Lifespan of computer

[Computer0304]

Does a computer last longer if used less frequently? Or does less frequent use make if shorter? I only use my main desktop for gaming in the weekends and barely use it on weekdays. I unplug it after the weekend passes.

Also, if you were to hypothetically have two of the same computer and they are used as often as each other, but one is used mainly for gaming and the other is just used for web browsing, would the one used for gaming last shorter?

 

[AddRAM]

I would think of course a less used machine will last longer, and a gaming machine should, I say Should die before a browsing computer, you are stressing the cpu and gpu all the time, but it should still last a long time with quality parts. But a brand new part could die in 6 weeks or in 6 months. That`s why it`s important to choose good parts from reputable manufacturers with good long warranties. Just about everything is replaceable for free

And always register your parts as soon as you get them.

 

[Computer0304]

I would think of course a less used machine will last longer, and a gaming machine should, I say Should die before a browsing computer, you are stressing the cpu and gpu all the time, but it should still last a long time with quality parts. But a brand new part could die in 6 weeks or in 6 months. That`s why it`s important to choose good parts from reputable manufacturers with good long warranties. Just about everything is replaceable for free

And always register your parts as soon as you get them.

Well I have a Dell XPS with I think a 2 or 1 year warranty AFAIK. The games I play are more processor intensive than graphic and my processor is in the high end side (Intel Core i7 4790). (Cities: Skylines and Minecraft) I only play one game that is more graphical and that is PvZ Garden Warfare but that is way less intense than the other first person/third person shooter games out there.

 

[LMiller7]

Does a computer last longer if used less frequently? Or does less frequent use make if shorter? I only use my main desktop for gaming in the weekends and barely use it on weekdays. I unplug it after the weekend passes.

Also, if you were to hypothetically have two of the same computer and they are used as often as each other, but one is used mainly for gaming and the other is just used for web browsing, would the one used for gaming last shorter?

In general the more a computer is used and the harder it is used the shorter it's lifetime will be. But this is only statistics and may not hold true in specific cases. There are many factors and a great deal of luck involved. Attempting to predict the life of a computer is an exercise in futility.

 

[Computer0304]

But using it only on the weekends and mainly gaming definitely won't shorten the lifespan enough to be noticeable (or not affect the life at all), right?

 

[LMiller7]

But using it only on the weekends and mainly gaming definitely won't shorten the lifespan enough to be noticeable (or not affect the life at all), right?

There is no definitely, only probabilities.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

But using it only on the weekends and mainly gaming definitely won't shorten the lifespan enough to be noticeable (or not affect the life at all), right?

AddRam and LMiller have already both told you that it's pointless to wonder about that since there is too much randomness involved.

Every part of your PC might last 20 years or might drop dead in 20 seconds. Regardless of how much or how little you use it.

But you already knew that.

Spend your time wondering about something over which you have more control---what's for dinner, whether or not to get a haircut today, whether or not to upgrade your computer.

 

[gregrocker]

Nine times out of ten when friends tell me they want to get a new PC after a few years use I can Clean Reinstall Windows 7 and they report it's like "brand new" especially if it was originally the crap factory install.

Over 5 years and you start running into older hardware limitations. You can still get decent performance with a good reinstall on 2-3gb RAM and Pentium, for example, but then they may be missing out on what newer hardware has to offer in performance. For those who don't multi-task, however, they're not missing that much. And with 1gb fuhgedabouit.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Yep, this is like the discussion of what brand of oil is better... LOL

My personal advice is... I have been happier when I have build my own PC with reputable parts than when I buy from Dell, Gateway or HP. One of the best reasons is I can upgrade w/o many or much restrictions and I learn new stuff in the process.

I build new rigs every 5 years or so and my PC is on everyday (wifey browsing, social networking and watching soap operas :shock and me gaming (Shooters mostly) a few times a week. I can never afford top shelf so I usually go for top shelf from 2 years ago and perhaps I can not go for the Ultra High Max out settings but enough where I can enjoy quality video and frame rates I am comfortable with.

 

[AddRAM]

There are 2 main problems with your PC, dell motherboards suck, capacitors go bad on them all the time, and the power supply more then likely sucks.

Neither of which you list in your specs.

I would hope you have a good EVGA or Corsair PSU in there.

EVGA - Products - EVGA SuperNOVA 550 GS Power Supply - 220-GS-0550-V1

EVGA - Products - EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS Power Supply - 220-GS-0650-V1

With Corsair, I wouldn`t go below an HX750.

HX Series HX750 Power Supply â

 

[Layback Bear]

As far as I know; no member on this forum has a crystal ball.
We have no idea how long any computer will last.

1. Buy quality hardware
2. Keep the system clean and cool

Then go worry about how fast grass grows.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The only part I see getting a workout is the mother board battery from being unplugged during the weekdays,
On the other hand if a power serge/ lightening hits your power lines the machine is safe,
Mobo batteries are cheap

 

[Computer0304]

Hi,
The only part I see getting a workout is the mother board battery from being unplugged during the weekdays,
On the other hand if a power serge/ lightening hits your power lines the machine is safe,
Mobo batteries are cheap

I thought it doesn't matter since the clock battery doesn't get charged anyway. And, someone else on another thread said I should always plug it out after being done using it.

There are 2 main problems with your PC, dell motherboards suck, capacitors go bad on them all the time, and the power supply more then likely sucks.

Neither of which you list in your specs.

I would hope you have a good EVGA or Corsair PSU in there.

EVGA - Products - EVGA SuperNOVA 550 GS Power Supply - 220-GS-0550-V1

EVGA - Products - EVGA SuperNOVA 650 GS Power Supply - 220-GS-0650-V1

With Corsair, I wouldn`t go below an HX750.

HX Series HX750 Power Supply â

Well, isn't Dell the best brand though for non custom built desktops? In my experience, my old Dell computer is still working after 6 years. And for now, I think I am ok with my current PSU. I know I'm taking risks but the average person is unlikely to change their PSU and I haven't seen any PSU issue related threads lately and if they are so bad, how are they able to sell?

I appreciate you guys giving me suggestions but I have my opinion too. And, I think we went a little further with the thread than I expected. I got an XPS 8700 because I am not yet confident enough to make my own build and the great people of this forum said XPS 8700 is the best non custom desktop out there. Sorry if I sound mad, I am just saying my opinion and no hard feelings.

Edit: Well, if I'm going to be like this, I guess I shouldn't have started a thread for a question this simple. But thanks guys anyway.

 

[gregrocker]

I see plenty of decent Dells which like yours that have lasted a long time, but they also have some lemons like the Slimline my Dad ordered which had to be sent back. But after working with tens of thousands of Factory built PC's here I still can't say for sure which brand is best. My personal experience is that Lenovo is purest quality while Compaq was wheezy junk. :huh:

They all have their strengths and weaknesses. eMachines were built on the idea of assembling quality parts at a price cheaper than their total cost - like the ten year old here that still runs like new - but then Gateway bought them and pushed them into the bargain basement. So it can also depend on when you buy it. I don't think you save any by building your own, though.

Some opinion threads like these can take off and are valuable because you can pick up the opinions of those who work in the trenches of the top tech forums in history, who otherwise are more laser focused on one issue at a time. It gives us a chance to collect our thoughts.

 

[ThrashZone]

Sure you do
You save time cleaning all of the crapware off of them

It is wise to unplug the machine

 

[Computer0304]

Sure you do
You save time cleaning all of the crapware off of them

It is wise to unplug the machine

What about the motherboard battery you're talking about? Should I just leave it plugged in unless going away from home for vacation? What do you do?

 

[AddRAM]

You never touch a MB battery unless it dies and you have to replace it, that could take 5 to 7 years.

 

[Computer0304]

You never touch a MB battery unless it dies and you have to replace it, that could take 5 to 7 years.

Yes, I know. I am just curious why ThrashZone said it is bad for the battery to unplug it on the weekdays.

 

[RoasterMen]

My Pentium 3 System is still in my room, no parts were changed except the video card (I upgraded way back 2002).

 

[ThrashZone]

I would do as you've been doing there's no concern
The chances are higher of damage from electrical shorts leaving it plugged in than not having it plugged in
Unless you have a very good serge protector but most of those get whacked after one or two big jolts.