this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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The upgrade argument for desktops doesn't stand up anymore (www.howtogeek.com)
submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by worhui@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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I haven’t thought about it in a while but the premise of the article rings true. Desktops are overall disposable. Gpu generations are only really significant with new cpu generations. CPUs are the same with real performance needed a new chipset and motherboard. At that point you are replacing the whole system.

Is there a platform that challenges that trend?

Edit Good points were made. There is a lot to disagree with in the article, especially when focused on gaming.

Storage For the love of your data : storage is a WEAR component. Especially with HDD. Up until recently storage was so cheap it was crazy not to get new drives every few years.

Power Supplies Just because the computer still boots doesn't mean the power supply is still good. A PSU will continue to shove power into your system long past the ability to provide clean power. Scope and test an older PSU before you put it on a new build.

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[–] artyom@piefed.social 12 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Let's say that you've just significantly upgraded your GPU. If you were getting the most out of your CPU with your previous GPU, there's a good chance that your new GPU will be held back by that older component. So now, you need a new CPU or some percentage of your new GPU's performance is wasted.

There's always an imbalance. It doesn't mean it's "wasted". CPU and GPU do different things.

except, getting a new CPU that's worth the upgrade usually means getting a new motherboard

Also not true. AM4 came out in 2016 and they are still making modern processors for it.

Generational performance increases are too small

No one should be upgrading every generation...

Ask yourself this: how much of your current desktop computer has components from your PC from five years ago?

Most of it.

They're also ignoring the concept of repairability. If my CPU dies? Buy another CPU. Maybe upgrade at the same time. CPU dies in your PS5? Fuck you, better throw the whole thing away and buy a new one.