Microsoft systems have worked quite well for me over the years. A Windows system does accumulate "dross" over time, and I have had to rebuild the boot drive from the ground up once or twice, but not for a very long time.

On the other hand, I use mostly well-known applications for drafting, design, communications, and other things.

If one is actually creating new code for something, i.e. actually CREATING an application, it might be a whole other kettle of fish.

Additionally, if you are on the cutting edge of the gamer world, which you seem to be a lot more than I am, it's a lot easier to find yourself obsolete in short order. Hell, I got this machine partly to be able to run Myst III. Any of the more modern high-res games would probably melt me down.