The PC industry just went through the biggest drop in sales in its history. The single biggest reason for the long-term decline is the switch to phones and mobile devices for everyday computing. Microsoft’s free upgrade to Windows 10 contributed to the drop in sales in the last half of 2015 by giving older computers a secure way to stay in service as long as the hardware keeps working.
But there’s another reason for the decline in PC sales: we’re keeping our PCs longer.
The standard advice until recently was to plan to buy a new computer every three years. Things have changed. You can reasonably expect to keep a business workstation in service for five years. Laptops are harder to predict but replacing a laptop just because the hardware is inadequate won’t be necessary as often as it used to be.
There are no hard and fast rules but let me give you some guidelines.
The big picture is that Windows has stopped becoming more demanding. You don’t have to upgrade frequently to get enough power to run new versions of Windows. For fifteen years, every version of Windows – Windows 3.1, Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows Vista – needed new hardware and more power than the previous version. Windows 7 was the first version to change that trend, reflecting a lot of effort by Microsoft to make Windows more lean instead of constantly more bloated. Windows 10 does not require more processor power than Windows 7.
The last truly significant wave of improvements in processors began in late 2009 when Intel introduced the Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. There have been several generations of Core processors since then but any of the Core i5 and Core i7 processors are sufficient for most people to do routine work – web browsing, email, Office programs, and line-of-business programs. (Creative professionals and gamers are in a different world.)
That’s your first task, then, to evaluate an older computer: open up Control Panel / System (Windows 7/8) or Settings / System / About (Windows 10). If the processor is Core i3, any variation on Core 2, or anything with “Pentium” in the name, that computer is ready to be replaced. It’s got too small an engine to last for much longer. (You can still buy a new computer with a Core i3 processor. Don’t do that. It will be slow from the moment you get it out of the box.)
Even if you have a decent processor – an older Core i5 or Core i7, say – you still might want to replace a computer that’s more than four years old, especially a laptop. There have been just enough changes in hardware that you may feel hamstrung by an older computer. You may need a USB 3.0 port, for example, and be frustrated that it’s not there. Battery life on laptops has improved tremendously in the last few years, and the manufacturers have taken huge strides forward in the quest to make laptops thinner and lighter without any compromises.
More importantly, even if the hardware is technically sufficient, you likely will be complaining about the slowness of a 4-5 year old computer. Every version of Windows slows down as the years go by from the accumulation of years of updates, program installs and removals, adware and crud, the slow buildup of temporary files and debris, the flotsam and jetsam of years of everyday computing. The hardware may still be functional with no broken bits but the computer becomes unusable.
That’s why you may want to replace 4-5 year old computers now, but with the expectation that your next computer will last longer than previous ones.
The most important reason that your next computer will last longer: if you’re smart, you’ll get a solid state drive (SSD), which will deliver the most significant increase in performance that we’ve ever gotten from any single PC component. The computer will shrug off the effects of time for years longer than a computer with a conventional spinning hard drive.
A new computer will also have some of the other hardware improvements from the last few years that will extend its life. There is always something new on the horizon but I expect the Windows 8 and Windows 10 computers you’ve gotten in the last few years will last at least five years.
But what about those older Windows 7 computers that are slowing down? There are two things you can do to extend the life of an old computer.
• Replace the spinning hard drive with an SSD. This is a tough one for non-technical people, and I can’t do it effectively at my hourly rate. Look for a local shop that has a good workbench. They might be able to do it for the cost of the drive (prices have plummeted on SSDs) plus a reasonable amount for labor. As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications but it makes a huge difference if the surgery is successful. (If you’re in Sonoma County, give Santa Rosa Computers a call.)
• There’s a trick that cleans out the hard drive on an old computer and makes it run like new, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It starts with a backup of every conceivable bit of data that might be important to you. No mistakes. No regrets. Then (1) upgrade to Windows 10, and (2) use the Windows 10 feature to reset the PC and remove everything on the hard drive. You’ll be wiping out all programs, all data, all settings. Everything will be gone. What you’ll have is the computer running Windows 10 as if you just pulled it out of the box. It will be running as fast as it’s capable of running with no slowdown from all the crud. You’ll have to reinstall programs and restore your data, but you’d have to do that with a new computer, right?
To recap:
• If you have a 4-5 year old computer, there are some good reasons you might want to replace it. Not necessarily, though – even those may still have some life in them.
• With a little luck, you’ll get five years of life or more from computers purchased more recently.
• Laptops change more quickly. You might get longer life from them also, as long as they’re not damaged and nothing breaks, but improvements in battery life and ports are happening fast and you might wind up upgrading more quickly than a desktop PC.
Excellent article, even for six years later, LOL. I read it before I realized it was from 2016. What would you suggest for a 7-year build for internet and MS Word in 2022. Again, great article.
Thanks! At seven years, there’s a serious risk that some piece of hardware will fail unexpectedly. It’s far easier to replace a computer on your own schedule than on the computer’s schedule when it fails. I wrote this article last year about how to buy a new Windows PC that won’t make you crazy. The only important thing to know since then is that Windows 11 is the lightest of facelifts to Windows 10, and both Windows 10 and 11 are just fine. There’s no reason to avoid them. Good luck!
Im still using a PC I built 9 years ago and it still keeps up just fine with ANYTHING i want to do. guess what its an AMD build 😀 Cost me through the years with upgrades less then 1200 bucks . Since AMD is not a POS company like intel I was able to do this . Orignal cost was around 800 I saved by using a CPU I already had in waiting for FX8300s Still running same 16 gigs of ram . Upgraded HD do to failure and went from 6950 to 380 only due to failure. THe Asus Sabertooth 990fx v1 has been soilid. If you put your money into the right peices of gear you can do anything.
my computers almost 10 years old thanks for the tip
10 year old HP upgraded from windows 7 to windows 10 a couple years ago. Was running well but now having software issues. Internet works fine however need apps to be functional. Moving on. Thanks for the article. It was very helpful.
I agree with the 4-5 year range.For internet and word processing I can get away with keeping the computer to about the 7-8 year then I have to retire the computer. In my primary line of work I do a lot photo editing with some video editing, I need a more potent computer. In the past I have kept computers (Desktops) 9 to 10 years and the 2 biggest problems I have run into are 1) finding components that are compatible with the unit (Especially larger capacity hard drives/SSD might not be seen by the BIOS), 2) Software and Driver issues
My husband and I have different viewpoints on handling our current computer issue…our Microsoft Office Outlook (Windows 7) is corrupted and estimate repair costs of approx. $180.
We own the ASUS Desktop PC (CM1730 series) and basically it works ok.
I feel it would be wise to purchase a new system with Windows 10 and move on. My husband wants to repair Windows 7 and leave it at that. I feel it is putting good money towards a dying computer.
What do you suggest?
Well, I don’t know anything about the physical condition of the computer, but I can give you some general guidelines assuming it’s basically in good shape. If it has at least an Intel Core i5 processor and 8Gb of RAM, then it might be worth saving it. Put $200-$300 into upgrading to a solid state drive and it will be a big improvement.
But there’s one more thing. Windows 7 deteriorates after a few years of use. The accumulation of years of crud from programs installed and updated and removed eventually starts to slow things down and cause crashes. It’s more difficult to wipe and start over than with Windows 10. So if you have the feeling that Windows is starting to get flaky, it may not be worth it because even a refreshed, upgraded PC might still be flaky. And a corrupt Outlook data file is not a good sign.
Good luck!
Im still on a ten year old laptop, 1.5 GB RAM, Core 2 Duo, and Intel945 GM 224MB, still works, does what i need easily, even can handle Minecraft lol
(grin) You must be a
very
patient
person . . .
https://youtu.be/0woPde7OE1k?t=14
I have a HP G60 laptop which I believe I must have purchased in or around 2006 or 2007. The OS at the time was W7. When the free W10 upgrade was offered by Microsoft, I installed it but the computer did not handle the upgrade well, perhaps in part because of the memory limitations. Frustrated with the laptop’s severely decremented performance, II was about to chuck it out when I came across the much lighter weight Linux Lubuntu and I installed the software. Now, Linux is a whole new world with a lexicon that does require some concerted familiarization efforts. But the time I spent paid off and I must say that my computer is working just like new with the Lubuntu software as the foundation.
Nice! Installing and running Linux doesn’t work for non-technical people but you’ve also described the reason for the success of Chromebooks: a lean OS that runs well on less powerful, less expensive hardware. Windows is big and clumsy by design.
I have a HP G60 laptop which I believe I must have purchased in or around 2006 or 2007. The OS at the time was W7. When the free W10 upgrade was offered by Microsoft, I installed it but the computer did not handle the upgrade well, perhaps in part because of the memory limitations. Frustrated with the laptop’s severely decremented performance, II was about to chuck it out when I came across the much lighter weight Linux Lubuntu and I installed the software. Now, Linux is a whole new world with a lexicon that does require some concerted familiarization efforts. But the time I spent paid off and I must say that my computer is working just like new with the Lubuntu software as the foundation.
I went ahead and bought a new laptop anyway but I still keep the HP G60 around as a spare and I will hold on to it and use it until it fails completely.
Sorry, Dennis Doyle, my mistake. Cloning is not the answer where a new computer is concerned.
Dennis Doyle: Look into cloning and don’t do it while intoxicated.
I have an eight-year old HP Pavillion with Windows 7 and it seems to be working fine, but everyone tells me that it’s just about time to think about replacing it. Of course, I have nothing to compare it with, so I don’t know if it’s slow or not! The suggestions about the SSD and the i5/i7 core are very useful. My only problem is how to get all my data and programs onto a new desktop without having to buy Windows Office again.
My have 15000 hours and I build it 2010.. Still works but I must make a new..
PC specs:
MoBo: Gigabyte P55-UD3L
CPU: Intel Core i5 750 2.67GHz
HDD: SeaGate 500GB
GPU: nvidia GeForce GT 220
RAM: 2x Kingston DDR3 = 4GB Ram Dual Chanel
PSU: I don’t remember
Also who doesn’t know how to install a new drive? You pop it into the correct spot in the case, plug in the SATA and SATA Power cable and then format the drives in the OS. Cmon even my great grandfather can do that, and hes blind!
I asked my blind great grandfather if he thought you were right. He said something about fishing during the war, then fell asleep. Poor great grandpa! He’s having a hard time lately. I guess we’ll have to take your word for it.
This is the biggest pile of BULLSHIT Ive ever read, you must’ve been paid by Intel to trick people into thinking “Core i3s and Pentiums aren’t enough” based on some flat out LIES, like everyone has the same needs. The newest generations of i3s, Pentiums and i5s are MORE THAN enough for most people, not everyone NEEDS some overpriced i7 junk. CLEARLY you have NO IDEA what you’re talking about. And FYI there is also another company out there that has made MAJOR improvements and a comeback in the CPU market. They’re called AMD, and Ryzen is KICKING INTELS ASS. Another Intel riddled BS article for IDIOTS!
I have an i3 desktop purchased in 2010 (7 years old right now) works fantastic! I expect to get at least another year maybe even two or three out it.
i come to this article in situation that i cant decide, my computer still running well, but its already 6 years, amd x6 1100T with ssd, still smooth. what would you suggest? to upgrade or not?
thanks!
There’s no reason to upgrade a computer that still makes you happy. But consider two things: (1) It’s more important than ever to have a good backup that covers your mail, your files, and anything in programs that store data on the computer – either online with a program like Carbonite or at least on a hard drive using a program that will also work on a new computer. And (2) your computer will stop working at some point. If you would be hurt by a delay while you get a new one and set it up, then replace the old one before it fails. Good luck!
I’m not very tech because i’m a senior citizen. My 2010 HP laptop is still good I just want to replace it before it’s too late but don’t want to spend alot if I don’t need to. What should I do?
Look for a laptop with a solid state drive (SSD). Don’t worry about any other spec – if it has an SSD, the other things will be fine. It’s so important for your experience with the computer! It will make it last longer and make it work better the entire time. If you look through the laptops at, say, http://www.costco.com, and focus only on that one thing, you’ll be able to choose from a nice selection, starting around $650 or so. If you look through some of my articles about shopping for laptops, you’ll get some ideas (but I tend to focus on more expensive business laptops). Good luck!
my dell studio xps 7100 is still running strong, purchased on 12/2010. I won’t replace until it dies. I backed up everything on an external drive if I worked more than 1 work. I don’t want to replace the computer until it is time.
If you haven’t done it yet, look into upgrading to a solid state drive (SSD). If you buy a Samsung 850 EVO SSD for a hundred bucks or so, it comes with software that makes it easy to do an exact clone of your existing drive – literally nothing changes except the speed of the computer. But the speed increase is so huge that your computer feels like a rocket ship.
If that’s something you’re not comfortable doing, check with a local shop. It’s become commonplace. There’s little risk and great reward. The only precaution is that it’s easiest and cheapest if your main hard drive has less than 256Gb of files on it. Worth thinking about. Good luck!
I am using Dell E-640 with custom 240 GB SSD Hard and 12 GB Ram. Trust me, It works like a rocket.
James Bowers.. then you probably haven’t used an i7. I was using a core 2 duo desktop with 2 GB Ram and which was 5 years old. I recently replaced that with a new computer that had 4 GB ram and an i7 processor.. Difference is clear
this is bullshit, i have a core i3 desktop 3.4ghz and it’s not slow at all, also have a core 2 duo iMac from 2009 it’s not slow either.
Excellent article!! I read your article. That is very attractive. Thanks for sharing the good suggestion.
Thank you
Great article. The only reason I’d buy a new laptop is because my current one lags a bit. Can’t wait to get a laptop with an SSD Hard drive. My brother just bought one in the end of financial year sales
FWIW, it’s not difficult or expensive to upgrade the hard drive in many laptops, without losing any data or having to restore programs. Every situation is different. It works best if (1) your laptop is no more than 3-4 years old, (2) you don’t have more than 256Gb of data on your existing drive, (3) you have a model of laptop with an accessible drive to someone with the right tools, and (4) you h ave a nearby shop with the right tools. The performance improvement is kind of mind-blowing.
I have a 6 year old desktop that my employer refuses to replace. Do you know of a tool that would allow me to measure how much time I spend waiting for my computer every day? 1 min here, 30 seconds there adds up to a lot of time over the day. If I can quantify how much wasted time I have in my day, then I can give them a clear ROI for buying a new one.
Any suggestions would be awesome!
I wonder if there is something like that? Fun idea.
Thank you-good info,, my 8 year old CPU just fried and I need info to get a new one.
Thank you. Good info I needed!
Good suggestions. Thank you.