I'm trying to put together a PC build that won't require me to upgrade every few years. I'm hoping it can handle the latest games now and still be good enough for 2030. I have a budget of about $2000. This is my first time building a PC, so I might have made some mistakes on PCPartPicker. I'd really like to avoid Nvidia if possible, though I'm worried I might have failed at that. Here are the specs I'm considering:
- **Case**: Thermaltake Core G21
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- **Cooler**: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 (plus 3 additional 120mm case fans)
- **Motherboard**: MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
- **RAM**: 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30
- **SSD**: 2 TB Crucial P3 Plus
- **GPU**: Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB
- **PSU**: 850W
I'm mainly concerned about how replaceable these parts will be in 5 years, especially the motherboard since it will determine what kind of CPU and GPU I can upgrade to later.
5 Answers
I’d advise against getting the 7900 XTX if long-term support is your goal. It’s already getting outpaced by newer models in ray tracing. Look into the 9070 XT or similar to be more future-proof.
Your motherboard should be compatible with other AM5 CPUs as long as MSI provides the necessary BIOS updates. You should be able to easily swap out your GPU and CPU down the line. And don’t stress too much about the RAM; if you think you’ll need more in the future, consider going for 64GB for that extra peace of mind.
Agreed, more RAM could be wise for future-proofing your setup!
The SSD you've chosen might not last if you plan to use it as an OS drive, as it uses QLC flash which wears down faster. Opting for a TLC drive like the WD Blue is a better choice for longevity.
Overall, be cautious about the future gen comparisons. The 7900 XTX is fast, but if you want your build to last past 5 years, keep an eye on newer options that support the latest tech.
Your build looks solid and should hold up well for the next several years. I built a similar PC in 2020 and it still runs great. Just keep in mind that while AMD supports its GPUs for around 6 years, upgrading your CPU will also depend on whether your motherboard receives BIOS updates for future models. If they deliver updates like they did for AM4, you should be good to go for a while! Also, consider air coolers over liquid ones for better longevity. Check out some of the newer air cooler options if you can.
Thanks for the insight! I’ll definitely look into air coolers for better durability.
I've had the same experience with AMD. Just make sure to grab something like an upgraded cooler if you can!
Great to hear! That's reassuring about the future upgrades.