I've rarely run high-end ($2500+ USD) new systems. In 80s, into 90s, all were used/2nds from family/friends. My first non-secondhand computer was a 486 in 1994, had 3x SCSI CD, 600dpi SCSI scanner, SCSI pro audio card. More 2nds until 2001. I still have that 2001 invoice for the AIW system, with new DVD-R(G) burner. Rest of 00s to mid 10s, lots of desktop 2nds, refurbs, and a new best-spec laptop. Expensive i7-6700K in 2015, and I still use it for video. Mini PCs since, several tablets. Last year, an Mac M2 Pro for 4K and H.265 video editing. So 5 high-end systems in 40 years, lots of budget/2nds in between.
Most of the 2nds were free, or barter for time/skill. Not buying "best" computer let me buy camera/lens, TBCs, etc. Same for cars, I've only owned 3 cars ever (actually 4, but I don't drive that one myself), even drove one for 20+ years, and the savings over my lifetime is massive. The best life tip ever = "live below your means". But also "don't skimp when/where needed". And "buy it, use it, resell it".
I started to seek video capture in 1995, and had to wait 6 more years for it to be viable for what I wanted and needed. There were too many compromises before then. But I did use gear for digital-assisted analog restoration in late 90s.
^ And that reply took forever to type one-handed.