Upgrade debate

[Nanobot]

When reading posts here (yes, its an IT orientated forum I know) that there seems to be a quick turnaround of upgrades going on - not sure if its just me but I'm interested in what it is that drives the 'quest' for the best build? Is it driven by need for the ultimate in gaming quality and experience, just wanting to be ahead of the game with new hardware and satisfaction of doing so, or no reason but getting the best value for money because of progress?
I appreciate there are new spec requests but I should imagine these new builds wouldnt be their first pc in some cases so perhaps they are making a greater leap from what they had 5 years ago and the likes of Vista and games are pushing minimum system requirements up a notch each time.
I know there are posts that still acknowledge older/slower cpu's like the E2180 or E6600 still being perfectly adequate for today's OS's and apps and the occasional browsing, word processing, video, photo or music editing. So maybe its just because people who are happy with what they have and dont post anything - seemingly pointless posting a 'spec me something I dont need' thread I know.
Does it only apply to gamers, developers and such likes in general who need the power and the latest graphics card etc?
Am I missing something?
(Move to GD if appropriate.)

 

[Guzzidom]

Gamers mainly, and people who do a lot of video editing get the most use from the later hardware, but the fact is the software and the hardware lead each other by the nose.
Primarily though, this is an enthusiasts site, where people build and overclock their own PC's simply for the pleasure of having something they've made themselves that is cheaper, better and more reliable than something bought from a shop, with the myriad of features that they want their PC to have.
Want a 4 core pc running at 4ghz per core, with USB's at the top because it's going on the floor?, want it to be as near silent as possible?, like a certain style of case?, want to have dominion over every component buying the best performing and reliable components your budget allows?, that's what it's all about.
If you're not a gamer or video editor you can browse the web and write letters on a 233mhz pentium 2, equally if all you need to do is drive to work and go to asda's then by all means stick with your 1983 Astra if it's still doing the job.

People are by nature aspirational though and want something that feels better, ally this to the enthusiast nature and that's where the serial upgrader comes in.
After all, do you still have the mobile you had 5 years ago?, I don't and it made calls just the same as my new Samsung which is all I use it for.

 

[Conan257]

I find that a 2 year upgrade rota generally keeps everything working smoothly and there is never a game that I cant play at least at a reasonable level of beauty... Sensible amounts purchased every 2 years keeps costs minimal and still gives a decent PC

 

[Nanobot]

Thanks G.. I did have those reasons and thoughts you described there and I think the operative word there is 'enthusiasts'. Dont get me wrong, I have been in the industry for over fifteen years and I suppose when you have seen it every day, for some people like me it can be a case of 'seen it done it' after a number of builds myself and for others.
I'm not knocking the enthusiasm, more curious as to the frequency of upgrading carried out by enthusiasts. I know the satisfaction of that first build feeling and several more after that so I can relate to that.
Ah yes, 'serial upgrader' fits perfectly.