Has the recession changed your upgrade patterns?

[LordBritish]

We all fall into 3 major categories:

* Mainstream/Casual
* Enthusiast
* [H]ardcore

You know you're [H]ardcore if you don't think twice about dropping $550+ on a video card

Anyhow, I used to be [H]ardcore but I've slowed down in recent years. I used to replace my video card every year and the rest of my system every 18 months or so.

That's come to an end and my system is aging like fine wine but is still capable of playing recent games with good detail.

Has the recession changed your HW upgrade patterns?

 

[Cerulean]

Recession has not changed my hardware upgrade patterns? You know why? Because statistics show that over the last 10+ years, while everything else has increased in cost with inflation, computer related products have actually become cheaper rather than more expensive.

So if the cost of computer hardware costs the same or cheaper now compared to a decade ago, why not?

I usually upgrade only when it is necessary, cost effective, and if I have a plan and direction (or purpose). For example, I want give my machine more space to make it a storage server (on top of being a gaming machine). I have planned about 3.5TB in diskspace upgrades, DDR2 1333/1600MHz RAM for better overclocking, possibly a 1kW+ PSU, and crossfire two HD5870/X2/+'s (hence the PSU). Instead of buying the hardware over time, I like to do it in one grab for the sake of lower shipping costs and organization.

EDIT :: Statistics came from some article on either frontpage of Slashdot or frontpage of Digg some months ago.

 

[monkeynetman]

Yeah it changed my buying pattern in general. I fall in between mainstream and enthusiast. It made me realize my 4850 is doing just fine with the games I play at 1680x1050. I do find myself not playing as much games these days though too, since I came to realization that instead of buying a new capable system for $800 or so I could be purchasing more mobile gears (cameras, smartphones, PMP, etc.); I've become a more of a guy on the go these days.

 

[engiNURD]

nope... there is no recession in los angeles.

 

[GotNoRice]

The "recession" at least around my area, has created a huge boom for discount computer repair (which is what I do). My business has never been so good.

There are some components that I haven't upgraded that I could have, but the main game I play these days is World of Warcraft so the majority of my computer purchases are tailored toward enhancing my game-play experience in that game, such as when I got my SSD.