You can finally build a PC now, and thank goodness for that. It’s been just shy of two years since the pandemic sent the computing industry into a tailspin and the GPU shortage made building a new desktop computer prohibitively expensive. We can all share a collective sigh of relief, but just because you canbuild a PC right now doesn’t mean youshould.
Contents
We’ve been here before
Triple whammy for next-gen
Time flies when you’re (not) having fun
A cornucopia of next-gen improvements is aligned for the end of the year, and building a computer now could lock you into a machine that’s expensive to upgrade, trailing in performance, and incompatible with standards like DDR5 that we only see once (maybe twice) in a decade. We haven’t been in a similar situation in nearly eight years, but the good news is that things shouldn’t stay this way for long.
High graphics card prices have been the only limiting factor for building a new PC over the last couple of years. CPUs and RAM saw a brief spike, but let’s be honest — an extra $50 here or there wasn’t the deciding factor for most would-be PC builders. Graphics card prices are down, and there’s a good chance they’ll continue to get cheaper.
I wrote previously about how next-gen GPU prices will come down to crypto, and that’s still true. It just doesn’t look like crypto is going to see a boom soon. Recent reports show GPU prices crashing along with Ethereum — the main driver of the GPU shortage — and week-over-week, I’ve continued to spot better deals on brand new graphics cards.
Building a PC right now is almost guaranteed to get you a worse value.
We’ve been here before, around mid-2018. Following the GPU shortage in late 2017, Nvidia and AMD were left sitting on a massive supply of GPUs that there was no demand for, and we’re seeing a repeat of that right now. AMD, Apple, and Nvidia just cut GPU orders with their supplier in late June, illustrating the supply-and-demand balance that will carry into next year.
Sounds like a great time to buy, right? Not quite. Building a PC right now is almost guaranteed to get you a worse value than waiting until later in the year, especially as next-gen components loom on the horizon and push last-gen prices down.
Triple whammy for next-gen
Nvidia is working on its RTX 40-series graphics cards, and AMD has the RX 7000 teed up — both are expected to launch later this year. It’s tried and true advice: Don’t build a new PC when next-gen options are mere months away. But this year, we have a triple whammy with PC components.
Before we get next-gen GPUs, we’ll likely see AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and Intel’s Raptor Lake processors. Not only will these platforms offer the typical performance improvements we see each generation, but they’ll also come with platform features that aren’t readily available now (DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 chief among them).
This is especially a problem if you want an AMD processor at the heart of your system. AMD has supported its AM4 socket for every Ryzen generation so far, butRyzen 7000 is the first time we’re seeing a departure with its AM5 socket.
It’s been eight years since the stars unfortunately aligned like this — when Intel first introduced DDR4 to its Haswell-E platform. Since then, it has been relatively smooth sailing for PC upgrades, and it looks like that will be the case starting in the back half of 2022. AMD has confirmed that it will keep AM5 around for as long as AM4, and Intel has said Raptor Lake will support the LGA1700 socket that current-gen Alder Lake processors use.
Power could be a problem if you build a new PC now, too. Nvidia’s RTX 40-series graphics cards, at least, are rumored to carry massive power requirements. Even if you build with one of the best power supplies now, it may fall short when you want to throw a new GPU in your build down the line.
Although it’s impossible to truly “future-proof” a PC, you can back yourself into a corner if you build a new computer now. You’ll be sitting on a powerful PC for about six months before it’s trounced by next-gen components — next-gen components that are set up to support standards that will last well beyond a single CPU or GPU generation.
Time flies when you’re (not) having fun
I don’t think anyone would disagree that the last two years have been a blur, but that’s especially true for staunch PC enthusiasts. With part shortages, massively inflated prices, and a pandemic that made a high-powered PC all the more attractive, even normal can seem like great.
But it’s important to remember how far we are from the launch of current-gen parts, where we’d normally expect prices to drop. Even without considering the unique situation PC components are in, you’re almost sure to spend more building a PC now than you would with the same build in three months. We’ve continued to see GPU prices drop, DDR4 RAM is getting cheaper as DDR5 prices become more competitive, and current-gen CPUs, despite being on sale, aren’t going to suddenly get more expensive.
It’s rare that so many factors change between generations, and that makes it a uniquely bad time to build a PC. Assuming we don’t have another pandemic and crypto stays relatively low, waiting a few months to build a PC will be cheaper and ensure you have a computer that’s compatible with the latest hardware. And if we find ourselves in a 2020 situation again, a new PC is probably the least of our worries.
Without replacing or upgrading parts, some gamers may be able to expect their gaming desktop to last for around 5-7 years while others could potentially get more than 10-12 years out of theirs.
Building a PC can take an hour to an hour and a half for an experienced person, based on the complexity of the build. The highest-end configurations can take between three to four hours if custom hard tubing is involved, as some custom loop bends require careful measurement and trial and error.
I think right now is actually a great time to build a PC, because it's hard to expect the next generation to be great. If you look at the past five years, it really seems like we're entering an era where you can't expect new CPUs and GPUs to provide better value than older models.
Why You Shouldn't Buy a New PC in 2023. In 2023, a new PC isn't a value investment anymore. If you scope out the PC market, you'll find bumps and challenges at every corner. Post-pandemic inflation, rising production costs, and supply chain issues are just a few reasons why you should likely hold onto your money.
There is no definitive answer to this question. For example, some people will need to upgrade their PC every year or even more often, while others can go five years without needing to upgrade. You've probably heard people talk about gaming PCs losing value over time, but never seen any hard data to back it up.
However, most computers survive five to eight years, depending on the upgrading components. Maintenance is also critical, as dust is very problematic for PC components. Owners should routinely upgrade software and keep the machines free from excessive dust and debris.
So how long do computers last? Every situation is different, but you can expect the average desktop PC to last between three and eight years. Desktops tend to kick on longer than laptops due to the extra space inside the box.
Building your own PC can be cheaper than pre-builts, but DIY isn't a guarantee of savings. Depending on how much you have to spend and your desired specs, a pre-built computer sometimes wins the financial battle.
Is it hard to build a computer by yourself? Building a computer is surprisingly easy. You'll only need a few tools, a good level of understanding of the parts, and the ability to follow some simple instructions. If you can build ready-to-assemble furniture, you'll be able to build your own PC!
Upgrading your computer can bring you more speed and storage space at a fraction of the cost of a new computer, but you don't want to put new components in an old system if it's not going to deliver the speed increase you want.
With many people stuck at home, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have spurred an uptick in people building their own PCs. Market research firm NPD Group has been tracking retail sales in the US, and noticed a recent spike in purchases for desktop components.
Building a PC will actually save you money in the long run, because you will likely not need to replace or repair components as often as with a pre-built. Easier to Fix. When a component fails inside a PC you built, it is easier to identify because you are more familiar with each part.
According to a recent IDC forecast, the PC and tablet markets are expected to shrink. Shipments for tablets and PCs will decline almost 12% in 2022, the research firm reported, and are expected to decline further in 2023.
That means several computersin 2050 will have the same computing power as all the computers existing today! Almost invisible pervasive computers will be everywhere: buildings, highways, vehicles, even in the clothing we wear. In 2050 your digital life and your real life will be almost seamless.
High-end Gaming PCs: They usually last 7 to 10 years. After this period, you need to upgrade some components to play the latest games. They have the best specs, but they are the most expensive ones. You can get the ultimate gaming experience on high-end gaming PCs.
The biggest indicator of an old computer is its ability to handle the newest generation of software. There is a rule of computing that every two years, the average computer will double in its computing ability. Therefore, an eight year old computer is 6% as quick as than a new computer.
Chances are, the other pieces of your build will fail long before the CPU does. With consistent care and proper cooling, a normal CPU can last around 10 years. However, that doesn't mean it'll be as efficient as it was when you first bought it.
Desktop computers generally last longer than laptops. A laptop's lifespan is generally reckoned to be around three to five years, compared to a desktop computer's lifespan of around five to eight years. However, in practice, how long either type lasts will vary hugely, depending on specific factors.
It is an essential component of your system, but it's not always easy to know when you should upgrade your motherboard. Replacing the motherboard can be expensive, but it can also bring you benefits in terms of speed, hardware support, and better graphics support.
Four- or five-year-old computers may be worth upgrading if they feel a bit slow but you want to keep using them. Use the Crucial System Advisor to find extra memory that's compatible with your system; we recommend 8 GB for new computers (for most people).
Possibly. The usual deterioration that occurs with age is from things like electronic components, especially capacitors, drying out. There are also risks that information storage media used with that old machine might have deteriorated as well, even if the computer is working well.
If treated well and kept clean, a motherboard can last for up to 20 years or even more. What you'll find is that the hardware available to that motherboard becomes obsolete, and you may need to upgrade to the latest hardware, but the motherboard itself should continue working just fine.
Repeated heating and cooling cycles damage the computer's internal electronic components just as the light bulb's filament was damaged over time. Over many years of testing, researchers have discovered that more damage is done by repeated power on and off cycles than by leaving the devices on all the time.
As of March 2023, 49 percent of video gamer in the United States were female, with the remaining 51 percent of U.S. video gaming audiences were male. Currently, there are approximately 212 million gamers in the United States.
As a PC build technician, you install and repair the physical components of computers. Your duties require you to be familiar and work with both laptop and desktop computers. You may assemble computers according to a predetermined design or create custom models and configure hardware according to your employer's needs.
Building a $1000 gaming PC is ideal when you want premium performance and a foundation for the future of PC gaming. At this budget range, you can opt for a higher-end motherboard to increase the build's “quality of life” as you continue to use it for years to come.
Low supply and such a high demand are a recipe for growing prices and that is exactly what happened. As a result, cryptocurrency is one of the main causes for the sudden increase in PC prices.
Are Pre-Built Gaming PCs Worth It? Definitely. A pre-built gaming PC is a great way to start playing your favorite games straight away without having to build the system yourself.
Processor. While doing a significant swap from a modest processor to one with many cores will give you the potential for more speed and reliability, this will only help if your graphics card and memory are also upgraded. ...
In nearly all systems, the GPU and CPU will take up the majority of the budget—simply because they're the most important part of any build. ... The following parts are needed to build a gaming PC:
Storage – Solid State Drive (SSD)/Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Building a PC allows you to have full control over the components, price, and customization options, making it ultimately cheaper for a high-end gaming PC. You can choose each part individually, allowing you to customize your PC to your exact specifications.
In a nutshell, a build-it-yourself PC can save you money in both the short and long term. This is because it can cost less to put together and less to upgrade components down the track, which keeps your system relevant for longer. It also offers far more customisation options.
Power is the obvious reason to buy a desktop. While laptops are increasingly powerful, there's a limit to what can be achieved when every component must fit into such a small device. Top-of-the-line performance is only found in desktop computers.
High Inventory and Low Demand Led to Second Consecutive Quarter of Historic Year-Over-Year Decline. Worldwide PC shipments totaled 55.2 million units in the first quarter of 2023, a 30% decrease from the first quarter of 2022, according to preliminary results by Gartner, Inc.
The PC market has experienced its largest decline ever, according to analyst Gartner. Preliminary results by Gartner shows that worldwide PC shipments totalled 65.3 million units in the fourth quarter of 2022, a 28.5% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2021.
Latest data from Counterpoint Research on the PC market shows that global PC shipments fell 27.8% YoY in the final quarter of 2022 to reach 65.2 million units. Shipments for the full year declined 15% YoY.
Is building your own PC cheaper in 2023? In most cases, building your own PC has typically been cheaper than buying a prebuilt gaming PC with similar hardware. However, you can sometimes find prebuilt PCs on sale at prices that may be cheaper than what it would cost to build that same system.
Cost: If you're on a budget and looking to save some money, building your own PC can be a huge advantage. By choosing your own parts, you can shop around to find the best prices and avoid the added cost of paying for expensive parts that you don't need.
Building and selling computers is a great way to turn a hobby into a profitable business. As computer parts become cheaper and the demand for computer systems grows, there is money to be made if you have the know-how to build functional PC computers and resell them for a profit.
At $2000 you can get the i7–8700k and a 1080 TI. If you do a nice build with those components, then yes you'll pretty much be able to play every game at 1080p on highest settings at 60 fps or higher for about 5 years and maybe more.
You should replace your gaming PC when you can't reasonably play your favorite games on it, usually every 2–4 years with leaps in hardware requirements, or upwards of 8 years depending on preference.
How Long Does a PSU Last? Under normal intended use, a PSU should last a long time—at least five years, possibly up to 10 years if you're lucky. But if you start putting the power supply under high loads over long periods, it can be overstressed.
If you treat it well, your graphics card will usually last around 3-4 years before needing an upgrade. On the other hand, CPUs can last up to a decade. Because of this difference in lifespan, you'll likely need to replace your GPU much sooner than your central processor.
For most desktop PCs, you can expect a minimum three-year lifespan. However, most computers survive five to eight years, depending on the upgrading components. Maintenance is also critical, as dust is very problematic for PC components.
$1,500 Gaming PC Build Overview. $1,500 is the perfect budget to build a high-end gaming PC with. It will allow you to get a high-end processor and a graphics card that is capable of running games on a 1440P 144Hz+ display, or games at 60 FPS on a 4K display.
Upgrading your computer can bring you more speed and storage space at a fraction of the cost of a new computer, but you don't want to put new components in an old system if it's not going to deliver the speed increase you want.
Absolutely. You can enjoy PC gaming with budget or high-end components, but the experience is top-tier compared to consoles. Higher quality, free online play, MODS, and much more make it worth it. Are you looking into getting into PC gaming?
Powering off your PC has minimal effects on it's performance and longevity. For older computers, regular shutdowns could affect the hard disk drive, but that's now a problem of the past. Today, it's better to switch your computer off each night to conserve power and reduce heat damage to internal components.
A 1000VA UPS might be able to power a small office computer for around seven minutes. Make the upgrade to a 10kVA UPS, and you might see this figure jump up to around twenty-sevenminutes. Go too small, on the other hand, and the available time shrinks to just a few minutes or less.
If the power is shut down suddenly, it can cause a system crash in your PC. Your operating system, as well as other software that was running during the crash, may be damaged. If you don't manage to do a system repair, you might have to reinstall your operating system.
Should I buy a new GPU now or wait? We recommended waiting to buy a GPU at the beginning of the year, but that's not the case anymore. Now is the best time to buy a new GPU, as cards have mostly returned to list price, and they're in stock at retailers.
Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
