I'm currently running a build that includes a Sandy Bridge Intel i5-2500k processor, paired with an MSI P67A G43 motherboard, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. My setup has served me well for over a decade without any major issues. I mostly use my PC for tasks like browsing and occasionally play the original Unreal Tournament. I'm curious about how much longer I can get by with my current configuration before it becomes obsolete. Also, what should I consider for a potential upgrade path if I decide to move forward? I'm willing to look at used parts, and it's been a while since I last built a PC, so I'm looking for advice on what to look for next.
2 Answers
Upgrading isn't really worth it unless you can find super cheap secondhand parts since older and newer hardware prices can be similar these days. If you haven't made the jump yet, consider getting an SSD; it can significantly boost your performance. Don't worry too much about your hardware failing just because it's old; it can last years longer, or it might fail sooner, so it's pretty unpredictable!
You might want to check out some used towers on eBay, specifically looking for anything from Intel's 8th generation onward or AMD's Zen 2 or 3. Your GTX 1050 Ti would fit nicely in a newer system and give you a solid upgrade without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that Windows 10 will stop getting security updates this October, so a future-proof system might be necessary if you want to stay secure.
Okay, 8th gen Intel sounds good! Thanks for the tip!
But what should I look at upgrading to in terms of processors if I decide to go used?