keep upgrading computer

[davehakkens]

Hey

I wondered if it's (easily)possible te keep upgrading the hardware of your computer, so you would never have to buy a new one.
Only a new part every now and then..

dave..

 

[wolfeking]

It is quite possible to upgrade through a few generations, but there are limits. The form factor is a major one. For example, you can not put a Z77 motherboard into a early '90s AT case. You have to go ATX now. Over time ATX will be replaced with something else, and that will require a new computer to run it.


However, as it stands now, it is possible to start low and upgrade as you see fit.

 

[davehakkens]

DO you by any change know why they made the motherboard in a way you can't upgrade? Is it economicly better for the company(who sell the motherboards), impossible to make it adapt with the old system, or just no need for them to make it so you can keep upgrading?

 

[wolfeking]

http://reviews.ebay.com/AT-vs-ATX-Form-Factor?ugid=10000000002086056

That explains it. The AT form factor was just not compatible with newer case designs, and power supplies.

 

[Twiki]

The new motherboards have newer technologies meaning faster slots, faster front side bus (FSB) and faster memory to name a few. We also have faster CPUs which have more pins than before.

Also new ports which made serial and parallel ports obsolete.

It's all about speed as the software are more sophisticated to run.

 

[davehakkens]

Thanks for the information!
So I made a list with all the computer components ( if i miss anything please let me know)
Could you tell me how long it takes before you upgrade that particular part?
It's the research for my graduation project and I want the know the average lifte time of each component before it's upgraded.

Thanks a lot!


Motherboard
videocard
RAM
CPU
Hard Drive
Network card
Sound card
Disc/dvd/floppy drive

Cooling (fans)
Power supply
The Casing


Extra:
Screen
Mouse
Keyboard
Speakers


Dave

 

[wolfeking]

Motherboard

2-3 generations, maybe more. Depends on the person really. Some are fine still running a Pentium 4 PGA478, some went from a LGA1366 to LGA2011 right away. Just depends on what you are comfortable with.

videocard

With each release of DX. 8800GTX was still doing okay in games when DX11 released. GTX480 will still be doing just fine when DX12 is released. If you game heavy, you might want to upgrade every other generation though. HD3k, HD5k, HD7k and the like.

RAM

When your RAM starts failing, or when you switch motherboards. DDR2 is DDR2, just as DDR3 is DDR3. No real need to replace, just add more.

CPU

About the same as motherboard. Only upgrade when you feel the need. Some still rool with Pentium III/IV, some feel they need the newest with the i7-3960x. All about the user, and their needs. Most upgrade before they need to.

Hard Drive

when you run out of space. No real need for upgrades there at all, except to larger drivers.

Network card

every 5 years or so. If you have a crap one to start with.

Sound card

When it stops working, or when a newer really better one comes out. Again, dependent on the user.

Disc/dvd/floppy drive

when they break, or when the interface changes.

Cooling (fans)

when they break. No sooner really.

Power supply

every 5 years. Some will last longer, some will not. But this is about the life time before you replace them.

The Casing

when you feel the need. Case is personal preference.

Extra:
Screen
Mouse
Keyboard
Speakers


Dave

these are all personal preference. no real need to upgrade them unless you feel your current ones are not working to your content.