My computer is ageing. Well, the core components of my computer are ageing. The motherboard, RAM, CPU and m.2 SSD are Intel 4th Gen parts, which I've been using since August, 2015.
Hidden within:
- Intel Core i7 4790k
- 32GB of DDR3
- 500GB OEM Samsung m.2 nvme drive
That makes my computer four years and four months old. In computing terms, that makes it a fossil. Yes, it has had some tiny upgrades like some extra drives, but the core components are becoming very close to being out of warranty, and the motherboard platform, RAM, and chip set are no longer actively supported by the manufacturers I purchased them from.
In short, if something dies, I'll have to replace everything, and do it in pretty quick order.
All the other components - fans, graphics card, hard-disks, power supply, and the rat's warren of cables can be re-used.
They're commodity.
I look at my budget spreadsheet, and I look back to a cart that I put together at a local PC parts merchant.
It is a justifiable upgrade, within the confines of my annual budget for any computing related upgrades. That, and it would also be a tax deduction... come tax time next year, as I've been using my PC increasingly for income generating activities through my photography.
The problem is, in productivity, for $2000, I get can do things anywhere from two to four times as fast with this upgrade - which sounds amazing. Imagine cutting your work commute in half, or a quarter - that's a massive improvement - but when it comes to relaxing - and playing some games, there's only a 10-15% performance increase in exchange for the same amount of coin.
It's a tough choice. The impulsive consumer in me says... do it - spoil yourself, it is "the silly season", but the pragmatic person in me says the money stays better in my mortgage offset account, ensuring I pay approximately $10 less per month in interest to the bank instead.
What would you do, if you were in my shoes?