PC Parts
PCIe Expansion Cards
Most DIY-focused motherboards include PCIe slots, so even if you upgrade or rebuild your PC, you can usually carry the card over to the new system—making it a part that can last a long time.
There’s always a chance that a driver stops being supported after an OS update, but unless the hardware is very niche, modern operating systems often include broad driver support, so it’s usually not a problem.
ATX Power Supplies
ATX power supplies are one of the PC components you can keep using for a long time, because the standard and baseline performance don’t change dramatically every few years.
That said, power supplies are still wear items—so if a PC runs for long hours, it’s worth checking periodically for any signs of failure.
SSDs
SSDs have a finite lifespan due to write endurance limits, but in terms of compatibility, they can last a long time because any system (or external drive enclosure) with a SATA connector can use them.
As of 2020, SATA SSD transfer speeds have largely plateaued due to the SATA III interface ceiling, so even if you buy a new SSD now, it should remain usable for quite a while.
PC Accessories
USB-Based Accessories
USB standards have evolved through version upgrades, but the core ecosystem has remained consistent for decades, which is why USB accessories tend to stay usable for a very long time.
Items like USB hubs and USB drives can be used for years once you buy them, so it’s a good idea to choose well-known brands that look durable—even if they cost a bit more.
Bluetooth Accessories
In the past, Bluetooth was mostly limited to devices like mice and headsets, but once smartphones adopted Bluetooth, many accessories shifted to Bluetooth as well.
However, Bluetooth accessories rely on batteries for wireless connectivity, so models with replaceable batteries—or ones that use standard disposable batteries—tend to last longer.
Buy Common Standards
As shown above, PC parts and accessories that last are typically those built around common standards. Components like CPUs, motherboards, and CPU coolers—where standards and sockets change frequently—generally don’t last as long across multiple builds.
In that sense, one simple way to judge long-term usability is to ask: “Is this a standard used across Windows, macOS, and smartphones as well?”
