Do you love your gaming PC? Do you never want to live without it? Unfortunately, computers are not eternal, so your PC will eventually meet its maker. But it’s hard to determine when that will be, and it’s good to be prepared.
Keep reading to find out how long you can expect your PC hardware and software to last and what you can do in the meantime to increase your PC’s longevity.
Short Answer
A PC will continue to run if well-maintained for seven to 10 years.
Many factors play into a PC’s longevity. To better understand how long your PC will run for you, keep reading as we break down costs, parts, and more.
The Lifespan of PC Parts
Sometimes it isn’t the entire PC that quits on you. It may just be one part that needs replacing. Keep the lifetimes of these parts in mind when your PC malfunctions:
- CPU: 5-10 years
- GPU: 5-10 years
- Motherboard: 20+ years
- Power Supply: 10-15 years
- RAM: 10-20 years
- Storage Drives: 2-5 years
The lifespans for the parts above are under ideal circumstances where the owner takes preventative measures to maintain the computer, measures we will discuss in a bit.
Custom Vs Pre-Build
Despite what people may think, a custom build and pre-build will last the same amount of time. So don’t convince yourself that your special pre-build will live forever because it won’t.
We mention this because you should keep it in mind when deciding if you want to invest in a custom build or just get a pre-build. In the end, you likely won’t get extra years out of one over the other.
Hardware Vs Software
We said before a PC can last between seven and 10 years, which is true concerning the hardware. However, the software will likely not be able to keep up for that long.
Because of how games evolve and change, modern games often can’t run on older model PCs. By software standards, your PC will probably only work for you for four to five years.
But if you’re happy to continue playing old downloaded games, the PC should work for seven to 10 years, as stated.
Average Cost of a PC
The average cost for a gaming PC is right around $1,200 but can fall anywhere between $800 and $2,000, depending on features, storage, and other components.
Tips to Make Your PC Live Longer
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We know you probably want your PC to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, we can’t help you make your PC last forever, just not possible. But we can give you our top tips for extending the lifespan of your PC.
Clean Your PC
Many people don’t realize the damage dust, dirt, and debris can have on your PC. Small particles like those are a death threat to technology, so try to dust your PC often. Check all the ports and small spaces dirt can hide. We also suggest using compressed air to help eliminate hard-to-reach particles.
No Liquid Zone
We know you want a glass of water while killing zombies or a cup of coffee while playing Sims, but please don’t. Your PC should be a strict liquid-free zone. Liquids are another death sentence to PCs, and one sudden movement can destroy your whole system.
While we’re at it, we’d like to make your PC a food-free zone as well. Crumbs and particles are almost as dangerous as liquids. So it’s best to finish your meals before gaming and pause if you need a snack break.
Let It Breathe
By letting it breathe, we mean don’t stuff the system into a dark, warm corner where no ventilation can occur. Technology, especially computers, warms up when it runs for long periods. It’s best for your PC and overall safety to always give your PC a few inches away from walls and other surfaces that may suffocate it and cause it to overheat.
Use Anti-Virus
Don’t forget to protect your software just as much as your hardware. It can be near impossible to salvage a PC that’s been ravaged by a computer virus. The moment you buy a new computer, you should always install Malware or another anti-virus program. Preventing viruses is so much easier than eradicating them.
Add Memory
If your processing speed has taken a depressing nosedive, add more RAM to your computer so it can have some wiggle room again. We suggest you get in front of this issue and add more RAM if you think you may come close to filling the computer’s memory. It’s less stressful to do at the beginning compared to when your system is lagging.
Organize Your PC
Cleaning up your PC is good practice for any computer. Any programs or files you aren’t using or no longer need take up unnecessary space on your computer. PCs have a convenient cleaning function that can do this for you, or you can do it manually.
Longest Lasting Gaming Chairs
These are some of the most durable gaming chairs that might last you as long as your PC does. More importantly, these three chair companies offer a longer manufacturer warranty than most gaming chairs, which only last 1-2 years.
1. Herman Miller x Logitech Embody
Herman Miller isn’t known for their gaming chairs, but they are a leader in the office furniture industry. They collaborated with Logitech to make a gaming chair version of their Embody.
2. Secretlab Omega
Warranty: 5 years
Secretlab crafts high-quality and durable chairs that have helped many gamers feel more comfortable while gaming. Their sturdy materials ensure the chair can handle a decent amount of wear, which is why they offer an extended 5-year warranty.
3. AKRacing Chair
Warranty: 5 years for materials, 10 years for steel frame
AKRacing makes some of the best gaming chairs, and they’re designed to last you more than one year. Not only are their chairs durable, but they’re very stylish.
Bottom Line
In summary, we can’t say for sure how long you’ll be able to use your PC for the games you love. We estimate between 3 and 7 years depending on the care you put into the system and what games you want to play.
No matter the lifespan, it’s undeniable the gaming quality provided by PCs, so enjoy your gaming.
FAQs
Do Macs last longer than PCs?
There is no clear-cut answer to this. Some people say the range for Macs is six to eight years for hardware and five to six years for software.
But there is no way to answer this for sure. It’s probably safe to say they have a similar lifespan with an attentive owner.
How often should I update my PC?
If you want to be diligent, your PC can probably receive a software update yearly. But if you are more relaxed about updating, you can wait to update every two to three years, and your PC should still function well.
