As an external IT service provider for small and medium-sized enterprises, we are repeatedly asked by our customers what the life expectancy of a PC is. That is why we are taking up this topic and providing answers to the questions: „How long should you wait before buying a new PC or laptop? How long do these devices actually last, and what role does IT maintenance play in the lifespan of the devices?“
Unfortunately, in this case there is no clear answer to a clear question. The lifespan of a PC or laptop depends on many factors and is always closely linked to the type of use and the upgrade options the respective device offers. A PC that is used intensively, for example for gaming or demanding tasks such as video and graphics editing, requires more performance than a PC that is only used for basic tasks such as word processing and browsing the internet. In general, when making a purchase decision, you should not only consider your current needs but also make sure that the PC will meet future requirements.
We are often asked after how many years you should buy a new PC. Generally speaking, a PC should have a lifespan of at least 3 to 5 years. Upgrade options, i.e. upgrades of hardware components, can extend the lifespan to up to 8 years. With a desktop PC, these upgrade and repair options are greater than with a laptop.
The question of how long a laptop lasts again depends on various factors. With intensive use, a laptop should have a lifespan of at least 2-4 years. With normal private use, the service life of a laptop can certainly be extended, provided it always receives the latest security updates. The use of laptops in companies is becoming increasingly important. Mobility is valued. In terms of lifespan, however, they have one decisive disadvantage. Many hardware components are soldered and permanently built into the device and therefore cannot be repaired or replaced.
The durability of hardware components varies depending on the type of component. Here are some empirical values for the lifespan of the most important components.
Mainboard
The mainboard, also known as the motherboard or main circuit board, is the heart of a computer. It determines which components (e.g. processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, graphics card) work together – in other words, how compatible they are with each other. A good mainboard can usually last between 5 and 10 years, sometimes even longer, although quality and usage always play a role. Whether an active fan is installed on the mainboard is also relevant to its lifespan.
Hard drive
The average lifespan of a hard drive is around 5 to 10 years. However, it is important to make regular backups of your data, as in individual cases hard drives can fail much earlier and without warning.
CPU
A CPU, also known as a processor, can usually last more than 5 years, sometimes even over 10 years, provided it is used and cooled properly. The decisive factor is therefore primarily the CPU cooler and its quality and maintenance, e.g. cleaning and renewing the thermal paste.
RAM
The memory, also referred to as RAM, is, so to speak, the „short-term memory of the computer“ and is therefore one of the most important hardware components of a PC. The memory is responsible for storing temporary data and programs that the CPU can access. Unlike hard drives or SSDs, where data is stored permanently, the data on the memory is lost as soon as the device is shut down or restarted. From experience, the lifespan of memory is also around 5 to 10 years.
There are some signs that a PC has reached the end of its life. We have summarised a few of the most important ones for you here.
Starting up and shutting down the PC takes too long
If your computer takes an unusually long time to start up (boot) or shut down, it is advisable to first check the background settings of the installed applications. If all settings are in order, this could be an indication that your PC or laptop is reaching its technical age limit.
Difficulty running multiple applications at the same time
When two or more applications are used at the same time and you have to switch back and forth quickly, this is also referred to in IT as multitasking. If multitasking no longer works properly, this is also a sign of an outdated PC/laptop.
PC fan becomes loud
In older computers, it can often happen that the PC fan becomes loud even when no computationally intensive tasks are being performed. This occurs when newer software applications or operating systems run on older hardware and demand a lot of capacity from it even without the user actively working. Another reason can be a defective CPU fan or power supply fan. The result is that performance drops and sooner or later the device overheats. Regular PC cleaning is certainly also a good preventive measure to counteract dirt build-up in the PC’s ventilation and increase longevity.
Updates no longer possible
As with smartphones, it is also crucial for computers that the hardware and software used receive regular technical and security-related updates. Manufacturers often discontinue support for older products, which means they no longer receive new features or updates. However, these updates are of great importance in ensuring the IT security of the devices.
Upgrades are no longer possible
This means that it is no longer possible to update the system, software or hardware in question to a new version or to more powerful components. For example, the CPU on the mainboard can no longer be upgraded, or the manufacturer no longer allows the latest operating system to be installed on the device.
This question actually comes up again and again. Macs, or Apple products in general, have an image of being very durable. Apple advocates have practically created a cult around these products. We have compared Mac and Windows PCs to help with the decision „Which is better, Mac or Windows PC?“
| MAC | Windows PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Design and intuitive usability | The entire Apple product family comes in a very minimalist, timeless design and is characterised by the self-explanatory usability of its products. | As Windows PCs are produced by many different manufacturers, you can find all colours and shapes. However, the usability of the Windows operating system is not always self-explanatory compared to macOS. On the other hand, Windows is more widespread and its operation is therefore more familiar to users than is the case with macOS. |
| Product families | If you already own an Apple product, it is easier to add other Apple products, as they are very well coordinated with each other. | There is no Windows product family comparable to Apple’s. |
| Hardware and software | Apple manufactures both hardware and software. The advantage here is that Apple knows exactly which hardware is installed, so there is significantly less potential for errors. In our experience, both are of very high quality. | Microsoft, for example, supplies hardware and software from a single source with the Surface; otherwise, there are a large number of PC and laptop manufacturers that use Windows as their operating system. |
| Battery life and CPU performance | The battery life of Apple devices from the M processors (M1 chip) onwards is much longer than that of Windows laptops. | In our experience, battery life and CPU performance on the Surface are not quite as good as on the Mac. The power consumption of the CPU is usually higher than that of Apple’s M1 chip. |
| Compatibility with third-party software | Apple defines which rights a piece of software is granted at system level, and it is very difficult or even impossible to make changes here. | Many software products are designed for and tailored to the Windows operating system. In addition, access rights can be assigned easily and comprehensively at administration level. This makes it easier to implement third-party software in an existing IT system. Choosing a Mac is therefore fundamentally out of the question because of incompatibility problems. |
| IT security |
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| Replacing hardware components | Replacing hardware components is only possible to a limited extent with Apple. A great many components are permanently built in and cannot be removed or replaced at all. | Replacing hardware components is very easily possible with Windows desktop PCs and, depending on the manufacturer, partly with laptops as well. |
| Costs | The costs of Apple products are often higher and must always be weighed against the benefits when making a decision. Since the service life is higher in our experience, the additional costs are often put into perspective. | A wide variety of PCs from different manufacturers in various price segments are available. Costs and benefits can be weighed up very well here. |
| Data protection / GDPR | Apple’s own cloud (iCloud) is not GDPR-compliant. Although they have server locations in Europe (Denmark), it is not possible to choose the location. | Windows even officially has server locations in Germany (Frankfurt am Main and Berlin), and here you can actively select the locations. |
Regular IT maintenance ensures that both the hardware and the software are up to date and in good condition, and that errors are detected early before they can lead to bigger problems. This can extend the service life and improve the performance of the PC. Another important aspect that IT maintenance brings with it is keeping the security software on the PCs up to date, which is supported by good data backup, the so-called backup.
PCs should last at least 3 to 5 years, and even up to 8 years if hardware components can be adapted well. When choosing a PC, the planned use and future adaptability are decisive. In networks with a wide variety of software connections, the flexibility of Windows PCs is recommended. Macs are generally robust, long-lasting and offer higher IT security.
In principle, it can be worthwhile to invest a little more in order to extend the service life. The durability of PCs and laptops also depends on good IT maintenance. Proactive IT support keeps these concerns in view. Regular cleaning also helps to extend the service life of the devices, which, as a Green IT measure, is fundamentally better for the environment.