New Computer Build: Thought Experiment #01

[exsciprofessor]

After doing much research on custom builds, components, cost, and new hardware releases I have an interesting idea that I would like feedback on. The idea is to purchase components over time with a specific budget each month set to eventually arrive at all the components one would need to complete a system. 

 

"ES Prof, why would anyone in their right mind purchase components for a PC over time? We want everything at once!"

- Resisting the temptation of instantaneous gratification, it makes fiscal and practical sense to purchase components over time to increase the longevity of the system.

 

This is an interesting thought experiment that I may wish to pursue and let me break down some basics below:

 

1. Budget & Location

Budget is $200 to $500 per month but can be flexible each month. The duration for the build lets say is 6 months. This computer would be finished by Christmas day 2017.

Location is United States of Asus America.

2. Aim

The system will be used for productivity (data analysis, Adobe CC), gaming, and entertainment. Goal is to have a durable and reliable system for a 3 to 5 years.

3. Monitors

Dual 1080p or a 1440 wide screen. Monitors I care less about.

4. Peripherals

If it works, I could care less about the aesthetics. Wired keyboard and mouse.

5. Why are you upgrading?

(a) To introduce this thought experiment to the community. (b) To build a PC using this "latter" purchasing method. (c) To introduce an idea I have not seen on the internet yet (not sure if the absence of this idea is telling that it is a bad idea).

 

 

Some questions for this thought experiment:

 

1. In what order (purchases per month) should each component be purchased? Keeping in mind product/hardware costs, refresh cycles and the duration of product families (intel chipsets are about ~2 years).
2. What components would you consider that are currently within the 3-year "future proof" zone?
3. Would you assemble it once all of the main components are purchased (at the end) or simply build as you purchase components each month (build as you go)?
4. Would it be ultimately cheaper than buying everything at once?

 

Thanks and look forward to reading everyone's feedback!

 

-ExSciProfessor

 

 

[Lethalmonk]

Dont buy PC parts over time. Get them all at once or within a few weeks.

 

You will loose alot of money and the system will be that much closer to being outdated so the value will be lost

[Guest]

Save up for large sum of money then buy, cause at the end of the year new tech gets released and you will regret not buying it later than before

[exsciprofessor]

Just now, Lethalmonk said:

Dont buy PC parts over time. Get them all at once or within a few weeks.

I am curious as to the rationale for the buy-all-at-once strategy?

[Lethalmonk]

Just now, exsciprofessor said:

I am curious as to the rationale for the buy-all-at-once strategy?

You save money and value.

[exsciprofessor]

5 minutes ago, Lethalmonk said:

You save money and value.

I assume the savings come from bundling deals from retailers/online stores?

[Lethalmonk]

prices always drop over time. 

[exsciprofessor]

1 minute ago, Lethalmonk said:

prices always drop over time. 

That is the point I am trying to make with purchasing components over time to save money and balance out the longevity/features of the hardware.

[Lethalmonk]

You wont save money, in fact your parts will loose value and longevity.