How did we get here?
One of the biggest disappointments recently, if you are a PC Gamer is the 50 Series of Graphics Cards from NVidia. Fundamentally, these are the same as the 40 Series with extra features. Improvement is nominal without it, and the only real reason to buy one is if you are rocking a 30 series or older. Don’t get me wrong, there are some performance improvements, but most is a benefit of Frame Generation and DLSS 4.
That is where we get into the debate of poor optimization vs more demanding game titles. Insert Unreal Engine 5 joke here. Do we need the new features because games or more demanding, or because they aren’t done when they release? There are arguments for each.
Another disappointment is the new processor chipset from Intel. No longer do we have the traditional i-series of processors, but a step back named Ultra. Again, poor optimization, but also poor performance. Intel has actually had issues with processors for a few generations with 13900 and 14900 voltage issues. This led to not only poor performance, but ruined consumer hardware.
So, what’s the answer?
I don’t think it’s a bad idea to look for used parts.
Yes, I have a YouTube channel that concentrates on budget and used parts, but deals can be found looking for something like last year’s model at big box stores, or open box items. Previous generation components can often save a lot of money without much performance loss, and lower tier new items can also save a lot.
If you were buying a new dishwasher for your home, chances are you do some research. PCs are no different. If I can but an RTX 4070 Ti for significantly less than a new 5070 Ti, it’s worth considering. Or if you’re gaming and production habits are less than bleeding edge, maybe the parts can be two. I buy parts I need, not the ones that help me keep up with the Jones’. I simply don’t need an RTX 5090.
Not off the hook
I mentioned NVidia and Intel, but AMD is also guilty shady tactics.
They had a great opportunity to separate themself from team green by having clear model numbers and pricing that matches performance. Instead, they turned lemming on us and offer the same model number with different memory layouts. They claim it gives the consumer more options for graphics cards. Don’t be fooled.
Many prebuilts won’t list which graphics card knowing full well they will sell a card with half the memory. NVidia and AMD both have graphics cards with cut down specs, that will certainly be in those builds. It’s like ordering a burger off the menu that has a picture with cheese and not getting it.
So, really, what do we do?
Buy according to your needs. Yes, a brand-new PC will have a warranty and you should be able to rely on it, but more and more, that’s a fantasy. It’s not to say there aren’t great deals, but it may be on last year’s model, or an open box. Or even straight up, used.
I seldom trust a prebuilt without a lot of research, and I have a number of videos on finding used parts on sites like eBay. If you are worried about a site like eBay, try something like Jawa. The guidelines are tighter and many times the deals are better. No, I’m not sponsored.
If you are adventurous enough to use a local market place, use caution, but ask if they have other things they are getting rid of. You may score extras you weren’t expecting. It never hurts to try.
The big corporations won’t stop being shady; we aren’t their target audience anymore. The best we can do is not give in. Don’t pay stupid prices. Buy what you need, not the fancy upsells. Do your research. And if your computer does what you want it to do well, maybe you don’t need to upgrade. Sometimes, good enough is pretty darn good.
Here is my latest, ‘good enough’ build
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