If there were no newer versions and advancements in the technology of PCs, you would want your PC to last forever. However, PC makers keep creating newer and better features to make you want to get another one even if your current PC lasts for a decade.
And, even though a computer does not expire, it is in its best condition in the first three years of use. And with maintenance, repair, and reasonable care, it is expected to last up to ten years.
What Affects How Long a PC Lasts?
Despite the care and cautiousness observed to ensure your PC lasts for a long time, some factors will still affect the lifespan of your PC.
Consistent Use
Suppose the purpose of getting a PC is to watch a movie once in a while, check the news and do some internet surfing; your PC has a better chance of lasting longer than if you use it throughout the day.
If your computer is consistently connected to the internet, powered on for most hours of the day, and is subject to more work. In that case, essential parts are more easily worn out, thereby reducing their lifespan.
Exposure to Extreme Temperature
Even though overheating is not good for the computer, exposure to cold does not help either. Overheating causes the cooling system to overwork and get easily worn out. And exposure to cold causes the computer to lose heat quickly, making the cooling components expand and lose shape.
Dust Accumulation
Dust accumulation is a common factor that wears out the computer’s cooling system. Dust accumulation can not be avoided over time, but you can reduce its effects by cleaning it regularly.
Power Surge
When there is a sudden spike in electricity while your computer is plugged in, it can burn and damage some parts of your computer and, in turn, reduce your computer’s lifespan.
Safety Measures to Ensure a Long-lasting PC
Although you cannot stop your PC from getting old and out of date, there are some safety measures to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Cleaning
It was stated above that dust can affect the cooling components of your PC. To prevent this, clean your PC components at least twice a year. You can do it yourself or have a professional do it for you.
Replace and Repair Faulty Parts
No matter how carefully it is maintained, some components will break down due to usage or wear. If you notice an abnormality in your PC, have it checked to ensure that the spoiled component does not affect another part.
Battery Care
Your computer’s battery health is one of the first things that depreciate in your computer’s components. T
ensure good battery care:
- Do not overcharge your computer; detach the charger once fully charged.
- Do not run down the battery; once it gives a warning for low battery percentage, shut it down and connect to the power supply.
When Should I Replace My PC?
Another individual might still use a computer you got rid of a while ago for another couple of years. So, the reason for replacing a PC is dependent on the owner and purpose of the computer.
Incompatibility of Software
If you can no longer update your PC to a recent version of your software, it is a sign that you should replace it. Newer versions of a PC keep coming up, and you can upgrade to the more recent version. But it comes to a point when the computer’s software can not work with the upgrades.
Once this starts affecting the work you want to do with your computer, get the newer version suitable for your work.
Slow Response
After a while, apps get heavier, and the workload on the computer makes it respond slower than it should. It is still tolerable for some time, but there comes a time when clearing cache and junks will not make it respond faster. This might mean you need a newer version for your work.
Recurrent Repairs
Certain parts of your PC get faulty due to wear and usage over the years. But if you need to keep replacing and repairing a component repeatedly, you should consider getting a new PC.
Which Lasts Longer; Desktops or Laptops?
You can either get a laptop or a desktop when getting your PC. But if you are considering which will last longer, you should get a desktop computer. Desktop computers last longer because they are bigger and have more space for cooling.
However, if you consider other factors like portability, you might want to go for a laptop.
It is not a rule that a desktop will last longer than a laptop. But if you consider the reason stated above, it increases the possibility.
How Long Does a Gaming PC last?
Like any PC, a gaming PC can last up to ten years. One thing you can do within that ten years is to upgrade your graphics card after three to five years of purchase.
But after a few years, upgrades and improvements would likely have been made. So, to have a better gaming experience, you might want to upgrade your gaming PC to the newer versions.
Conclusion
The average lifespan of a PC is three to ten years. But if it is not well taken care of, it might not last for as long. And with proper care, you can optimize its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Macs have been known to last longer than Windows because of their maintenance system. But this system is being replicated in the new Microsoft computers.
Of all the computer components, the CPU is known to be the most reliable. The CPU can last as long as ten years if the computer is still in good shape. It is commonly affected by heat and wear.
