How Long Is the Average Household Computer Supposed to Last?

It can be hard to decide whether the computer you're using is worth keeping or just needs to be thrown out. There are no set-in-stone rules for how long the average household computer is supposed to last, but there are some indicators that can help you decide.

Average Lifespan

According to PC Stats, the average lifespan of a computer in which it is still considered useful is five years. Its definition of "useful" is that the computer must be capable of running contemporary software. This definition may not apply in all cases, though, and it depends on your personal needs for your computer.

Personal Usage

There are many things that may cause the need for a new computer, but many things may not indicate that a computer is incapable of functioning properly. An individual part failure such as a hard drive malfunction can be rectified by replacing the hard drive, for example. If your computer's operating system is out of date, and the hardware is not capable of running a more modern operating system, it may be time to consider replacing your computer.

Tips

To make your computer last longer, back up your data often. This can be done by copying your files to an external storage drive such as a second hard drive or an online service such as Dropbox. Likewise, if you start noticing any signs of hard drive issues, then consider replacing the hard drive after a couple of years.

References

• Hear it: How Long Should A Computer Last
• PC Doctor Guide: How Long Will My Computer Last
• PC Stats: Most Common Ways to Kill a PC

Resources

• Dropbox