Is It Worth Rebuilding a 10-Year-Old Desktop Computer?
When considering whether to rebuild a 10-year-old desktop computer or to buy a new one, it's important to weigh the costs, performance, and utility of your current machine against that of newer models. In this article, I will share my experience and insights based on decades of using desktop computers, from the early 386/486 days up to the present.
My Journey with Desktop Computers
I’ve had personal computers (PCs) since the 386/486 days, with both hand-me-downs from my father and later, a Pentium 133 bought refurbished in the late 1990s. In 2001, after an upgrade from a friend, I built my first PC with an Athlon AMD CPU. In 2004, I attempted a 'upgrade,' but it was in reality a downgrade due to the misinterpretation of the advertisement, attempting to build a Celeron-based mATX system for video editing. Most notably, I blame Foxconn for the motherboard performance, the slower 400MHz FSB version being the culprit.
The Dell Studio XPS 435T Tower: Letting in a New Era of Computing
My first new PC was a Dell Studio XPS 435T tower, running the first-generation Intel i7 920 with Vista and only 4GB of RAM. Despite the limitations, it held up well and was my first PC capable of video editing with Adobe Premiere or Premiere Elements.
Upgrading in 2019: The Dell SFF 9020
By 2019, I had to replace the first Dell with a Dell SFF 9020, a 4th-generation Core i5-based PC, running Windows 10 Pro with 8GB of RAM, upgraded to 16GB and with a 120GB 2.5-inch SSD from Patriot. However, problems arose from a failed CMOS battery and a completely wrong code motherboard failure, which rendered it non-functional. Despite these issues, I proceeded to buy a 7th-generation Core i5-based Dell SFF with an NVMe SSD, marking the first time I had one. This box came with 16GB of DDR4 memory, providing noticeable performance over the 9020.
The Recent Purchase: Dell Latitude 3390 2-in-1 Laptop
About 10 days ago, I purchased a Dell Latitude 3390 2-in-1 laptop, which features a SATA SSD, 16GB of DDR4 memory, and a 12-inch display with a touch screen, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi capability, and a webcam. This machine runs Windows 11 Home. Having a touch screen and an all-in-one design makes it versatile for both work and leisure.
Conclusion: When to Consider Upgrading or Buying a New Computer
The decision to rebuild an old desktop or to buy a new one is influenced by several factors. Upgrading a 10-year-old computer can be costly, especially if the components need to be replaced. Modern computers offer significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and memory performance, which can offset the cost of a new machine. If the upgrade exceeds the cost of a refurbished newer system with these improvements, it may not make financial sense, unless you keep the old PC for nostalgic purposes.
For computers and laptops made from 2015 and newer, you can expect a considerable performance increase, especially with the advent of DDR4 memory and NVMe drives, providing faster read/write speeds. NVMe drives have been widely adopted, offering direct lanes for the primary drive for faster throughput. From 2016 to 2017, there has been a significant uptick in overall performance in basic Core i5 boxes running NVMe drives and at least 16GB of DDR4 memory.
In summary, if you find yourself in the market for a new machine, consider the age of your current system and the cost of upgrades. If the upgrade cost is comparable or exceeds the cost of a new system with significant improvements, it may be best to consider purchasing a new machine. However, personal preferences, such as nostalgia, may also play a role in whether to rebuild or replace your old computer.