How long do you use your computer until you replace it?

[plentonimus]

I was wondering how long on average most people use their computer before they replace it with a new one.

My small research revealed:

According to a recent survey that research firm Gartner conducted with 177 large businesses, the average life span of a desktop PC is 43 months, and only 36 months for mobile PCs. More than a third of respondents said the main reason for replacement of PCs is to improve user productivity, while more than a quarter cited escalating support costs with older machines. More than 20% said new software requirements led to the need for new computing systems.

Source: The PC Replacement Decision -- PC Replacement Cycles -- InformationWeek

Based upon experience with the continuing changes and improvements in desktop computing capabilities, it is recommended that a three to four year replacement cycle will create an adequate platform to support standard business applications.

Source: IT Services: Computer Replacement Recommendations

It appears that the replacement cycle is [ame="http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=343995"]approximately the same[/ame] for Apple products.


How long do you use your computer until you replace it and how long do you keep them around?

My replacement cycle: 4-5 years
usually I keep 'em for 6-7 years

[Kuno]

until my pc lags by playing the newest game on very low.
Then I upgrade it again.

[Doppelboom]

after 2 years, then i upgrade it

[GotIt]

Well for my last 2, it's been 3 years a piece, and they both sucked. This one is slightly better, but I already want a new one after 6 months.

[saebrtooth]

when the capacitors start to leak then I say, "hmm maybe its time to start looking for another computer"

[renzokuken]

lol i d upgrade my computer every 6 months if i had enough dough which is rarely on me so i just hold on to my computer until it totally gets on my nerves when playin out the newest games.. held on to a pentium 3 for 6 years once..yeah i know its outrageous

[Blocker]

when the capacitors start to leak then I say, "hmm maybe its time to start looking for another computer"

I agree ,When your computer is damaged could be the best time for a replacement

[pekamp]

My current one is about 1,5 years old - and still good enough to play any game on 1920x1200. I am going to upgrade it, when nvidia is selling dx11 cards for under 400€, dont want ati anymore. The one I used before my current one lasted about 5 years, until the GK cooler became very noisy and as games developed, I had to change. The new one had a cool case, looked like a BMW, it had additional country beam lights . Too bad the light switch was beside the reset button, hehe.

The PCs more than 5 years ago... hm, I dont even remember, which one I had back than^^. 486 dx2 66mhz, lol. That was one of them, just too long ago to remember... Just one thing I am sure of... it lasted longer than the average 2-year life span.

Hard to find an average, as the speed of development changes, and so the possibilities to upgrade.

[sbiuser1]

I will upgrade only "if i have cash and my current computer is uanble to play latest FPS games".

[Nobody]

Typically 4-5 years. When I buy, I aim for the top of the line that is the best in terms of cost-effectiveness, while still being the newest stuff. Then I upgrade as needed from there.

[v6ph1]

This depends on the component:
Within 7/8 Years I have:
4 PSUs (The first was to small - the second damaged and the third too loud)
3CPUs with Mainboards ("too slow")
4 Graficcards (GF3 Ti 200, Radeon 9600XT, Radeon X700 (after the 9600XT was broken) and a HD3870 - Now I'm looking for a HD5850 but with lower prices)
2 TV-Cards (One was damaged - now I'm looking for a cheaper DVB-S2 Card)
6HDDs (80,120,300,500,1000,1500GB - all too small)
10 Sticks of RAM.

One DVD-Burner, Only one DVD-ROM and only one CD-burner.

(And nearly 10 Fans)

So I would say:
Mainboard + CPU + RAM 3 to 4 Years
RAM-upgrade: 1-2Years after the new PC
GraficCard 2 Years
HDDs every Year
Rest: If broken

My laptop I'm using for 44 Months - a new one isn't planned jet.
But the akku was already dead - so I had therefore a new one and I've upgraded the RAM.

best regards
v6ph1

[yoco]

The one I'm using right now, it's almost 7 years old. but it's gonna retire soon!

[GotIt]

Do you guys ever get a soundcard? Other than the integrated one?

[Instab]

not anymore. i did a few years back tho

[saebrtooth]

unless you need a high end card for pro or maybe amature editing and with many inputs and outputs, but for gaming and viewing movies I think integrated is fine