Question: Is it better to try to build only to a given specification, picking the parts that are best for the current specification, at the current time, with current technology? Or is better to try to pick parts that will "future proof" the build by picking some things - like bigger case, PSU, motherboard, etc.) than is technically required by the current specification?
What I mean is if the current technology specifies "8Gb of RAM, one particular card, and everything fits in a case of size Q", should a person plan for JUST 8Gb/card/caseQ, or should a person plan for "get 8Gb now, but might want 16Gb later, and card is good now, but build to allow two of those, and case Q is suitable now, but case W might fit better later".
Basic argument for: Future proofing is GOOD! If you get parts that are "future proofed" now, you might spend a bit more, but when you upgrade you'll definitely save money because buying a whole new item would have cost so much more! So spend more now, and you won't have to spend anything later. It just makes so much sense, why would anyone think differently?!?
Basic argument against: Yeah, right. You're going to try to guess what technology is doing at the time you want to upgrade? Sure, you bought that expensive motherboard that can handle 32Gb "just in case" you wanted to upgrade. Except the chip set on that motherboard is horribly obsolete, and it doesn't handle the latest RAM speeds anyway, so you have to get a new one anyway if you want to upgrade. And that PSU? You specced out twice what you needed, but components now use 1/2 the power they used to do, so it's STILL way over-specced, and you STILL spent more than you should have. Tech doesn't require "future proofing". Buy for what exists NOW, don't try to guess where it's going to be when you want to upgrade your system. It just makes so much sense, why would anyone think differently?!?
So, what's your position?
_________________ Using: iMac 24" dual boot (Mac for work and banking, Windows 7 for gaming), Logitech LZ, Apple keyboard. Looking for: short (no numpad) backlit keyboard, maybe with extra keys on the left. Also Looking for: Mouse that doesn't require online DRM to configure, such as the Razer Naga that I used to be able to use, but can no longer. Currently building new system: check it out
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