Luxia Le

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Many people are entering the computer-building community in the modern day. What used to be a very niche hobby is becoming a commonplace activity. Computers are a necessary part of life in the 21st century. Without one, a person would experience a degradation in their life quality. Today, computers are necessary for almost everything. Can’t get a job without one. Many hobbies now also use computers. Additionally, computer-based hobbies are becoming more generally accessible. More people are playing video games than ever before. Those who like to read can listen to audiobooks or read e-books on their computers. Many artists are moving to digital platforms. Many people are also building their own computers instead of buying pre-built. Yet, this comes with an age-old question, “How often do I need to upgrade my computer?”

Some are upgrading by purchasing a new pre-built computer. Others are installing new parts in your machine by hand. Regardless, it’s important to know how often you should buy new items. There is no hard-fast rule about when it becomes necessary to buy a new computer. Some people might be able to get by only buying new computer parts when theirs stop working. Other people may need to upgrade their computers more often to keep up with their tasks. Let’s examine some common use cases.

Ultra-Light Users

People who don’t use their computers often don’t need to upgrade their computers often. When you only use your computer to check emails, you don’t need hardware updates. Your computer components will remain supported for some time. Still, hardware support will one day end. Yet, ultra-light users only need to upgrade when their current ones stop working. The definition of “working” is when your machine is functional and supported by your apps. If your apps have stopped supporting your machine, you should upgrade. Upgrading even if you do not have a non-functional machine is important. Using a non-supported device with certain apps can cause them to malfunction.

Light Users

Light users do all the things ultra-light users do and a bit more. Browsing the internet, school or work research, and watching media would be “light use.” Light users have roughly the same use case as ultra-light users. Upgrades should only come as needed — when the current machine breaks or is not supported.

Medium Users

Medium users use their computers for more strenuous tasks. Yet, their use is not so strenuous that it risks harming the components. Tasks at this level include the above and more strenuous tasks. Low-processing power games and video chatting would fall into the medium-use category. Medium-use users should aim to upgrade their system every 5–8 years.

Heavy Users

Heavy computer users use their PCs for more intensive tasks. Mid-to-high-processing power tasks, such as gaming and light programming, are heavy use. These tasks need more processing power and have more potential to cause damage to the system. Staying up to date with hardware can improve user experience and computer longevity. Heavy users should aim to update their hardware every 3–5 years.

Ultra-Heavy Users

Ultra-heavy users are people who do high-intensity tasks for a living. High-intensity gamers, live streamers, digital artists, media engineers, and programmers are ultra-heavy users. Ultra-heavy use can result in component damage. Processors will run hot, RAM will write and rewrite, and so on. Ultra-heavy users should aim to upgrade their computers every 2–4 years.