Like clockwork 😆
I was serious, because
You’d be looking at £1000 minimum for the desktop alone to manage this requirement. And it probably wouldn’t run new triple A titles too well after a couple of years.
It’s not what the OP asked and I know as well as anyone that answers of “Linux” to any question that starts “I’ve got this Windows PC and…” is annoying as shit. But that’s not what I’m doing here, rather I think that the OP’s requirements are unrealistic so was suggesting an alternative.
If I were speccing a gaming desktop I’d be budgeting north of a grand. A laptop, at least half as much again. The OP’s budget will probably cover a decent graphics card.
… which is why I didn’t buy one and got an Xbox instead. You could absolutely get a half decent laptop for £500, but it won’t “play all the modern games/retro also that would be good for a few years without having to upgrade,” not while I’ve got a hole in my arse.
If you want a gaming rig for £500 then you have three options. 1) sack the PC idea and get an X|S / PS5; 2) revise your budget considerably; 3) manage your expectations as to what you’re going to be playing on it.
I have a desktop PC largely built from other people’s cast-offs. It plays retro-esque games at a reasonable lick, but it is by no means a “gaming PC.” If I want to play Forza in 4k HDR I’m going to need the eggsbox.