We get asked regularly by our clients “how long should my computer last?”, and that’s a difficult question to answer generally, but as a client of ours its quite easy.
Your computer system should last 5-7 years.
This is dependant on a few things though, you have to pick the correct system for what you are using it for. If you are doing high end CAD work and buy a low end PC, it won’t last very long, the fans will wear down and the software you run will require a little bit more, and a little bit more until your system is grinding a long and you are getting frustrated.
Also, regular maintenance is key on your system. Manufacturers and Microsoft both release drivers, firmware and updates to get the best out of your system, to prevent issues, improve performance and iron out any bugs they may have found since the system was built.
Antivirus protection is also key, those nasty little viruses & malware can get in your system and slow it down, even encrypt it so it is inaccessible or even steal your data (You may not think you have anything worth stealing, but think of your contact list that they can use to steal other peoples data and money).
The other question we get asked is “What specification do I need” which ties nicely in with the previous question and again, there is no default answer.
Intel have made processors (the computer brain) a bit easier to determine which one you need since they introduced i3 (light use), I5 (medium use), i7 (heavy use and gaming) and i9 (very heavy use / serious gaming) but the rest of the system is a case of balance.
It’s no use having a massively fast engine in a car if you only have 4 inch wheels. So picking a system that has a good balance for the software you are using is a good start.
Then we have to think about possible future upgrades, being able to add a little more RAM, possibly a graphics card is always good to consider. Warranties are also a key thing to consider as a lot of domestic systems you have to send your system away for 4-6 weeks and wait for it to come back. Business systems tend to have faster warranties or on site.
And lastly, there is storage. A lot of people ask for way more storage than they will ever use because there is an association (thanks to popular TV adverts) of bigger numbers mean better, and this is not the case.
So, the best way to pick a new PC and figure out how long it will last, give us a call, drop us an email. We will ask some simple questions about your business and what you want to use it for, and we will do the hard work and find you a system that will keep you happy and productive for years to come.
Oh, and don’t forget, we also do all the maintenance under a contract for you to make sure your can have trouble free IT.