What is the best way to keep a PC running well long term?

[Sophie83]

It feels like software bloat is half the problem now.

Real world performance is what matters, not benchmark numbers.

What is the general feeling here?

[Plateau65]

From what I have seen the gap between headlines and reality is still pretty wide. The difference between what is being reported and what is actually happening is often significant.

Interesting to see where it goes.

I always check startup items and background processes first.