Yes, a well-maintained gaming rig can typically last 3 to 4 years.
Yes, a well-maintained gaming rig can typically last 3 to 4 years.
The CPU should hold up for quite some time, especially the 4690k, but the 960s are a mid-range option and won’t last long. A 390 would be better, though you’ll likely need to upgrade your GPU later to keep up with newer games at the same performance levels.
Alternative: Xeon 1231 v3 with more quad cores at a lower price
You're using a K series board that doesn't support overclocking. The i7 is limiting your graphics performance. With one monitor, 8GB RAM should suffice—add more as needed. Consider upgraded power supplies for better efficiency. If you don’t have an SSD, it might be a significant oversight. Without knowing your budget and location, we can't offer specific advice. @Shreyas1307 enjoy your posts. For gaming, stronger i5 cores after modification may perform better.
I’m fine with playing games on medium to low performance during the 3rd or 4th year. We’re working with a limited budget here. I used to plan for the Asus Strix GTX 980, but it was around $900 locally while the 960 was about $300. The AMD Radeon 290 and 390 are similarly priced at over $800.
Recommend using a minimum of a GTX 970. A 980 would let you experience those four years fully. I had a GTX 780 two years back and it runs games like GTA V and Fallout 4 smoothly. Consider purchasing an i5-4xxxk and invest the savings into upgrading the graphics card.
Using this setup is making my expenses exceed $1500, especially since I'm based in India. The costs seem extremely high. Your comments mean a lot and really help!
It would be wise to consider purchasing another PSU, as the ones available may not fit your budget well.
The 960 isn't a poor card; just expand to a 4GB edition if needed—it could prove useful over time.
Your request is quite flexible. Are you aiming for long-term performance at high and above settings on the latest games for 3 to 4 years? Or would you prefer something reliable for current titles, handling regular tasks and streaming smoothly without major slowdowns over the same period? Based on your answer, a GPU with 960 or higher is recommended. For better efficiency, consider a 390 or 970 model depending on your budget. This advice has been around for years, so you're not alone in seeking this information!