CPU is an essential component in our gaming PC as it gives power and speed to the processes in the computer. The games we play and our tasks are only possible because of the CPU or processor. Let us discuss in this guide how long do CPUs last for gaming.
How long do CPUs last for gaming?
As per many manufacturers, an average CPU could last more than eight years. Now, as technology advances, we get new options every passing year. So even if your CPU is working correctly, you would still require an updated CPU for high-end games in 2022 or anytime in the future. If a CPUs life is more than seven years, the fans will stop working, which causes the CPU to heat up quickly and show a decline in performance. Read more about What Is The Latency Of A CPU?
Detailed guide: How long do CPUs last for gaming?
CPU is the component of a PC that keeps working for an extended period without getting many breaks. Even after that much load, it lasts for a very long time compared to other gaming components if other associated components are taken care of. Read more about What Is The Fastest CPU In The World?
You could expect an average processor’s life to be up to 10-20 years which is huge. You would probably want to change it because of outdated technology rather than lifespan expiry. The most long-lasting CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD, which have kept this reputation for many years.
If you are a gaming lover, then most of the games these days require higher rig capacity and the upgradation of other computer components like GPU, motherboard, and SSD cards. So even if your CPU lasts for a very long time, you would still need to replace it if you want to play the most trending games of that particular year.
If we take an example of 2022, we have so many new games that are not working well on an old processor because they are designed to be heavy and work only on the newly adopted CPU technology. These new CPUs have a better cooling mechanism and power to support serious gaming on a gaming PC.
Any user of a gaming PC should make sure they maintain their PC components every 2-3 months as they also require maintenance to be complete at their full potential. If your gaming PC components are clean, they will be able to cool down the system more efficiently and give a high-level performance for your favourite game to operate. Read more: Can I move my CPU to a new motherboard?
If a manufacturer of CPUs has claimed a specific power for that CPU and you play a game that requires higher strength, it could result in quick tearing down of the CPU. The game could still work, but because of this overclocking and burden on the processor, your CPU could eventually lead to a failure.
The right time to swap CPU:
The right time to swap a CPU with a new one is when you feel your CPU looks outdated compared to the latest versions available in the market. The other way is to check out the requirements of your favourite game and change it accordingly to make your game work on it. Read more: When To Upgrade CPU (Processor)?
If you do not need it for gaming, you don’t need to change it anytime soon as it lasts for up to 2 decades; hence the swap is only for gaming and working persons. The CPUs have better coolers than other gaming PC components, so you better spend money on those other components to maintain them because their lack of performance could also cause the CPU’s fault.
Make sure your CPU is not heated a lot because that would cause it to tear down and need a replacement quicker than you need. Heat means less water and a lack of capacity to cool down the processor when it is overclocked.
How many hours can a CPU last?
A CPU lasts for 99,999 hours; it looks a lot, right? Yes, it does. You only need to consider a few factors to make it work that long, and those factors are explained in detail in this guide in the detail answer section.
Read more: Will My CPU Fit My Motherboard?
CPU lifespan temperature:
If your average temperature is below 50 Celsius, your processor lifespan will not be affected. However, if you exceed it, the heat could damage your CPU and other components.
How to check CPU lifespan:
You can either look at the age of the CPU by knowing the purchase date; if it is longer than five years, you may need to change it for a technological upgrade. The other option is from an internal system, it would give you an exact number of hours your CPU is used, and if it is below 50,000 hours, you are good to use it unless you want an upgrade to play your favorite high-end game.
Read more: What Is The Inside Of A CPU (Processor)?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Ryzen CPUs last?
The Ryzen CPUs last the longest; manufacturers claim that they last up to 20 years which is a long time. So handle it with care, ensure there is no physical damage on the processor, and keep cleaning the dirt to increase its lifespan.
How long does an overclocked CPU last?
If the CPU overclocks at 4.5 GHz, it would efficiently work for 4-5 years.
When should I replace my gaming CPU?
It would help if you replaced your gaming CPU when you experienced some lags and lack of performance in your gameplay. You would feel your PC is a little heavier in terms of performance when the processor is not working perfectly fine. Otherwise, age is another factor you could consider while changing a CPU over seven years. If your CPU is ancient, you better change it as it would not support new games because they demand new generation processors for running.
How long does an i7 CPU last?
The i7 CPU lasts for 4-5 years, and you better change it once you reach a point near to that as it will start to decline its performance after four years, so a better upgrade is an excellent option.
Do CPUs ever wear out?
As long as the CPUs are concerned, they could only have two conditions: They will either be useless or be in perfect condition. If your processor experiences a minor defect, that could complete the CPU’s failure. However, if your processor is working fine, it will keep working that way until it finds a bit of fault and will lead to a complete loss, which means you would need to change it immediately; there’s no in-between.
Conclusion:
I hope this guide: How long do CPUs last for gaming? has helped you understand CPU durability and lifespan. Do ask us more questions if you have any.
Thanks for reading!