allowing expansion with memory, pci-e, hard drive slots, sata and having enough power in your psu. thats how i future proofed mine. i'll be upgrading to 16gbs or rams soon, getting a 3770k in stead of my 3570K and i'll be adding another 7970. and i'll build a medium end prodigy system with the 3570k for lan parties all up might cost me another 1000 dollars to upgrade and build another system.