Why do I constantly upgrade my PC even though I usually encounter problems with each version?
Why do I constantly upgrade my PC even though I usually encounter problems with each version?
I'm about to go off on a little rant, but I'm curious... are there any older gamers out there that have experienced constant issues/problems (usually minor) with brand new PC builds? I'm 36 and I've invested a lot of time and money into computers and gaming over the years. I'm not the most knowledgeable person about ALL things computers, but I feel like I try my best at doing lots of research, using sites like pcpartpicker to check compatibility, and overthinking all the parts of builds before buying anything. And yet, I always have little issues that pop up with every new build. I've been gaming since I was like 12 and usually do a new PC build every 7ish years. But here's the thing... I feel like the PC builds back then had ZERO issues. Yes, games have evolved over the years and are more demanding on the parts. Which is why I buy the latest/fastest (or at least like top 10 because I don't have that kind of budget) so in theory I should have no issues and be able to run the latest/greatest games, right?
Fast forward to today. Relatively new pc build. Brand new Windows 11 install, everything is up to date, and some games that I used to play on my older PC (without a problem other than crappy fps) are struggling to even launch. What is to blame? Me? Hardware manufacturers? Game developers? A little bit of all those things? I'm just confused/frustrated. And honestly, some days it makes me want to give up on PC gaming altogether. There are consoles out there that run things with no issues. And I'm over here, spending a lot more money and having issues. Am I the only one?
If anyone actually wants to chat about this or has suggestions, I'm more than open to doing so. And the game I was referring to above is Battlefield 2042 (which is a few years old). I'm currently getting crashes without any errors or crashes with errors such as out of memory / directx type of stuff. I've tried to research it, and messed around with stuff like custom paging files, updated bios, but no luck so far. ALSO, sometimes if I just keep trying to launch it over and over, I'll get lucky and can play for hours. Makes total sense. I will note that Starfield runs flawlessly on my PC. So it's not all bad. But I feel like I shouldn't have issues running any games.
Old PC specs for reference:
-Windows 10
-Intel i7-6700K 4GHz Quad-Core
-32GB of DDR4-3200 Ripjaws
-MSI GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB
-Gigabyte GA-Z170X Gaming 7 LGA1151
New PC specs for reference:
-Windows 11
-Intel i9-13900K 3GHz 24-Core
-32GB of DDR5-6000 Ripjaws
-Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12GB
-Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX LGA1700
😕
I'd put the blame on Win11. This is easy to test as well, just format your OS drive and install Win10 on it. If many/most of the gaming issues go away, you know whom to blame.
As of your curiosity, i'm same age as you, been gamer ~30 years (at times, hardcore gamer), built several builds with prior in-depth research like you. Currently having 3 builds, full specs with pics in my sig.
I haven't had much issues with games, other than game issue itself. Hardware that i've had over the years have been all sound. Sure, i've had HDDs, ODDs die on me but that's to be expected. CPUs/GPUs/MoBos/RAMs, have all been in use until they got obsolete. None have died on me.
I also have in-depth knowledge on how to keep my system running smooth, without malware/bloatware. This, keeping the OS going good, is actually more important than the beefy hardware one can have in their system. Since what good is fancy GPU that can produce 200+FPS but will stutter all over the place? (Looking at Radeon.)
Oh, keeping drivers the latest isn't always the best option either. I've had trouble with latest GPU drivers, that cause issues for me, where i was forced to roll back a version or two. Now, i don't even bother upgrading GPU drivers, since: "If it ain't broke - don't fix it.".
Win11, despite latest, is poor OS. All sorts of issues with it. So, i suggest that you revert back to Win10.
E.g i'm using Win10 (which GUI i've tuned to look like Win7) and for games i play, i don't have issues. My current build, Skylake, is almost equal to your old build. Sure, it's somewhat old, but it provides me with everything i need, so, i haven't had much reason to replace it. Sure, i did upgrade the GPU few years back but CPU is still going strong, for my needs.
Maybe there are some tweaks you can do with Win11, to make it run better. I don't know. I have no experience with Win11.
An "old" gamer here too. Like what Aeacus has said already in the above post, the OS can be an issue. My gaming platform is all AM5 based for the record, with win 11.
However I would be considered probably more of a retro gamer with open world RPGs being my favourites as new titles within this genre are just recycles of older game plots & storylines with slightly different twists on them. The hype that is generated in marketing these days with video games just turns me off altogether. I've been burnt before with this crap & I'm not going there again.
Starfield is the only game title to come out this year that I actually have an interest in, although I have it ready but not played it yet. Heck, even when you login to win 11 these days, Starfield backdrop is there waiting....
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I can run Skyrim SE with mods to give me a super smooth 144FPS these days in windows 11 but the cynics out there will proclaim that's because MS own Bethesda so they may have a point. Before that I was all over Oblivion GOTY edition with a mods, again it ran silky smooth on my 144Hz monitor under win 11.
So in effect it probably stands to reason that it depends on the game engine, its optimization &/or potential for mods interacting with the OS that is the challenge these days imo. But that's a whole other topic in itself.
This brings back memories of my own preference for older titles. I haven't played mainstream AAA games in about ten years. I tend to enjoy smaller, solo indie experiences. I've discovered many enjoyable titles along the way.
I also think back to those classic games where you have to put in the work to finish (I still remember how tough it was to complete the campaign in NFS4: High Stakes/Road Challenge).
Back then, options were limited—either do it or give up and cry. Nowadays, most games feel overly reliant on hand-holding, with forced pacing and easy fixes.
From a FPS perspective, I'm comfortable above 40. With my 144Hz display, most games run smoothly at around 144FPS, though I won't be affected if it drops below 60.
It's funny to see people grumble about not getting 300-500FPS, only to end up with about 200FPS on a 60-144Hz monitor, even though they have no idea what the difference is. 😆
haven't explored indie releases. Understand precisely what you're referring to about genuine role playing and character development—it requires time and strategy to maximize its potential. However, you can only engage with a game up to a certain point even after modifications. It may lead to a situation where the player becomes so accustomed to the virtual environment that a comfortable routine forms, causing stagnation despite changes and additional updates.
I believe developers aim to simplify newer titles because they don't want players to fall behind or face constant criticism online. Wikis and other resources help address many of these issues, though a player might still struggle with quests or map navigation.
In reality, I wouldn't be aware of the differences between lower and higher refresh rates unless you're specifically comparing performance in open world RPGs. Higher refresh rates seem more relevant to fast-paced FPS or racing games, as well as competitive esports.
Although I enjoy RPGs, the process of crafting your own character requires significant time and commitment. Because of that, I tend to avoid RPG games since they demand a lot of effort. At least, not anymore. It would be better to invest 100 hours across ten games rather than spending 1000 hours on just one.
Boredom is another issue with all games. Sure, mods can extend playtime and add new content, but eventually limits will be reached. Soon you’ll find yourself investing years into a single game. When you realize how much time and effort you’ve invested, the thought of giving it up becomes the biggest obstacle.
I’m familiar with this experience from about eleven years ago, when I was a dedicated gamer. However, my decision to stop playing wasn’t made freely. In 2015, game servers were shut down, marking the end of that phase. No more gaming. The game I had become attached to (some might call it addictive) was Need For Speed: World, an online racing MMO.
Or perhaps the new generation of players isn’t willing to put in the time and effort needed to improve. That’s often the case. If you notice something is clearly wrong, a strong reaction usually follows—people quickly point out how poor the game is. Thanks to this, most games now include tutorials, and often you can’t skip them. In fact, some games are essentially one giant tutorial.
For most of my time, I’ve used a 60Hz monitor. About four years ago, I got a 144Hz model and didn’t notice much difference. Games felt smoother, but honestly, I’m now more casual and not trained for fast-paced FPS shooters. An average person can see up to 60-90Hz. With a trained eye under ideal conditions, you could reach 500Hz.
Many computer problems arise from a mix of various factors. This is simply how it works: you get a lot of flexibility, but developers can't foresee how all the different combinations of products they're using will impact their software. The only advantage consoles have is that there are usually just a few core hardware setups and similar system software across users. If you're looking for a more enjoyable experience, consider developing on Linux.
You could be onto something. I should definitely try a new Windows 10 installation on another drive and check the results. Agree with you about the drivers and maintaining smooth performance.
Haha, I'll have to trust your opinion on Linux. That's not my area.
But yeah, I get that there are so many hardware options. I probably meant that even when I check what's popular, I still think things should work smoothly. Maybe I'm getting too influenced by YouTube videos and "top lists." Back then it wasn't as common. Someone suggested Windows 11 might be the issue—bet I'll try it!
It's an easy target to blame because there's enough negative PR about it. But I've been using it since it came out and I haven't had any issues with it outside of
really
old games. But I write off anything that is older than from 2000 or so because even games in the 90s had trouble running on anything newer than 2 years after its release.