Given the current price of PC parts, I’ve got a feeling these percentages will change as we keep hold of components for longer, but as things currently stand, nearly half of PC Gamer readers are rather measured when it comes to how often they upgrade their gaming rigs.
We recently asked you: How long do you keep your gaming PC unchanged before you upgrade anything? And the answers are perhaps not too surprising until you get down to the middle of the results.
How long do you keep your gaming PC unchanged before you upgrade anything?
Votes (%)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 years+ | 47 |
| 3 years | 28 |
| 2 years | 14 |
| 1 year | 5 |
| I start looking for my next upgrade immediately | 3 |
| 6 months | 2 |
| 2 months | 1 |
The 5% who get itchy around year one, is that a desire for more RAM or storage? Something that used to be vaguely affordable in the before times, the long, long ago.
And then things get weird. I know it’s not a lot in percentage terms, but it’s not utterly insignificant, either. You guys are never going to be happy, are you, you 3%ers who are looking for your next upgrade immediately.
What about the rest of you? Let us know in the comments how you approach your gaming PC upgrades—especially if you’re a 3%er: What is it about your PC that you’re never satisfied with?
This week, we’re drilling into your actual desktop habits. Do you use a mouse mat while gaming? I should maybe also ask if you’ve ever bought one, because I know I’ve only ever used freebie mats. But then I am a cheapskate.
Best PC build 2026
