How often do you buy a new computer?

[KingKong]

I usually just upgrade it and replace it until it cannot be upgraded anymore. Got lucky with my last purchase though, about 4 years now and it's holding up pretty well for my usage. Want to get a new laptop though.

 

[SpiderShark]

I buy a new computer when my current one breaks down and it would be more cost efficient to buy a new one instead on trying to replace an expensive component, like the motherboard. Also, when a computer lasts for so long it becomes totally outdated, then I buy a new one, as I like to keep up with newer games and other multimedia applications.

 

[mistymi]

Buying a whole new computer is too expensive. I always save whatever parts I can. I won't upgrade my computer unless there is a game I really want to play on max settings or something. I don't think I'll need to upgrade for a long time.

 

[Stone]

Myself, no average time limit.
Need versus price versus whim.

I've heard 50K hours on power for hardware is a common limit for computers that are on most of the time.

I've gotten as little as 2 years of service and as much as 8 years of service out of my past desktops.

I do think my current hardware is more durable than in the past and be in service longer than 8 years with software upgrades.