How long before you replace your computer?

[Corzhens]

Our home desktop is already 7 years old and we are thinking that it's about time to have it replaced. But come to think of it, that 7 years is quite a long time for a computer, right? It is running on Windows XP and couldn't handle Windows 7 or other newer versions. So maybe we have to make plans of buying a new one. I just wonder how we are going to adapt to the Windows 10 because it has a very different look from Windows XP.

 

[NecroWolf]

Wow that's a long time to own one computer! I usually do at least one major system upgrade every two years with the best I can afford at that time. Now jumping from XP to 10 may be a bit confusing at first but give yourself a couple weeks and I am sure you can get the hang of it.

 

[Hux]

I tend to own mine for 1-2 years, and then build a new one. Computer components become outdated and I like to keep my computer updated with the latest parts when I can afford them. I could just replace parts from mine now and again to keep it up-to-date but I'd rather start a new build.

 

[pioneerauthor]

I could remember that my first purchased computer lasted for more than seven years before replacing it and that was popularly known as Packard Bell Computer. It was a Pentium 4 computer system and the processor was about 1.6 Giga hertz.

When replaced, I decided not to use a desktop computer anymore. So, I bought an HP laptop computer system which I'm still using till now. It has been functioning well especially for browsing and graphics.

 

[Neiltarquin]

Wow... My first computer was bought 2001 with a windows 95 OS. I'm not into computer that time so I think what i have was ok. The time I realized that my pc is junk and obsolete was 2008 when I tried using a laptop. Now my that same laptop is still with me up until now. Battered and bruised, as slow as a sloth but its still working. Is it time for an upgrade?

 

[Koyomi Araragi]

My family still has a Windows Vista desktop that we bought in like 2007. We haven't replaced it since it's still (barely) functioning, and the only time anyone uses the desktop is when they need to print something.

I have a Windows 7 laptop I probably won't be replacing until I go off to college.

 

[Dan bers]

I am a tech fanatic and very interested in computing. I started forth with an HP Pavilion series g6 notebook about six years ago. It was playing on a 4 GB DDR3, Core i3 processor, 500 SSD and 15.6” screen, it was the arsonist machine among my peers back then, just awesome. Come to think of it, I know people still using it today, I can brag a little. I had nothing much thing much to gripe about, processing was fast, display; splendid, the sound so determined. Unfortunately, after a period of four years in companion with my notebook, it decided not to boot one day, on visiting the technician, he diagnosed a BIOS issue and told me that 90% of his clients had a similar outcome. Indeed, it was fixed. I just trust and believe that Hewlett-Packard have the BIOS issue at hand, I might as easily own an Envy or Spectre soon.

 

[rockandgreen]

I've had this Toshiba for about 4 years now and it's still running just fine. However, I suspect it won't be fine for long as this only came with a 2-year warranty. Just waiting for it to break down on me and just magically teleport me into safe mode whilst I'm in the middle of completing a homework assignment that is due in tomorrow because I am a procrastinator. Oh yeah, maybe this computer is also procrastinating its inevitable death. I mean who wouldn't?

 

[peachpurple]

7 years desktop could not use Win 10 because the RAM and processor are not able to fit in the minimum requirements. You should upgrade both the RAM and processor plus the motherboard if you plan to install the Win 10. I am using Win 7 too, mine is a laptop, 10 years old already. Still running well, slow coach but I do not mind because I do not play games.

 

[ballyhara]

I have the same issue with my desktop computer, I believe it has like 7-8 years around, the thing is that after getting our laptops we stopped using our desktop. Best thing to do is to replace it, or honestly donate it to someone that can use it in a proper way. Still runs with Windows XP, and it looks so basic for me after being used to Windows 7 or 10. The only one that use it is my father, he learned the basics on it, so he is attached to that computer hahaha.

 

[fireball916]

I tend to own mine for 1-2 years, and then build a new one. Computer components become outdated and I like to keep my computer updated with the latest parts when I can afford them. I could just replace parts from mine now and again to keep it up-to-date but I'd rather start a new build.

That's really quick, what do you do with your old builds and how much do you usually put in per build?

I've only built 2 computers. My first was with my father back in 2008/09. I just replaced it with one I built this year. So it lasted about 7-8 years, that's pretty good. I still use it for casual web browsing but I'm glad I replaced it because it's really on it's last legs and when it comes to gaming it's practically useless for any modern games.

 

[Soulwatcher]

I like to buy a new computer when my old (web browsing) computer is around 4 years old. Usually by then there is a major leap in technology. Gaming PC'a a whole new animal, I like to upgrade the video card every other year and the CPU every 3 years. This ensures that I am able to run games on Max~High settings.

 

[DAVID EJIKE]

To enjoy the best out of a computer (laptop) a usage period of about 2-3 years is ideal. Once the processor becomes too slow it can be frustrating atimes because of the longer time it will take the system to start up or respond. Also, the moment the cells of the battery gets weakened performance and efficiency of the system drops. Many over used laptops have become desktops, once there is power outage it shuts down immediately and the user would be left with no choice but to cease work. Think about a scenario where a user has got deadline to meet up and power outage affects the system how will such a person deal with this menace? My candid opinion remains that once a laptop is aged 2-3 years a change becomes expedient.

 

[DAVID EJIKE]

That's cool Hyper-tech games, play a key role in your response to either upgrade or change your computer...thumbs up.

 

[DAVID EJIKE]

That's cool Hyper-tech games, play a key role in your response to either upgrade or change your computer...thumbs up.

 

[DAVID EJIKE]

That's cool Hyper-tech games, play a key role in your response to either upgrade or change your computer...thumbs up.

 

[Hux]

That's really quick, what do you do with your old builds and how much do you usually put in per build?

I've only built 2 computers. My first was with my father back in 2008/09. I just replaced it with one I built this year. So it lasted about 7-8 years, that's pretty good. I still use it for casual web browsing but I'm glad I replaced it because it's really on it's last legs and when it comes to gaming it's practically useless for any modern games.

I think the biggest reason for me to replace though is because I find it enjoyable, so I sell my current parts whilst they're still worth a good amount and purchase better components. This way I'm not wasting much money.

I normally sell the parts as mentioned above or donate them to my younger brother for his PC. I normally spend around 1K depending on the type of build I want.

 

[Jog]

Absolutely nothing different with Windows 10.

I've used Windows 7 for about 4 years now, before that XP, and before that 95'. Our school computers that we used when coding in Java, Python, or C++ were based on Windows 10. Maybe some new UI like that bar that can come out of side of the screen, or maybe better touch screen adaptability but other than that its all the same.

If a OS is holding you back, don't let it. Also only upgrade if you absolutely need it, or can afford it without it being a burden. Same reason why I am still with my Win 7 computer that's 4 years old. Runs games pretty good still, still works, no major issues.

Just my thought process on upgrades.

 

[Frank]

I'd say 7 is a lot, but then again, I had the same PC for 9 before upgrading! I mean, I updated some parts, added RAM, changed the GPU, but the processor and the motherboard were still essentially the same. I recently got a new one and am really embarrassed at how long it took me. Although, I do like playing video games which was one of the key reasons why I upgraded, but still. Newer software is based on newer hardware and in time it'll just get too demanding and your PC won't be able to handle some stuff.

 

[Igwechuks1993]

I have used my Toshiba laptop for about 7 years now and about three years ago I added a new Acer laptop because the battery of my Toshiba got weaken due to excessive disruption of power supply. Well from my little experience in computer hardware maintenance I would suggest that after 5 years of using a particular computer or computing systems you should get a change and also kept to a yearly maintenance and upgrading of it.