Last motherboard / system with legs will remain functional for 15 years
Last motherboard / system with legs will remain functional for 15 years
I am searching for a durable system with long-lasting components, aiming for at least 15 years.
My current SSD and Intel Corei7 machine is around 15 years old and functions properly. I don’t require significant speed improvements; even video rendering is sufficient.
I’m concerned about maintaining reliability over the next 10 to 15 years, assuming my life expectancy.
When buying SSDs and power supplies with high wattage or extra capacity, does that help extend their lifespan?
I worry that opting for the newest high-performance chips and a cutting-edge motherboard might reduce longevity due to its higher demands.
Could additional features like water cooling, better fans, a larger case, rubber feet, a specific board model, or a low-power chipset improve my system’s durability?
CPU: Intel i7-11700K (¥46,980)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black (¥12,791)
Motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING B560M-PLUS (¥15,907)
Memory: Kingston Fury DDR4 3200MHz 2 x 16GB (¥15,190)
Storage: SAMSUNG 980 Pro 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 (¥21,700)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact (¥14,436)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750x (¥11,200)
TOTAL: ¥138,204
The more basic your computer is, the better its lifespan will be.
Consider these points:
1. Avoid water-cooling systems; opt for a reliable air-cooler instead.
2. Purchase the newest motherboard and CPU at the time of buying.
3. If you plan to use a GPU, ensure the motherboard includes built-in video support.
4. Invest in a quality power supply with more wattage than your requirements—for instance, choose a 500W unit but opt for 650W. Larger PSUs generally last longer because they operate cooler and under less strain.
Dear Tim,
Thank you for your reply.
I appreciate you mentioning air-cooling is better.
I plan to choose a motherboard with an onboard GPU just in case.
Your confirmation about the PSU is helpful.
I’m wondering why I should opt for the newest components instead of a reliable or very durable one?
Are there any other ideas you have for improving PC durability?
Best,
Ivt
Modern motherboards often come with improved built-in graphics, more RAM options, and faster FSB speeds, which are advantageous for the future. Even if a motherboard could last 15 years, the CPU may require upgrades as processing demands grow over time. For instance, a decade ago a motherboard supporting only dual-core processors would be inadequate by today's standards, making it impossible to run modern software efficiently. However, choosing a higher-end board at the time would have allowed you to use advanced CPUs like the Core 2 Quad, such as Q9550 or Q9650, which still perform well for most tasks even with light games.
There are no more mobos with onboard graphics, not in more than ten years.
Some still have GPU outputs, but they require a CPU with integrated graphics to function.
If you're comfortable with the performance of an i7 from the first or second core-i series, you can opt for a current i3 system that offers better results while using less power.
Alternatively, you can choose an i9 and lower its power settings, or even shut down some cores to extend its lifespan.
I am using the same tools (Office, Photoimpact=similar to Photoshop, video editing software) that I was using 15 years ago. My body, my number of limbs, my mind, and my requirements have stayed the same, and I still struggle to find time for creating better books, pictures, or video content. I expect my needs will remain unchanged in another 15 years.
If I were to play games on a computer, there would be no limit to the processing power needed, so eventually the game experience would match reality—perhaps soon enough, and then even better hardware wouldn’t be necessary for games. But I don’t play computer games.
I’m not seeing any software that demands more than Windows, which seems to only make existing tasks faster (though it does speed up Photoshop and video editing). Win2k was a better GUI version than 10.
My vision limits me, my hands slow typing, my mind doesn’t process information as quickly. I can’t generate text, images, or videos faster. My software needs haven’t changed, and I don’t expect them to change.
I bought a computer 15 years ago that still works well for me now. I’m not sure why I’d want more.
But I do want durability.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback!
It seems I’m still quite outdated compared to the times. My Mobos are equipped with onboard graphics, though performance tends to be limited due to the low-grade non-Mobo GPUs I’m using.
Reducing power consumption isn’t my main priority unless it offers some durability benefits. Should I opt for an i3 processor to extend the device’s lifespan?
I’m not sure if this would help or not. Would it actually make a difference?
I’m even more confused than when you originally asked! sorry...sorry...
I don't play games, but I can understand that if I did, I would require maximum power.
Over the past 15 years, I've been using the same software, and I'm not sure why I'd need something different in the future—except for mandatory upgrades from Microsoft.
If you're seeking the optimal solution that endures without many compromises, here is the recommended selection:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i7-11700 2.5 GHz 8-Core Processor
($397.21 @ Adorama)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler
($99.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B560M-PLUS WIFI Micro ATX LGA1200
($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15
($154.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 980 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME SSD
($119.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case
($119.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx (2018) 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular
($90.46 @ Amazon)
Total: $1132.57
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Alternatively, if budget is a priority and you're willing to accept some limitations:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-11500 2.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
($276.31 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler
($79.00 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B560M-PLUS WIFI Micro ATX LGA1200
($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15
($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 980 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME SSD
($119.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case
($119.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx (2018) 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular
($90.46 @ Amazon)
Total: $920.72
Includes shipping, taxes, and discounts
Please note that these prices encompass all fees and applicable discounts. The recommendations aim to balance performance and value effectively.