Gaming hardware built to last

Hardware

October 29, 2012

The problem with graphics cards, CPUs and motherboards is that shortly after you’ve spent a fortune on a high-end system there is something better available in store. However, there are other components that stand the test of time (or at least a few years), here are some of the best:

Power supplies

Does your power supply have enough grunt to keep your system going? Well the good news is that if you stay within your system spec level, your PSU will go along merrily for years to come. There are few gaming systems that will stress a 1,000w power supply, so buying a high-end model should mean you are sorted for the next few years. However, this doesn’t just apply to the high-end models. Low- to mid-range gaming systems can make do with a generic 500w power supply, though to be safe, a cheap brand name model will go a long way.

Corsair GS800 power supply

Cases

Cases don’t change drastically in their internal design, and despite minor differences in motherboard size, hard drive space or number of expansion slots, most cases support similar hardware. Have a full-sized ATX case? Then there is no reason to upgrade short of wanting a change of scenery.

Don’t plan on buying a high-end E-ATX motherboard? Then your m-ATX case will be fine. Bought an SSD and your case doesn’t have space for 2.5-inch drives? Buy a cheap 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch bay converter (that is if your SSD doesn’t already come with one). Cases can last, just ask the guys LANing with a Thermaltake Tsunami Dream or Cooler Master ATCS 840.

Coolermaster ATCS 840

Optical drives

Aside from the development of Blu Ray technology, optical drives haven’t changed much in the last few years. A drive that reads and writes DVDs now is just as feature-rich as it was in 2008, and with content moving towards digital downloads, there probably won’t be more developments in optical media for a long time.

That said, most will question the usefulness of an optical drive nowadays, but for the odd occasion when installing something off of a CD is faster that downloading it, or watching a Blu-ray movie is faster than streaming it, optical media is nice to have.

Blu Ray Drive

Water cooling

Have you got a water cooling radiator from 7 or 8 years ago? Chances are it’ll plug in to a modern loop that uses the barbs. The same goes for reservoirs, pumps and fans, with only water blocks needing upgrading from time to time. Even then, many water blocks have adapter kits that allow them to be used with a new socket/GPU mount.

High-end water cooling may cost as much as a full mid-range PC, but it’s a loop of components that keeps on giving long after many upgrades.

XSPC Raystorm CPU block

Peripherals

You may want a new mouse, new keyboard, new controller or new racing wheel, but do you really need one? While features like mechanical keys, 144,000DPI quad laser system and 348 thumb side buttons may be attractive reasons to upgrade, peripherals usually outlast the rest of your PC despite being used (and abused) regularly by raging gamers.