Average lifespawn of a pc case?

Irrelevanz

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Sep 9, 2015
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Hi,

I was wondering about the average lifespawn of a pc case (let's say a quality one, not high-end... well, one for about $150-$200) since I am maybe going to buy a new one.

How long can you use such a case and what is probably going to break first? The built-in fans?
Was anyone who bought an expensive case ever forced to buy a new one?

Thanks ^^
 
Solution
Wanting features would cause a case to be insufficient, such as cooling. If someone wanted water cooling and didn't have room for radiators, or if someone was stuck with older form factor fans (80mm vs 120 or 140mm of the newer cases), if a case was too small for the amount of components, things like that. My last case lasted several builds and around 10yrs but eventually I wanted better cooling and more room for components. Otherwise the old case is still functional.

Fans included with a case are perks, but not really part of the case. They're wear items so plan on having to replace them eventually. Even if they don't die fans will eventually wear and either slow down (bearing/dirt issues), become noisy etc. Nothing lasts forever and...
Honestly, it really depends. Fans are highly replacable, so no issues there. Basically, if you treat it well, it can last indefinitely. (as long as it is high enough quality and is not made out of flimsy plastic)
 
the part that breaks most often in cases are the on/off buttons. some buttons are one piece and can be replace in a few min. some are part of the case and the whole panel would need to be replaced.
on cases if the case is a metal case with little bit of plastic it can last for years. (min a fan or two replacment from worn berrings). with cases people switch them for looks when they rebuild.
 
I have some 10+ years old PC cases. They are just aluminum, steel and plastic structures holding everything else. There is not much that can fail on the case itself unless you physically abuse it.

I would not count fan failures as case failures since fans are usually trivial to replace.

The only reason I'm not using some of my ~20 years old cases still is because they are AT-style towers, can't use ATX PSU/MoBo.
 
Okay, thanks a lot ^^

I am definitely going to buy a new one in at least two to three years. So, well, I guess there is no reason to wait and I should probably buy it right now?
How long should I expect the fans to work until I will have to replace some?
 
I usually go through 3 different systems before I get a new case. My current one is on it's second setup, however it needs to be replaced ASAP because I'm using liquid cooling now and need a space for the radiator. If it weren't for that it'd still be fine. Fans and power supplies are easily replaced so there's nothing to "die" in a case.
 
Wanting features would cause a case to be insufficient, such as cooling. If someone wanted water cooling and didn't have room for radiators, or if someone was stuck with older form factor fans (80mm vs 120 or 140mm of the newer cases), if a case was too small for the amount of components, things like that. My last case lasted several builds and around 10yrs but eventually I wanted better cooling and more room for components. Otherwise the old case is still functional.

Fans included with a case are perks, but not really part of the case. They're wear items so plan on having to replace them eventually. Even if they don't die fans will eventually wear and either slow down (bearing/dirt issues), become noisy etc. Nothing lasts forever and moving parts wear out.
 
Solution