What is the typical maximum lifespan of a computer, assuming that it is built with quality parts? (laptops, desktop)
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What is the typical or average maximum lifespan of a computer, also assuming that it is built with high-quality parts?
The main reason I am asking is because I had heard that certain hardware components such as the motherboard, while they can last for relatively long durations, cannot last indefinitely, and will eventually wear out and irreparably expire.
The longest period I ever had any one computer before the the motherboard died on me for was a little over 10 years, but not sure if that is good general rule of thumb or not?
What is the typical or average maximum lifespan of a computer, also assuming that it is built with high-quality parts?
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If its a name brand computer, the quality of the parts is insignificant in comparison to what preventive actions the owners do to them to protect it. If its a desktop it would be proper location, proper ventilation, cleaning, surge protector, UPS. If its a laptop add keeping liquids away from it and jostling of it.
FWIW, I have a Dell PII 400mhz desktop bought new in 1998, when it was top of the line, still running Win 95. Only trouble with the PC itself in 15 years was a mechanical problem with the 3.5" Floppy Disk drive. On it's 2nd keyboard and 3rd monitor, original mouse & printer. In use everyday since 1998.
It does what I need it to do, many times better than my Win 7 laptop.
BTW, having worked with digital electronics for 40 years, I do not understand the concept of a motherboard "wearing out". They may "fail" due to some stress, like heat, static, power surge, etc, but not "wear".
Apple macs last on average 7 years. I recently sold a 2008 macbook aluminium for £400, it was fully upgraded to mountain lion and just needed a new battery. I think it'll still be ok for another 2 years at least.
What is the typical or average maximum lifespan of a computer, also assuming that it is built with high-quality parts?
The main reason I am asking is because I had heard that certain hardware components such as the motherboard, while they can last for relatively long durations, cannot last indefinitely, and will eventually wear out and irreparably expire.
The longest period I ever had any one computer before the the motherboard died on me for was a little over 10 years, but not sure if that is good general rule of thumb or not?
Thank you in advance for any thoughts/comments.
You can't really define the maximum lifespan of a motherboard. Much depends on the environment, but it's possible for a good motherboard in a good environment (temperature and quality of power supply being most important) can last half a century or much longer.
Looking for the typical lifespan of a computer will yield many responses.
Are you asking about desktop or laptop? Some of the responses thus far do not note what they have.
Desktops last a lot longer than desktops. Our last two Dell XPS laptops have only lasted around 3 years before the motherboard went bad on both. The Toshiba and Gateway we had prior to the Dells only lasted about that long too. We'll see how long our new Dell XPS lasts!
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