For how long can a motherboard or a cpu be kept idle?

[knida]

I have a mother board that is not in use as of now.i dont intent to sell it since im sure i will need it in 3-5 months time.can it remain functional if kept undamaged in its box for those period.This also applies to cpus as in general.Thanks.

 

[mrt3]

to keep your mobo or other components in storage for long time, I would recommend to keep some 'Silica/Silica gel' packets in the boxes to avoid moisture and fungus, by keeping silica you can keep your electronic components intact around 2-3 years. For better protection like vacuum lock wrap the boxes using clean foil.

 

[mamasan2000]

I don't see any reason why it can't last 10+ years. Unless you keep it in some humid location where it starts to rust and corrode.

 

[Lucias OKeefe]

Assuming proper storage it could last indefinitely. It's a testament to electronic hardware that the earliest game consoles are still up and functioning.

Keep it away from humidity and out of sunlight or direct heat and it should remain fine in storage.