premium processor paired with basic graphics card.
Premium processor paired with basic graphics card.
With bottleneck he means the GPU will hinder the CPU performance. Lets say the CPU would be able to perform 100fps with the best GPU on the market. The 260X for example can only perform at 60fps, that means a whole 40fps was possible on the CPU, but not on the GPU. Causing a bottleneck at the GPU. With 'ruin' he doesn't mean it will break it, he means that you are better off spending less on the CPU and more on the GPU (For example go for an i5 6600K and RX 480). This is of course assuming a gaming workload.
A "bottleneck" simply describes the factor that restricts your system's performance during a task like a game. There’s always something holding you back—perhaps your CPU, graphics card, or frame rate limit. Most people worry about bottlenecks because they fear investing in a powerful video card only to have it hindered by a weak CPU, which is often an overcomplicated issue. In games, GPUs are frequently the first limiting element. This situation is actually favorable: if your CPU were the bottleneck, you wouldn’t gain much from adjusting video settings, as the GPU handles most of the processing. Still, purchasing an expensive CPU isn’t practical for a gaming rig unless you have substantial funds. A more sensible approach would be to opt for an i5-6600K and allocate the extra budget toward a superior graphics card.
You might invest a million in top-tier components yet face limitations. Focusing on the best hardware doesn’t guarantee speed if your weakest link remains. Software problems add another layer, as no consumer programs run flawlessly across all tasks. Your machine works well overall—CPU isn’t hindered by GPU performance, and your friend should have understood this too. Even with a powerful GPU, the overall system still performs at its peak, whether or not it’s used.
The R7 260X offers little value given the impressive capabilities of the 6700K's integrated graphics.
I already have the card from my previous build—it's just a temporary solution until I can afford the GTX 1080.
It's not significantly better than the 530 graphics. The R7 260X works well with certain APUs in crossfire, and the A10 7850K performs excellently in games thanks to the 530.