Exact Answer: 8 to 10 Years
A motherboard is an instrumental device that holds and allows the transmission of data and information between many different units of the computer. A motherboard is also known as the mainboard, the main circuit board (MCB), or just, mobo in short. It is most commonly used in general computers used in homes and offices.
As can be inferred from its name, the motherboard is called so as it is regarded as the “mother” of all the parts fixed to it. It establishes contact between the central processing unit of the computer and its memory. The presence of a motherboard is essential for the proper functioning of the computer.
How Long Does A Motherboard Last?
Time Ranges of Motherboard’s Life | Life Expectancy |
Minimum life | 2 years |
Average life | 5 years |
Maximum life | 10 years |
The life expectancy period for motherboard can be categorized into 3 time ranges. These are the minimum time, average time, and maximum time for which a motherboard can last. It must be noted that these are no hard and fast rules but just estimates based on as being reported by various users.
The minimum life range is the least life most motherboard users experience at the least. This includes those motherboards of those computers which are used for more than 5 to 7 hours daily while it excludes those computers which have any built-in faults. The minimum life of these motherboards lasts for around 2 years.
The average life range is the life period of the majority of motherboards as reported by various users. The average lifespan of motherboards is nearly 5 years. The computers which are used for 2 to 4 hours daily have felt the need to replace the motherboard after this period.
Generally, the maximum number of years for which the motherboard of a computer remains functional is 10 years. This is no strict rule but a general observation. Computers that are used for less than 2 hours daily have their motherboards intact even after this period. Certain users have also reported the life of the motherboard to be above twenty years.
Why Does A Motherboard Last So Long?
Several factors are significant in influencing the life of the motherboard. These are heat, moisture, physical damage, and general usage. The effective life of the motherboard is a result of all these collective factors.
Heat faced by the motherboard is one of the most important determinants of its life. The computer generates a great amount of heat which is fine if the computer is not used continuously for long hours. However, if it is used continuously for long hours, the motherboard may get heated up quickly which would further reduce its life.
The moisture factor also plays a crucial role in this factor. If the motherboard of the computer comes in some contact with moisture, regardless of the time, the motherboard risks being damaged. When the salts are mixed with the liquid, the liquid will evolve to become an electric conductor thereby, risking the computer being burnt.
The general usage of the motherboard is also reflected in the total usability period of the motherboard. With time and usage, the motherboard experiences fatigue and weariness that make it last for shorter periods. The motherboard does not remain new throughout its life, but rather its usability decreases with time and usage.
If there are any physical damages caused to the motherboard, it also takes a toll on the life of the motherboard. These physical damages widely influence its system making it unsuitable to use. In addition to these, if there are any electrical problems with the device, it can also affect its general usability period.
Conclusion
The motherboard is a significant device and it has great use in establishing communication between different parts of the computer. The average life of the motherboard is 5 years while it can last for a minimum of 2 years. The maximum life of the device is nearly 10 years, but many devices last for more than 10 years.
The life of the motherboard is impacted by a variety of factors. The motherboard is worse impacted by moisture and heat which can damage it greatly. In addition to that, physical damage is also of great potential damage to the device.