![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mygaming.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/Nvidia-GTX-680-SLI-setup.jpg\" "\\"Nvidia")
<\/a>Nvidia GTX 680 SLI setup – image courtesy of Hardware.info<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Top-end components don\u2019t always last longer than slightly lower-end components, especially when these are only a few percent faster than the next level down.<\/p>\n The other thing to consider is the technology supported by a graphics card. What is the point of a GTX680 lasting you for the next three years, if it doesn\u2019t support a DirectX standard introduced a year after your purchase?<\/p>\n By the same token, how will an extreme edition processor help if it doesn\u2019t support a vital instruction set that saves you time working in Photoshop?<\/p>\n High-end components will often offer features that gamers will never use. The Asus Republic of Gamers series of motherboards is a good example, as it offers a range of voltage monitoring and adjusting options for extreme overclockers. While these motherboards are great if you\u2019re going to stick a golden CPU under liquid nitrogen, they don\u2019t really improve performance enough at stock frequencies or low overclocks to justify their cost.<\/p>\n Similarly, why do you need 4 x full speed PCIe 16X slots which support CrossfireX and SLI if you never intend on using these technologies?<\/p>\n Liquid Nitrogen Overclocking<\/p><\/div>\n There are a few occasions where buying top-end components are a good idea. These components don\u2019t typically influence the overall performance of your system, but rather support the more vital components.<\/p>\n PC cases are a good example of this, with high-end units typically offering features that won\u2019t be replaced by new technology standards any time soon.<\/p>\n Another good example is power supplies. These are totally vital to the running of a system, but once you reach a certain power and quality level there is no reason to upgrade. The Corsair HX1000 is a good example of a very old power supply which offers enough of everything to power mid- to high-end systems for 5 or more years.<\/p>\n Top-end components are great; they push the boundaries and offer the best performance currently available. While this is great for overclockers and hardware enthusiasts, regular gamers don\u2019t need this sort of performance.<\/p>\n Save your money, buy more games.<\/p>\n AMD desktop socket options<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Gaming vs. Audiophile headphones<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nOverkill doesn\u2019t always improve longevity<\/h3>\n
Features you won\u2019t use?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>When should you?<\/h3>\n
Bottom line<\/h3>\n
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