What is the longevity of components in a gaming system?

[lokota2468]

Want to get an idea of which components, typically, are transferable from one gaming system to the next, assuming not too much has changed in the way of gaming requirements.

I heard that the processor can last a long time. What about, a PSU such as, say, Corsair HX850?

Asking because for my first gaming rig I'm thinking of futureproofing it by giving myself the option of overclocking/SLI-ing in the future. Hence getting a beefy PSU, suitable mobo, processor now. But me OC'in/SLI'ing won't be for 1-3 years. Trying to gauge if this is a good idea or if I should just get what I need now, and screw futureproofing.

My other main parts are i5 3570k, GTX 670, ASRock Extreme4, 8GB Corsair ram, Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD, CM Storm Enforcer case.

 

[boju]

Hi, nice questions there.

Between the primary parts, the motherboard, cpu, memory, ssd/hdds are the longer keepers and in fair cases the psu and gpu too can last a long time with the gpu being the most expendable with the psu being 2nd out of those. The psu depending on use (On everyday most of the day) is good idea to replace approx every 5 years. Having plenty of power is a good plan too, to cater for your endeavors in Sli-ing albeit will depend also how long you're planning to wait before purchasing another gpu. 1, maybe 2 but 3 years waiting may find availability difficult buying new. 2nd hand shouldn't be a problem, if your willing. So i would recommend doing what you want soon.

In 3 years, the games i would expect to be pretty hard to run with today's gpu's. Wouldn't matter as much with a current cpu, will have more of a chance at longevity than a graphics card would.

I would agree with you, screw future proofing and look forward to enjoying your rig with games out now and in near future, if it can be done. In 3 years time, a single gpu by then will most likely crush 2x 670's at half the price of one 670.

As for power requirements, an HX850watter is a good choice and have plenty of headroom for overclocking.

 

[Shaun o]

If you consider how fast things change there is no such thing as future proofing.
Technology is moving at a quicker and quicker pace.

Buy what you can now, with a bit of head room in mind or expansion later on down the road.

In three years your going to have to swap the main component the motherboard.
For a faster better chip no doubt with a more newer cpu socket that the old cpu will not fit into.

The other main point is when they change the graphics card interface.

Say from Pci-e to another new type card slot. That renders the card you have not able to work with the new board. New types of memory and memory slot sizes.

Don`t chase it in three years most likely all of the above may of changed, and starting from scratch in truth is the resolution.

All you can do is your best at the current moment in time.

 

[lokota2468]

Thanks for your replies! Really good points... And I can save some £££ now...

Regarding upgrading GPUs...is it even worthwhile to think in terms of "oh, I'll go SLI with the same card in future" or is better just to change the card altogether, staying with a single graphics card? I'm not a hardcore gamer with 3 screens (maybe get 2 screens one day, but even then, I'd probably only be gaming on one, unless it works particularly well with a certain game I like) - so does going SLI basically not apply to me? If that's the case I can probably get away with a smaller mobo/case combo & cheaper PSU couldn't I...(and save some pennies...)

Boju: "The psu depending on use (On everyday most of the day) is good idea to replace approx every 5 years."

Would you say replace every 5 years regardless? I foresee that my rig won't be on a ton - just in mornings for a little, and mostly evenings. And even then, the time that I spend specifically gaming, I don't expect to go over 12 hours a week. (COULD be underestimating, but don't think so...) Not a hardcore gamer as such, but I just want the option of being able to play an awesome game at awesome settings, for the next 2 years, say.

 

[boju]

In terms of sli'ing much later in future, it would be better to just upgrade to a newer more powerful single card. By the time sli-ing the same card, it will be obsolete in performance.

With the psu, would think the little amount of usage, would last longer. Its hard to tell or measure. Some psus last 10years, some last as long as the warranty, some even shorter. I've read its wise to renew, but if its still working, no sudden shutdowns then it should be ok.

 

[DSzymborski]

Really, don't think of futureproofing as trying to build a PC so strong that it lasts a super-long time, because that's a losing game. Think of futureproofing as putting your PC in a strong upgrade path.

In other words, have solid specs that don't require an immediate upgrade, but don't go crazy and get every extreme tech out there. And use a case that's well-built, functional, and comfortable for you to work in. You have that and you can replace your GPU in 2-3 years, your CPU/MB in 4-5 years, your HD whenever, your PSU after 5-6 years. Actively maintaining and upgrading your rig is the only real way futureproofing exists.