This is one thing that I prefer not to go with “wait until it breaks” but since I rarely play games on the computer anymore I have less motivation to upgrade the desktop computer. It’s lasted because I picked a near the top tier processor and components at the time (about 9 years ago!}. Laptops seem to be easier as the batteries deteriorate and they seem to be affected by software changes over time more.

What motivates you to finally upgrade?

I’m not looking forward to transferring saved stuff and preferences, that’s for sure.

Only have laptop. I get motivated when the performance deteriorates to an unacceptable level.
Slow to boot up etc...

Usually when there is a game or something my rig won't handle for personal PC.

Work when it no longer can keep up on multitasking a bunch of things. CPU Bottleneck or RAM bottle neck that makes it slow.

What type of OS? Is the OS supported with security updates?

When I first started building computers for clients we always said or encouraged an upgrade to a new computer every two years, three if you were a lightweight user.

Today, that window is stretched much further with the advancements in technology and software.

My general advice today is every five years and that can be extended even further considering use.

I can tell generally by the current equipment specifications.
That would include the generation of CPU, type of hard drive and generation of memory and OS.

Even still now days with the dependence on the Internet, local programs that tax a computer become less and less.
The only exception the hard core users like gamers, CAD, video editing.

Now days I build way fewer computers.

When tasks seem to take a long time, or if I see the cpu pegged at 100% a lot, it may be time to upgrade. Basically, when it feels like it's wasting my time.

If it doesn’t have an SSD, upgrade it. It’s so worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by jonrem:
If it doesn’t have an SSD, upgrade it. It’s so worth it.

My current computer is my first with an SSD and I've had it for about five years now.
Still fast and seems to be working fine and the thirteen seconds it takes to go from full off to ready to go is a great feeling.
I didn't "upgrade" to Win11 and probably won't as that has been the biggest problem in the past with earlier computers, changing Windows versions during the middle of the life cycle.

I use Mac computers. They seem to last forever. I replace only when they will no longer support the software that I need to use.

quote:

Originally posted by jonrem:
If it doesn’t have an SSD, upgrade it. It’s so worth it.

Yes!

In my case recently, when the effort to keep it from getting laggy was a little more than I wanted, plus deciding the benefits on Resume or Startup of an SSD were deserved by me for my own enjoyment and sanity.

Best decision I've made in a while on electronics front.

Like you, Oz, I stopped gaming about 8 years ago. At the time, my PC was pretty much top of the line and could just about run all graphics at the highest level. Now, not so much.

I've thought about upgrading my office system in the past, but since I no longer on-line game and don't think I will in the future, I'll honestly keep my current PC going "as is" until Windows 10 is no longer supported or it won't run any of the programs I have installed.

It's working just fine for my current purposes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I've had a desktop for probably 30 years. I was an early adopter in days of IBM XT machines. I taught computers for our adult learning program - mainly Lotus 1=2=3 - for years.

Moore's law was definitely in effect in the early 80's and I updated my PC frequently. In 2021 I switched to a 27" Mac for my desktop and a 16" Macbook Pro for travel. Both have SSD drives. I recently updated my MBP to a M2 chip and feel both my 2 machines will last me for many years. I don't game. I do run some windows programs that work well under Parallels. These include Quicken and Office.

Bottom line for me is to stick with the Apple universe and upgrades will be non-existant for many years. We've got the iphones, AirPods, Air Tags, Apple TV, Ipads, Watches and more importantly - Apple Stock.

my strategy is a bit different.

I have the same "computer" (case) that I bought in 2007.

I've updated the MoBo twice, the HDD to SSD about 6 years ago, and I had to replace the PSU a while back. I've added a bunch of drives to it for video storage and backup. It's full of memory -- no more slots.

Last time I updated the MoBo, I didn't bother to connect the 3.5" FDD, but it's there The CD drive is connected, but I've not used it in years.

It started out as XP, was using Win 7 for a while and is now Win 10. Win 11 is not directly supported. There are some work-around, but I'm not sure if I'm going to go that route or not. So, this is what may force me to upgrade again.

As to when I would decide to upgrade, I'd check the Fry's ad in the newspaper and when they had a Mobo / Processor combo deal that was too good to be true, I'd drive up there and buy it. But now that there is no Fry's and no newspaper any more, I stopped upgrading.

For me, I expect 3 years from my laptops. My current one is at 3.4 years and just now is starting to act wonky.

I bought my MacBook Air in February, 2017 and it's still going strong. (Knock on wood.)

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
I use Mac computers. They seem to last forever. I replace only when they will no longer support the software that I need to use.

Same.

I just replaced my mid-2012 MacBook Pro in July 2022.

10 years is a really good run. It had been supported the entire time with software updates by Apple. It didn't start feeling slow until about the last year and that was mainly in relation to video.

When OS isn’t supported anymore or the hardware will not support the current OS.

When Costco has one on sale that is significantly better than my current.

Plus a cheap laptop just for travel

All our computers have specific functions, so we just replace on a schedule.

We have an iMac Pro (2017) for ProTools & Logic. I spec'ed it to last 10 years since I'll have to buy a new audio interface (current one cost $4000) at that point anyway.

A second iMac (2019) for photography, which will probably last about 7 before the editing software starts running slow.

Two laptops we use for our business get replaced after 5 years.

Well Oz, I have been in your exact shoes. Best option is to buy a new laptop. It will be a bazillion times faster than your old ferrari, and that's for a cheap new one, you don't need to spend big money. As long as it's a known major brand, and you're buying one with a pre-installed Microsoft Windows operating system (don't mess with Chrome Book tablets and other junk like that), you'll be very pleasantly surprised guranteed.

Go to Best Buy, Office Max, Target, and Walmart, and then back to Best Buy since they always have the best selection and price in town. I've done this several times for myself and others over the years, and I always end up at Best Buy in the end. You can buy laptops over the net, but I like to touch then in the store and fire them up at home, just in case you get a DOA machine, however that is extremely rare these days. It's just a thing I prefer.