Do PC's have a shorter lifespan than console?

[MiloshDr]

By lifespan I do not mean games to come, what I mean is the lifespan on how well it runs.

 

[James Mason]

Depends how well they're made.
PCs aren't all equal in the slightest.

Older consoles like the NES and ect still run because they also don't have things like HDDs in them that can wear out after 20 years of active use, but the data storage they do have is located in the game cartridges, which after so much time are likely to start having batteries fail.

If you buy the cheapest PC components you can, it will have a short life yes.

 

[geofelt]

With a console, you have no upgrade options as to performance.
With a properly designed PC you will have upgrade options for cpu and gpu.

 

[Shaun o]

When it comes to hardware, or a console vs a pc computer.

A game console is related to as a fixed hardware device, where the parts used and specification are always the same.

With a Pc it`s classed as a modular device, because of the various connectors and ports of the main motherboard where hardware can be removed, added, or each component to a point can be upgraded in speed or power to improve the system to keep up with technology from year to year that is released for the Pc platform.

A fixed hardware device, cannot be upgraded, or can only be upgraded to a point, such as for a console a larger storage device or hard drive.
When it comes to upgrading the graphics processor of a console, or the Graphics chip used within it the chips are soldered directly to the main circuit board, preventing an upgrade Via a socket type enabled system such as a Pc motherboard.

So the life expectancy of a console is set. because the hardware and games have to work with the same set Cpu and Gpu graphics chip of the console, regardless of the game you play.

 

[turbopixel]

The operating system and things like Steam or Direct x are also to consider. Its impossible to say if a pc (each of them is very different) have less life span than consoles.

Whst is your concern? Are you thinking to buy a new pc?

 

[dudeman509]

All of my PCs have outlasted my first Xbox 360...stupid red ring of death.

But my original Xbox, and heck, even my Super NES still works sometimes.

 

[Atterus]

Not that I'm bashing on consoles, but I've seen a far higher fail rate on consoles than "common" PCs (RRoD, graphics failing, HDD failiure, etc). I believe it is because the console manufacturers are intentionally using the cheaper parts so they can sell their systems and make a profit. In a custom built PC you have alot more control over the quality of all of the parts, and you are not interested in selling it at a premium so you end up with inherently higher quality parts most of the time.

Put it this way. If you built a PC for the same it cost to buy a console, the PC would be the better quality product simply because you are not looking for a profit on your own machine. You don't have the benefit of scale, sure, but I always felt with consoles you are buying an okay processor and GPU strapped together with twigs and bits of copper in order for them to be making any money off of them.

In terms of lifespan, assuming both are built well, they should last the same. Again, if you use higher quality components you are likely to see in a PC, the PC could go indefinitely. I've repaired a PC recently that had run nonstop for nearly 15 years day and night and only needed a minor repair to keep going. My personal computer has been running day and night since 2011. My release day Xbox 360 died a month after I got it, two years after it was fixed, and then finally gave out completely after about five years.

Again, not bashing consoles, it just makes sense as a business model which is fine, you get what you pay for. If you are weighing the two, I used to be a diehard console fan until I built my machine out of necessity. I have never looked back since, especially since it looks like Microsoft is moving to go cross platform...

Good luck making a decision! Have fun with it either way!