Archive invalidation is generally only needed for texture replacers. Basically, sometimes, the game won't load the texture replacers you add, and instead just uses the default textures. I'm sure someone with more technical knowledge than me could explain the cause behind this issue better than I can, but I know it was around since Oblivion. So if you're not using any texture replacers, you shouldn't need it, but if you are and the retextured objects still use the default textures, then you should use some form of archive invalidation.
As to Fallout Mod Manager, if you plan on using a significant amount of mods, I'd suggest using it, it's helpful for doing exactly what it's name would imply. Primarily I use it for modying my load order myself, but that alone can be pretty useful, and it shouldn't effect your framerate when playing the game since it doesn't need to be running during the gameplay, you can use it to make whatever changes you want when outside the game and then close it before starting it.