How many years should you keep a desktop PC, before investing in a new and more updated one?

Question

I am not a computer geek, so my upgrading skills are very limited. I've had my present PC 3 1/2 years. I'ts a Dell 110 beginners PC.

Answer 1

5 years

Answer 2

I would say to keep your desktop until it quits doing what you need it to do. Safe answer.

Generally they will have a 3-5 year lifespan it seems and that becomes more evident on how often you use it.

If you are primarily using your computer for browsing the web, checking e-mail and writing papers, then the need to replace is lower. If you have had to do a number of software re-installs on it and are doing a lot of labor intensive tasks then some parts such as the hard drive might be on their last leg.

If you are running any Operating System that is from the Windows 9x generation (including Windows ME) the time to upgrade is now. Those OS's will be losing support from Microsoft and they have already reported that they are vulnerable to some security risks that they will not be fixing because in order to fix them it might break other software from other companies on the system.

Answer 3

well, if the computer system is still functional and can be use, then you also at the same time do not require a better system then stick to it till you need a new one. however, you also need to see that since the computer system is 3 and a 1/2 years old, you can start to check with your ownself about the following , 1st do you need a better computer to process your work load, 2nd do you play alot of games? 3rd can your current computer support your gaming needs if you play alot of games, 4th does the current omputer give you problems at various point of times. lastly ask yourself if you forsee that you will need more out of the computer and speed. these are some ways you can look at the question and analyse your needs. basically a computer can last more than 3 years is considered very good. although the fact about the computer changes very fast but then its does not also means that need to constantly change. aim at the needs of your use. this is a better way to make sure its more worth every penny.

Answer 4

Depends on what you do with your computer

My computer is 5 years old

There haven't been many updates for the XP version which I run except speed and storage

So if your computer is fairly fast
you don't need to add alot of things like photos and sort

Than keep what you have til they come out with a magic computer

Just add an external drive for extra storage if needed.

There now that you just saved 1000 of dollars go buy us an ice cream

BUT
If you do need a new one or just want one go buy a windows XP version

Answer 5

Depending on the performance and programs that you need on the computer, yours might still be perfect for you to use. I would also suggest that you replace a computer every 5 years. Or, if you would like to go an alternate route, you could just have your computer "innerds" replaced and upgraded, so that your system is up to date, but you will still be able to use the same computer. This would be ideal if you only wanted to maybe get a larger hard drive or wanted to upgrade your video or sound card, etc. Rather than spending the money to buy a completely new computer system.

Answer 6

I seem to keep a desktop for about 3 to 4 years. I almost never update it. I tend to buy the best on the market each time and it lasts for several years without needing an update. ( I dont play games so that helps )

Answer 7

4 years.

Answer 8

I had my last computer for about 6 or 7 years. It was a Dell, but just getting slow. I got a fantastic deal on a new one last month with a 40% off coupon I got at www.gottadeal.com

Answer 9

ill say upgrade it every 2 to 3 yearsu dont know wlaot so the longer it takes u to upgrade the better u learn cuz it wont help u haveing a nice vaio when u dont know much thats just a waste of money so u can upgrage every 2 yrs untill u become familier with them that s when u can get a nice one

Answer 10

My only best and cheapest advice is wait until next year because the processors' prices will be lower because of the Core 2 Duo, and G80 GPUs for Vista will arrive. And it is essential for a Windows Vista