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Whats a CPU and GPU's relation?

I don't understand why people who are getting like the Nvidia GTX780 or higher need an Intel i7? as they're apparently afraid the CPU will bottleneck the GPU? what does that exactly mean? I was always under the impression that it really just comes down to the game (meaning as long as you have the minimum/recommended specs how is an i7 going to change things?)... I mean don't get me wrong I think having a good CPU is important, but come on, an Intel i7 just for gaming? that really doesn't make any sense... I have an intel i5 2500K and I can get a GTX780 or higher and I don't think it will bottleneck the GPU. Am I wrong? Now thinking about it... theirs no game out there right now that requires an Intel i7... so can someone please explain this to me?

2 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    Because if your CPU can't keep up with your GPU then your performance will be held back in things like games. Your GPU won't be fully utilized with a slower CPU.

    The GTX 780 is a top end graphics card. Pairing it with a cheap CPU would create some balance issues when you try to turn up all the quality settings in games. An i5 is probably acceptable but an i3 or a Pentium would just be holding the card back.

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    if the gpu is running faster then your cpu then it will bottle neck meaning the video card will actually have to slow to cpu speed. so the faster video cards such as ddr5 cards love the i7 and i5 ..... smooth like butter

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