How long does a motherboard last? This question comes up frequently, especially as motherboards have become more and more complex. In this article, we’ll cover what factors affect motherboard lifespan, how to extend it, and some basic tips for taking care of your board.
How Long Does a Motherboard Last?
When it comes to how long a motherboard will endure, it all comes down to personal preference. To stay up with the latest technology, many computer enthusiasts (especially those who play video games) may find that their motherboards can only endure for three to five years.
At this point, the design of a motherboard is reliant on software technology. After a long period of time, the relevant software has undergone numerous updates. Even the most recent software versions won’t run on your outdated motherboard. Even if it is possible, the system will most likely run slowly.
Especially if you’re a gamer, you’ll need to upgrade or replace your motherboard’s GPU, RAM, hard drive, etc. As a result, you’ll need a motherboard with plenty of expansion slots. If your current slots are full or your new components are too large for the existing slots, you may want to consider changing your motherboard.
You might get less if you don’t look after it properly. If you don’t put too much stress on your motherboard and don’t have high expectations, it can last for years. In some cases, older motherboards can still be used.
The life expectancy of your motherboard is affected by a number of factors:
Your motherboard’s performance depends on how much you use your computer, how much maintenance you perform, and the quality of the components that use the motherboard, as well as whether or not you turn off your computer.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all motherboards will fail in the same way. The majority of individuals will have moved on by the time this happens. Eventually, the board’s performance degrades or becomes technologically out of date, in which case you’ll want a new one.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Motherboard?
Water Damage
Your motherboard can be instantaneously fried by even a single drop of water. If you don’t want your motherboard to fail prematurely, avoid spills and water around the computer. This occurs as a result of the water’s inclusion of electrically conductive minerals. Not even distilled water should come into contact with your motherboard or other computer components.
Heat
The motherboard’s lifespan is influenced greatly by heat, as it is with all electronic devices. As it functions, your computer generates a great deal of heat, so it’s critical that it be properly cooled. While high temperatures will not damage your motherboard outright, they will cause it to degrade more quickly. The only way to avoid this is to have good ventilation, which requires a well-designed case as well as high-quality case fans.
Moisture
Computer life can be significantly shortened if it is exposed to high levels of humidity, something you probably never considered before. Even a drop of water on your computer’s motherboard or power supply might cause catastrophic damage. It is likely that your motherboard will not last as long as it would in a region with low humidity.
Only a dehumidifier and some plants capable of soaking up all the humidity can help alleviate the problem. This isn’t a big deal unless you’re on a tropical island where the humidity is always at 100%.
Physical Damage
Something or someone hitting your motherboard with enough force will cause it to cease functioning immediately. During shipping, your motherboard may be damaged. Similarly, if you purchased a pre-built system that was not well wrapped, your graphics card may become loose and destroy the PCIe slot.
Electrical Failure
There are some components on a motherboard that will wear out over time, just like we do. All of the components on your motherboard are subject to wear and tear as a result of the electrical currents that run through it. A common cause of this problem is the short-term storage of charge in capacitors. In the course of their cycle, they decay.
Despite the fact that they will continue to function even as they deteriorate, this is something to keep in mind. Cheaper motherboards will have lower-quality capacitors, which will degrade much more quickly.
How to Take Care of a Motherboard?
Make sure your motherboard is clean
Your motherboard will perform better if it is clean, just like a car. Keep your motherboard clean by removing any dust that has accumulated. As a result, dust will function as an insulator, trapping warm air within your case. This will eventually lead to deterioration. Heat stress on the components will lead to premature failure.
Don’t buy a cheap power supply
To save money, you may be tempted to buy low-quality power units and surge protectors, but this will not help your computer last longer. Because we live in a world where severe weather frequently causes power outages, it is imperative that you make use of a surge protector whenever it is convenient for you to do so.
If you can afford it, don’t buy a cheap one from the dollar shop. From a financial sense, it’s not worth it. A few distinct pieces of electronics can share one, but don’t overdo it.
Provide good airflow
A computer’s motherboard and other components can run more smoothly if there is adequate airflow. It is important to remember that hot air rises, therefore the components in the back of your case will be the most affected. When you’re creating your computer, keep this in mind.
Additional tips
Stay away from environmental risks like excess dampness or dry air, which can cause a static buildup. Excessive heat can also cause a motherboard to distort, which can result in shorts and destroyed components.
Even so, the easiest way to avoid motherboard failures is to avoid touching the motherboard. This is definitely an exaggeration; in order to install or replace components, you need to physically interact with the device. That being said, it’s a good idea to keep your motherboard within the PC casing.
Avoid frying the motherboard by making sure you’re grounded before handling the motherboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a motherboard will last anywhere from 3 – 5 years depending on how it’s taken care of. Cleaning and lubricating it every couple of months will help keep it running smoothly. Overall, a motherboard should be treated like any other electronic device and kept clean and free of dust and debris for maximum performance.
