How to Guide                                                    

When building a gaming PC on a tight budget, many players tend to maximize their GPU spending while opting for an entry-level CPU. Is this combination really worth it? Is a GPU the only critical component for a gaming rig? 

 conducted real-world testing using a low-end CPU paired with a high-end GPU, utilizing the i3-12100F and i9-12900KS with an RTX 3080 as their testing platform.

 compared to the i3-12100F, representing nearly a 

. This clearly shows that a high-end CPU is necessary to fully unleash the potential of a high-end GPU.

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 1080P FPS Performance (Source: 

, the performance gap starts to narrow, but there is still an average FPS difference of 17, translating to nearly a 

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 2K FPS Performance (Source: 

, the performance difference between the high-end and low-end CPUs becomes negligible, primarily because the GPU becomes the bottleneck, limiting further FPS gains.

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 4K FPS Performance (Source: 

, even in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the minimum FPS sees a 

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 1080P FPS Performance (Source: 

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 2K FPS Performance (Source: 

Similar to Rainbow Six: Siege, as the resolution increases to 

, the performance differences continue to shrink due to GPU limitations.

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 4K FPS Performance (Source: 

Is It Worth Using a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

, then pairing a low-end CPU with a high-end GPU is 

, as the GPU will be the main performance limiter. 

However, if your PC is also used for other tasks like streaming, content creation, or multitasking, a 

For first-time DIY builders, here are commonly recommended CPU and GPU pairings:

highly recommended to balance the performance of both components

 to avoid a low CPU, high GPU situation that can prevent your components from reaching their full potential. Balanced pairings will ensure your parts work synergistically rather than bottlenecking each other.





When building a gaming PC on a tight budget, many players tend to maximize their GPU spending while opting for an entry-level CPU. Is this combination really worth it? Is a GPU the only critical component for a gaming rig? 

Japanese media outlet PC Watch conducted real-world testing using a low-end CPU paired with a high-end GPU, utilizing the i3-12100F and i9-12900KS with an RTX 3080 as their testing platform.



Test Platform





Motherboard: Intel Z690



Memory: DDR5-4800 16GBx2



GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080



SSD: M.2 NVMe (PCIe 4.0x4, 1TB)



CPU Cooler: AIO liquid cooler (360mm)



PSU: ATX 1000W (80 PLUS GOLD)



Gaming Benchmark Results





Rainbow Six: Siege

In Rainbow Six: Siege at 1080P with maximum settings, the i9-12900KS delivered 171 FPS higher on average compared to the i3-12100F, representing nearly a 47% increase. This clearly shows that a high-end CPU is necessary to fully unleash the potential of a high-end GPU.





Note: Since the test result images are in Japanese, we have provided a simple English translation for them.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 1080P FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



At 2K resolution, the performance gap starts to narrow, but there is still an average FPS difference of 17, translating to nearly a 10% performance increase compared to the lower-end CPU.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 2K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



When the resolution is increased to 4K, the performance difference between the high-end and low-end CPUs becomes negligible, primarily because the GPU becomes the bottleneck, limiting further FPS gains.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 4K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)





Note: The test results are from 2022, and Rainbow Six: Siege has now been updated to Rainbow Six: Siege X.







Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

What about open-world games?

At 1080P, even in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the minimum FPS sees a performance increase of over 30% with the high-end CPU.





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 1080P FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 2K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



Similar to Rainbow Six: Siege, as the resolution increases to 2K and 4K, the performance differences continue to shrink due to GPU limitations.





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 4K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



Is It Worth Using a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

If your PC is solely for gaming at 4K resolution, then pairing a low-end CPU with a high-end GPU is feasible, as the GPU will be the main performance limiter. 

However, if your PC is also used for other tasks like streaming, content creation, or multitasking, a balanced CPU and GPU pairing is recommended for better overall system performance.



Recommended Pairings

For first-time DIY builders, here are commonly recommended CPU and GPU pairings:



Entry-Level:





Intel: Ultra 5 series CPU + RTX 5060 / 5060 Ti



AMD: Ryzen 5 series CPU + RX 7650 GRE

Mid-Range:





Intel: Ultra 7 series CPU + RTX 5070 / 5070 Ti



AMD: Ryzen 7 series CPU + RX 9060 XT

High-End:





Intel: Ultra 9 series CPU + RTX 5080 / 5090



AMD: Ryzen 9 series CPU + RX 9070 / 9070 XT







Conclusion

When pairing your CPU and GPU, it is highly recommended to balance the performance of both components to avoid a low CPU, high GPU situation that can prevent your components from reaching their full potential. Balanced pairings will ensure your parts work synergistically rather than bottlenecking each other.

Make sure your CPU can fully unleash its performance. As for how it will perform together, let’s break it down for you in one go!

What Happens When You Pair a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

In 2025, gamers looking to upgrade their GPU have their eyes on two major contenders: 

. Both target the high-volume 1080p and 1440p gaming market, and both offer 16GB of VRAM, modern architecture, and compelling price-performance value.

So, which one is the better choice? This article breaks it down across performance, features, pricing, and target users to help you make the smart move.

Both are mid-high tier GPUs perfect for competitive and AAA gaming at 1080p/1440p resolutions.

Based on benchmark tests across popular titles, the RTX 5060 Ti maintains a modest performance lead in most scenarios:

The 5060 Ti benefits more from ray tracing and DLSS 3.5. For non-RT games, performance is nearly neck and neck.

If you value AI features or are into livestreaming, content creation, or ultra-smooth visuals, NVIDIA clearly leads in the software ecosystem.

In many global markets (including the US and EU):

So, while the 5060 Ti may edge out performance, 

the RX 9060 XT offers better price-per-frame

, especially if you don't prioritize ray tracing.

ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition

Conclusion: Both are Excellent, But Serve Different Players

 is a price-performance champion—especially for players who don’t need heavy ray tracing or AI features. Meanwhile, the 

 shines in ray-traced titles and future-proofing, thanks to DLSS 3.5 and broader NVIDIA ecosystem support.

No matter which you choose, make sure you’re getting the 16GB version. That’s the true baseline for next-gen gaming in 2025 and beyond.



(5060 Ti vs. 9060 XT, VIDEOCARDZ)



In 2025, gamers looking to upgrade their GPU have their eyes on two major contenders: NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti and AMD’s RX 9060 XT. Both target the high-volume 1080p and 1440p gaming market, and both offer 16GB of VRAM, modern architecture, and compelling price-performance value.



So, which one is the better choice? This article breaks it down across performance, features, pricing, and target users to help you make the smart move.



Specs at a Glance

Both are mid-high tier GPUs perfect for competitive and AAA gaming at 1080p/1440p resolutions.







Real-World Gaming Benchmarks

Based on benchmark tests across popular titles, the RTX 5060 Ti maintains a modest performance lead in most scenarios:





(VIDEOCARDZ, Source: Etektnix)



The 5060 Ti benefits more from ray tracing and DLSS 3.5. For non-RT games, performance is nearly neck and neck.



Ray Tracing & AI Upscaling: DLSS vs FSR

If you value AI features or are into livestreaming, content creation, or ultra-smooth visuals, NVIDIA clearly leads in the software ecosystem.







Price & Value

In many global markets (including the US and EU):





RTX 5060 Ti 16GB sells around $429 USD



RX 9060 XT 16GB starts around $349 USD

So, while the 5060 Ti may edge out performance, the RX 9060 XT offers better price-per-frame, especially if you don't prioritize ray tracing.



Who Should Buy Which?





Buying Tips



(ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition)







Go for 16GB models – Avoid 8GB versions. Upcoming games are more VRAM-hungry, even at 1080p.



Check live pricing – If the 5060 Ti is only $30–$50 more, it may be worth it for the DLSS + RT extras. But a $70+ gap makes RX 9060 XT hard to ignore.



Conclusion: Both are Excellent, But Serve Different Players



(GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT GAMING OC 16G)



The RX 9060 XT is a price-performance champion—especially for players who don’t need heavy ray tracing or AI features. Meanwhile, the RTX 5060 Ti shines in ray-traced titles and future-proofing, thanks to DLSS 3.5 and broader NVIDIA ecosystem support.



No matter which you choose, make sure you’re getting the 16GB version. That’s the true baseline for next-gen gaming in 2025 and beyond.

A head-to-head comparison of NVIDIA and AMD’s top mid-range GPUs to help you make the right upgrade in 2025.

RTX 5060 Ti vs RX 9060 XT: The Ultimate 2025 Mid-Range GPU Showdown

The two major GPU manufacturers both released their next-generation graphics cards in 2025, along with their latest AI-based image upscaling technologies — 

 are advanced AI-based image upscaling technologies designed to boost gaming performance while preserving visual quality.

These technologies allow games to be rendered at a lower resolution internally and then upscaled to higher resolutions using artificial intelligence. The result is higher frame rates and smoother gameplay — without significantly sacrificing image clarity.

FSR 4 is AMD’s first version to adopt machine learning techniques, likely using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance image quality.

It upscales lower-resolution frames to higher resolutions and can generate intermediate frames to increase frame rate.

FSR 4 AI-Enhanced Upscaling plus Frame Generation

FSR 4 not only upscales low-resolution images to high resolution but also inserts intermediate frames to boost frame rates.

Offers multiple quality presets — Performance, Balanced, and Quality — to give users control over performance vs. image clarity.

, with AMD aiming to reach over 75 supported titles by the end of 2025.

DLSS 4 uses NVIDIA’s advanced deep learning model, powered by Tensor Cores, which are dedicated AI processing units on RTX 50 series GPUs.

One of DLSS 4’s biggest strengths is its ability to generate entirely new frames, dramatically increasing FPS without overloading the GPU.

DLSS 4 works with NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency, keeping gameplay responsive even at high frame rates.

, making it more broadly available than FSR 4.

As FSR continues to evolve and potentially adds multi-frame generation in future updates, the gap between AMD and NVIDIA is narrowing — making this an exciting time for PC gamers and developers alike.





The two major GPU manufacturers both released their next-generation graphics cards in 2025, along with their latest AI-based image upscaling technologies — FSR 4 and DLSS 4.



FSR 4 (FidelityFX Super Resolution 4) by AMD and DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling 4) by NVIDIA are advanced AI-based image upscaling technologies designed to boost gaming performance while preserving visual quality.







These technologies allow games to be rendered at a lower resolution internally and then upscaled to higher resolutions using artificial intelligence. The result is higher frame rates and smoother gameplay — without significantly sacrificing image clarity.



FSR 4 – AMD’s Approach







Machine Learning Upgrade

FSR 4 is AMD’s first version to adopt machine learning techniques, likely using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance image quality.







Upscaling + Frame Interpolation

It upscales lower-resolution frames to higher resolutions and can generate intermediate frames to increase frame rate.



FSR 4 AI-Enhanced Upscaling plus Frame Generation

FSR 4 not only upscales low-resolution images to high resolution but also inserts intermediate frames to boost frame rates.







Modes

Offers multiple quality presets — Performance, Balanced, and Quality — to give users control over performance vs. image clarity.







Hardware Support

Currently limited to AMD’s Radeon RX 9000 series.



Game Support

Works only with games that support FSR 3.1, with AMD aiming to reach over 75 supported titles by the end of 2025.







DLSS 4 – NVIDIA’s Latest Evolution







Deep Learning Core

DLSS 4 uses NVIDIA’s advanced deep learning model, powered by Tensor Cores, which are dedicated AI processing units on RTX 50 series GPUs.



Multi-Frame Generation

One of DLSS 4’s biggest strengths is its ability to generate entirely new frames, dramatically increasing FPS without overloading the GPU.







Reflex Integration

DLSS 4 works with NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency, keeping gameplay responsive even at high frame rates.







Wider Adoption

Already supported by over 100 games, making it more broadly available than FSR 4.



Key Differences at a Glance

As FSR continues to evolve and potentially adds multi-frame generation in future updates, the gap between AMD and NVIDIA is narrowing — making this an exciting time for PC gamers and developers alike.





AI-based image upscaling technologies developed by AMD and NVIDIA to improve gaming performance while maintaining image quality close to native resolution.

FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4 - AI-based Image Upscaling Technology

While many modern games come with built-in benchmarks to help you instantly assess whether your system runs the game smoothly or if settings are too high or too low, not everyone buys a PC just for gaming. For productivity or professional use, third-party benchmarking tools are a better way to measure your system's performance through detailed data.

Developed by Maxon, Cinebench R23 is a free CPU benchmarking tool that evaluates both single-core and multi-core performance using the Cinema 4D rendering engine to simulate real 3D scene rendering. It’s one of the most widely used benchmarking standards in the industry and among DIY enthusiasts. Bonus: It also supports macOS!

Created by CPUID, CPU-Z is a popular tool for viewing detailed hardware information. It also includes a built-in benchmark module that tests both single-core and multi-core performance using compute-heavy tasks. Unlike Cinebench, it doesn’t simulate real-world scenarios but provides quick and simple performance data.

3DMark is a professional-grade benchmarking tool for testing GPU and overall system performance. It can simulate gaming scenarios, heavy graphics rendering, ray tracing, and more—providing a performance score based on your hardware.In addition to GPU tests (like ray tracing and DirectX 12), it can also evaluate CPU performance. 3DMark is an all-in-one solution, but it comes with a price tag.

FurMark is a stress-testing tool specifically for GPUs. It pushes your graphics card to its limits with a highly demanding "furry donut" rendering, helping you test stability, temperature, and cooling efficiency. This type of testing is often referred to as a “burn-in test.” Thanks to its signature rotating donut graphics, FurMark is jokingly nicknamed "the donut test."





While many modern games come with built-in benchmarks to help you instantly assess whether your system runs the game smoothly or if settings are too high or too low, not everyone buys a PC just for gaming. For productivity or professional use, third-party benchmarking tools are a better way to measure your system's performance through detailed data.



Recommended CPU Benchmark Tools

Cinebench R23 – Free

Developed by Maxon, Cinebench R23 is a free CPU benchmarking tool that evaluates both single-core and multi-core performance using the Cinema 4D rendering engine to simulate real 3D scene rendering. It’s one of the most widely used benchmarking standards in the industry and among DIY enthusiasts. Bonus: It also supports macOS!







CPU-Z Benchmark – Free

Created by CPUID, CPU-Z is a popular tool for viewing detailed hardware information. It also includes a built-in benchmark module that tests both single-core and multi-core performance using compute-heavy tasks. Unlike Cinebench, it doesn’t simulate real-world scenarios but provides quick and simple performance data.







Recommended GPU Benchmark Tools

3DMark Benchmark – Paid

3DMark is a professional-grade benchmarking tool for testing GPU and overall system performance. It can simulate gaming scenarios, heavy graphics rendering, ray tracing, and more—providing a performance score based on your hardware.In addition to GPU tests (like ray tracing and DirectX 12), it can also evaluate CPU performance. 3DMark is an all-in-one solution, but it comes with a price tag.







FurMark Benchmark – Free

FurMark is a stress-testing tool specifically for GPUs. It pushes your graphics card to its limits with a highly demanding "furry donut" rendering, helping you test stability, temperature, and cooling efficiency. This type of testing is often referred to as a “burn-in test.” Thanks to its signature rotating donut graphics, FurMark is jokingly nicknamed "the donut test."





Get to Know the 4 Most Popular Benchmarking Tools for Testing CPUs and GPUs Today.

Recommended Software for Testing CPU and GPU Performance

When shopping for a graphics card, after selecting the right one based on your budget and needs, you might find multiple models from the same manufacturer within the same tier. For example, MSI offers both the RTX 4060 Ti VENTUS and the RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X TRIO, both of which are part of the RTX 4060 Ti series, yet there is a $100 price difference. Why is this the case? It turns out that even within the same model, there are entry-level (sometimes called "base models") and flagship variants, which have some key differences.

| Differences Between Entry-Level and Flagship Graphics Cards |

 The design is usually more understated and minimalistic, typically without RGB lighting effects.

The design tends to be more stylish and is often equipped with RGB lighting that can be customized via software.

These cards use more basic materials, which results in average cooling performance, keeping the cost lower.

 Higher-quality materials are used, and additional optimizations are made for better cooling, offering stronger thermal performance but at a higher price.

Due to the simpler cooling materials, the base clock speeds are generally lower to match the cooling capabilities.

 Flagship cards are optimized for cooling, allowing higher base clock speeds even if they generate more heat, without the risk of overheating.

| Graphics Card Tier Breakdown for the Three Major Manufacturers |

| Should I Choose an Entry-Level or Flagship Graphics Card? |

If you're on a tight budget and care about performance-to-price ratio, it's a good idea to go for an entry-level card from a higher-tier series. On the other hand, if you have a more generous budget and care about the aesthetics, you can go for a flagship model that suits your budget. You'll get great performance and a visually appealing design!





When shopping for a graphics card, after selecting the right one based on your budget and needs, you might find multiple models from the same manufacturer within the same tier. For example, MSI offers both the RTX 4060 Ti VENTUS and the RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X TRIO, both of which are part of the RTX 4060 Ti series, yet there is a $100 price difference. Why is this the case? It turns out that even within the same model, there are entry-level (sometimes called "base models") and flagship variants, which have some key differences.



| Differences Between Entry-Level and Flagship Graphics Cards |

Design

Entry-Level: The design is usually more understated and minimalistic, typically without RGB lighting effects.

Flagship: The design tends to be more stylish and is often equipped with RGB lighting that can be customized via software.







Cooling

Entry-Level: These cards use more basic materials, which results in average cooling performance, keeping the cost lower.

Flagship: Higher-quality materials are used, and additional optimizations are made for better cooling, offering stronger thermal performance but at a higher price.







Clock Speeds

Entry-Level: Due to the simpler cooling materials, the base clock speeds are generally lower to match the cooling capabilities.

Flagship: Flagship cards are optimized for cooling, allowing higher base clock speeds even if they generate more heat, without the risk of overheating.



| Graphics Card Tier Breakdown for the Three Major Manufacturers |





Flagship: ASUS ROG / Gigabyte AORUS / MSI SUPRIM



Upper Mid-Tier: ASUS TUF / Gigabyte Gaming and Eagle / MSI Gaming X Trio



Entry-Level: ASUS DUAL / Gigabyte WINDFORCE / MSI VENTUS



| Should I Choose an Entry-Level or Flagship Graphics Card? |

If you're on a tight budget and care about performance-to-price ratio, it's a good idea to go for an entry-level card from a higher-tier series. On the other hand, if you have a more generous budget and care about the aesthetics, you can go for a flagship model that suits your budget. You'll get great performance and a visually appealing design!





When it comes to graphics cards, aside from performance levels, there is often a noticeable difference between entry-level and flagship models within the same tier.

How to Distinguish Between Entry-Level and Flagship Graphics Cards

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.