Technology is running like a wild horse, and it keeps evolving every single day. Each year a new generation of computer components comes out on the market. Unfortunately, this indicates a shorter lifespan of computers and devices.
So before buying a desktop computer, being concerned about longevity is a pretty common factor. I believe you are going through a similar situation.
Some computers last for 10-15 years, whereas many of them don’t even last a year. That’s why you must be thinking about the key factors responsible for increasing or decreasing the lifespan of a computer.
Well, you will get all the information in this article. Tag along and find out the actual life cycle of a desktop computer.
Let’s get started.
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What is the Average Longevity of a Desktop Computer?
Desktop computers are inclined to last a long time if they are maintained properly. Usually, the minimum lifespan of a desktop computer is three years. Most computers endure five to eight years, depending on how many upgradation stages they have gone through.
Generally, desktop computer components are remarkably sturdy. However, any software or hardware-related issue can kill your desktop. For example, resource-intensive applications running parallel can stress the CPU and other components.
Too much load means extra heat is generated. Heat is the biggest enemy of computer components. It can wear out the CPU and other computer components.
A proper cooling solution can diminish the heating issue, but dust is persistent. Dust blocks the air vents of your computer and hampers the airflow.
Gradually, your system becomes slow and sluggish. And in an extreme case, your computer can be dead.
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How Often Should You Replace a Desktop Computer?
There is no specific answer to this question. Based on your computer’s condition, performance, and workflow, you may need to replace your PC within a short period. However, casual users can use the same PC for years after years without even a single upgrade.
The frequency of changing desktop computers is also dependent on budget. You can simply replace your existing computer with the latest one at any time if you have the ability to spend.
According to the studies, you should replace your old computers once every four years. Or you should at least upgrade your existing configuration.
Above all, the decision to replace the desktop computer entirely depends on you. Whenever you feel like replacing your computer, you can do it!
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When Should You Upgrade Your Desktop Computer?
In simple words, you should upgrade your desktop computer when your computer doesn’t meet the performance. Old hardware often has outdated OS, which is a security threat to your system. Another scenario is when your computer maintenance warranty expires, you should upgrade the computer.
Here I’m listing some circumstances for upgrading your computer when:
- Your existing desktop computer is at least four years old.
- You are in need of more RAMs in your system.
- Your computer is too slow to meet your needs.
- The latest softwares hardly meet the minimum system requirements.
- Your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for newer OS versions.
When Should You Replace Your Desktop Computer?
You should replace your PC at least after 5 years of usage. In these 5 years, technology will become more advanced, and the softwares will require a powerful system. So, the optimum time to replace your desktop computer mainly depends on your workflow — the pressure your machine takes over time.
Here are some common signs when you should replace your computer:
Your Computer Becomes Slow
Your computer becomes slow and down perform when the CPU becomes old and overworked. It is not surprising that new softwares and applications are getting more resource hungry and CPU or memory hungry.
While the computer slows down, you may want to clear the disk space first. You can also remove the unwanted programs and files. However, if your CPU is too old, doing these won’t even make your computer faster.
Your Computer Overheats
Computers can get overheated when you are running powerful applications that bring too much load on the CPU. Overheating is also associated with poor maintenance, causing your system to collect too much dust and clog up.
Your computer’s internal fans fail to cool down the system properly when this happens.
Your Computer Freezes or doesn’t Boot up
Excessive CPU loads can cause your system to freeze constantly or refuse to boot up. That means the softwares you are using requires a more robust system.
An unexpected reboot may also occur when your RAM isn’t sufficient to meet the software requirement.
Your Computer has Hardware Issues
The bigger the software requirements get, the more challenging it gets for your old hardware to keep up with the task. You will see random lags, stuttering, and sluggishness while using any intensive softwares.
Any faulty computer components are also responsible for the system not working properly.
If you see any of these issues, it is high time to replace your computer or computer components.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Desktop Computer
Not everyone has the ability to replace or upgrade their existing computers. So it is important to extend the lifespan of the existing computer.
Here is how you can extend the lifespan of your existing computer:
1. Clean Your Computer
Cleaning your computer is the very first step you should take for better longevity. Dust is the biggest enemy of computers and their components.
As long as you keep your system neat and clean, your computer will last way longer than it should before.
2. Reapply Thermal Paste
Thermal paste can dry out due to overload on the CPU after a certain time. Your CPU will overheat and throttle when the paste becomes dry.
So you must reapply thermal paste once every six months. It will keep your CPU cool and will help to perform appropriately.
3. Increase the Ventilation System
Computers need better airflow to achieve the best performance. Your computer will suffocate and will overheat when there isn’t a proper ventilation system.
Keep your computer in a place where the airflow doesn’t get hampered. You can also add extra fans to increase the system airflow.
4. Decrease the heavy workflows
When you do any intensive tasks on your computer for a long time, your computer’s lifespan reduces. So it is better to avoid any intensive work that can give your system a hard time running.
Desktop vs. Laptop: Which One Lasts Longer?
Between desktops and laptops, laptops have a relatively more minor lifespan. It is quite obvious because a laptop is pretty small compared to a desktop. A smaller footprint has less ventilation system and a more compact environment. That’s why the longevity of laptops is also less than desktops.
However, laptops these days have a better lifespan than their predecessors. Many laptops can last up to 5 to 6 years easily. Personally, I have a laptop that is 6 years old and working just fine.
Still, it is way less than the lifespan of a desktop. Usually, desktops can last up to 10 years easily. Your laptop may function after 10 years, but the battery will be dead, and you will lose the mobility advantage.
So the final verdict is desktops last way more than laptops.
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Final Words
That’s about it. I hope you get all the information regarding the lifespan of a desktop computer and are satisfied after reading this article.
Still, if you have any questions left, please comment down below. I’ll reply with proper solutions.
Thanks for reading this article. See you next time.
