How long does a desktop computer last?
Typical lifespan
4–10 yr
A non-portable computer in a case, separate from its monitor and keyboard.
Typical service life before replacement.
How that compares
Desktop computer against things of a similar time.
Games console 5–10 yr
Toaster 4–12 yr
Honey badger 5–24 yr
Sailfish 4–15 yr
Desktop computer 4–10 yr
White-tailed deer 3–20 yr
Chicken 5–10 yr
Laptop 3–8 yr
What that means over time
| Period | How many you would buy |
|---|---|
| Per year | 0.167 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1.7 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 5 of them |
Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.
More about a desktop computer
- How much does a desktop computer weigh? 3–25 kg
- How much does a desktop computer cost? 350–4,000 $
- Desktop computer vs Computer monitor Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Television Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Printer Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Games console Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Laptop Side by side
Common questions
- How long does a desktop computer last?
- A desktop computer lasts 4–10 yr. Typical service life before replacement.
Related pages
- How much does a desktop computer weigh? 3–25 kg
- How much does a desktop computer cost? 350–4,000 $
- How long does a smartphone last? 2–6 yr
- How long does a television last? 6–12 yr
- How long does a laptop last? 3–8 yr
- How long does a games console last? 5–10 yr
- How long does a printer last? 3–10 yr
- How long does a tablet last? 3–8 yr
- How long does a computer monitor last? 5–12 yr
- Desktop computer vs Computer monitor Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Television Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Printer Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Games console Side by side
- Desktop computer vs Laptop Side by side
Sources
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place