Many people building a new PC attempt to "future-proof" their new computer by purchasing the most advanced technology which is available at the time. But do the benefits of this method of PC building outweigh the costs?
Now and Then
Future-proofing has been a controversial topic among PC enthusiasts for as long as PC hardware as been available to consumers. Those in favor of future-proofing are proponents of making big investments into seriously fast computer hardware, while those against future-proofing favor value above everything else. Both sides have points for and against their arguments and there is much at stake for those looking to build a new computer. The path chosen could mean the difference between a PC costing $600 dollars and one costing twice as much.
Which side is correct? There unfortunately not a definitive answer - but perhaps one side is more right than the other.
The Case for Future-proofing
Future-proofing a computer means building a computer with components that are so advanced that they will continue to be relevant even years down the road. The obvious benefit of this is that, at least for a time, anyone who chooses to future-proof their computer will a damn fast PC. It is nice to have a computer which contains all the luxuries, and the bragging rights among fellow enthusiasts are nothing to sneeze at. Future-proofing a computer also means that certain components that don't need to be upgraded often, such as hard drives or the case, will be useful as long as possible.
Having the best PC on the block is not the only benefit, however. Future-proofing a computer means getting rid of the hassle of computer upgrades. Dropping in respectably performing new motherboard and processor can cost under $300 dollars, but the installation can take hours. A reformat will be needed if Windows is to recognize the new motherboard, and the physical process of replacing a motherboard is nearly as exhausting as building an entirely new computer. And every new upgrade, no matter how minor, opens up the potential for driver conflicts and other issues.
The Case Against Future-proofing
It is true that those who future-proof their computers will, for a time, have the fastest computer possible. But what is new today is ancient in five years, and such will be the case with the entire future-proof computer. Future-proofing a computer by buying the most current hardware can keep the computer competitive for a surprising amount of time, but computer hardware advances too quickly for all scenarios to be predicted. A new, revolutionary technology could make the entire build obsolete.
Worse, future-proofing has a massive initial cost. While the future-proofed PC may not be penalized by the cost of upgrades as the years go by, the high cost of buying cutting-edge PC components means that any future-proof PC is going to take a large chunk out of the average person's savings account. It is better to disperse the cost over time through upgraded components. These components won't be cutting edge, but it is simple to switch out a video card with a new when the older card is no longer cutting the mustard.