When buying a new laptop or computer, you sometimes wonder "how long will this purchase last?" To combat this, technology planners use the idea of "longevity" to take their investments further. However, what does it mean, and is it something you should be doing when buying/building a PC?
Let's explore this term and whether it's worth considering for your next big purchase.
Let's say you want a new PC to play a brand new game that's been released. You check the recommended specs and buy a PC with that exact hardware. When the PC comes, it can play the game very well. Everything looks good, right?
For example, let's say an enthusiast bought a graphics card hoping it would last for years. In one to two years, new graphics cards with more cores, compatibility with a new version of DirectX or physical processors will emerge. Then, games will be released that take advantage of this new technology.
While the hobbyist's card can still play modern games, it's not the best the game can be. As a result, an enthusiast will want to avoid future proofing and instead upgrade their PC as new technologies are released.
Another thing about "the future" is the higher cost involved in purchasing the PC. You are now paying a higher price for PC parts with much higher specs than you need. Do you have a budget for this? Does the higher price translate into more work done? You have to do your own math to see if it's worth it.
If you buy a new PC today, do you want it to last a year, three years or five years? Instead of thinking about whether you need to future proof your PC, think about how long you want it to last. If you want to play not only today's games, but also those coming out in a few years, future-proofing can guarantee that. You may need to lower the graphics settings a bit in future games, but this should still be playable.
However, if you're someone who wants the best from their games, future-proofing isn't such an exciting idea. You may be investing in technology that will become obsolete in a year or two, so it's best to buy as much as you need to maximize your graphics settings and upgrade gradually as new technologies are released.
Do you think sustainability is for you? Let us know below.
ContentsWhat Is Future-Proofing Your PC?Pros and Cons of Future-Proofing Your PCPros ConsIs Future-Proofing Right For You?
