Do I need to build a "gaming" computer?

[InbetweenDreams]

I wanted to clarify that I have had several of the IBM Thinkpads, Thinkcentres and ideacentres (from IBM/Lenovo) that have lasted more than ten years with gentle usage (no overclocking and liberal usage of cooling fans and stuff). But that's just me (and one particular brand). I have gotten the same longevity from many different brands as well. Generally longer usage when I build the thing myself.

Are we talking lasting a long time or usability? Both ways building a computer tends to yield better results. My parents had a gateway from 2002 the machine lasted for about 13 years before hardware went...the original hard disk is still good and has over 64,000 hours. So the hardware can easily last a long time. OTOH I have a laptop which is 10 years old and has an old Celeron, so slow I have to RDP into my server at home to use it.