I typically spend less than 2K (not including monitor) to build fast, upgradable machines that last 8-10 years.
If you want to make good cost/performance comparisons of CPUs and graphics cards (which comprise the cost driver of a machine), look here:
https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.htmlhttps://www.cpubenchmark.net/Here’s a sample machine with an options to upgrade:
Intel 1-7 13700K $365 (upgrade to I-9 13900k: +$200)
NVidia 4060 8GB. $290 (upgrade to 4060 TI 16GB or 4070 +$160-200)
Corsair DDR5 32GB $90 (upgrade to 64GB +$90)
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB $130 (upgrade to 990 Pro +$50)
ASUS TUF Z790 MB $230
CoolMaster CPU cooler $60
CoolMaster 600W Power Supply $60
CoolMaster case $100
Windows 11 Pro ($60-130 depending on source)
Total: $1385 + monitor
Or upgrade to I-9, 4070/4060TI, 64GB and 990 SSD: $1885 + monitor
This is assuming you have no parts from your old machine to reuse such as case, PS, SSD, disk, etc. you can spend more on the MB, but the chipset is what’s important. For reference, I just built that exact machine using the overclocked I-7, 4060, 980 Pro and 64GB. The MB will support the I-9, has extra m.2 slots and I can upgrade the graphics card going forward. My last machine, constructed like this lasted just under 10 years with upgrades to memory, graphics and disk. I was able to reuse all the SSDs, case, power supply and relatively new graphics card. It really isn’t necessary to buy a new machine every 3 years or spend 5K IF you shop wisely and assemble an upgradable machine.
BTW, you can assemble that machine in about an hour with nothing other than a 1/4” nut driver, Phillips screwdriver and a grounding strap, but if that scares you, you can pay a computer store a couple hundred to assemble it and load the OS.