You know how necessary the hardware that can manage your current and future needs is when running a business. You will eventually need to upgrade and replace your hardware as your firm expands. In addition to ensuring that your network doesn’t lag with the hardware you start incorporating into your network, this is to help with the additional information and bandwidth requirements of added data. Nothing else on your business server will function as swiftly as promised if the server speed starts to lag because each piece of equipment is only as powerful as its weakest link. 

On that note, let us look at the perennial question: How long do servers last?

The Dilemma – To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade

It’s crucial to understand that computers do not just wear out over time like vehicles or other devices do when determining longevity of your server hardware. The main distinction is that your car’s majority of its parts are mechanical. No matter how well those components are made or how well you maintain them, eventually, they will fail. On the other hand, the majority of the parts in servers are not mechanical. 

No moving parts in CPUs, memory, or motherboards deteriorate with use. 

The non-mechanical components of a server will always work as long as you properly cool them, shield them from electrical surges, and do routine maintenance. 

Hard drives are a significant component of servers that will eventually wear out. 

A hard disk has a six-year average lifespan. Fortunately, hard disks are some of the least expensive server parts to replace. 

Your server’s useful life has not ended just because your hard disks have become worn out.

Views of Industry Users On Lifespan of Servers

The respondents to a LinkedIn poll agreed that servers were made to last between six and ten years. Still, the answers varied. 

Many disagreed, questioning, “what kind of productivity is lost in keeping onto aging servers?” noting that “servers built on a budget age more quickly than well-planned servers.” One respondent stated that you should change your hardware every three to five years to keep your software environment productive. 

On the other hand, we heard that having servers survive between 6 and 10 years was a “wonderful idea. A company’s decision to replace its servers should be based on its applications and how well they serve its needs.” This appears to be entirely rational. 

Additionally, it was said that “virtualization” had altered the perspective on server lifetime. It was best to plan your platform to withstand any component’s failure, then purchase high-quality used equipment for a tenth of the cost of new.

3-5 Year Cycle For Hardware – Fact or Fiction?

Contrary to popular belief, servers endure much longer than you may imagine. A server refresh cycle is frequently considered the OEM-mandated warranty and maintenance schedule, typically 3-5 years. But according to a report from a top analysis firm, servers might last for 7–10 years (usually 6–10 years for integrated systems and up to 10 years for rack servers), which is “up to three times longer than the typical replacement cycle for servers and storage arrays.” 

On an organization’s downtime, costs, and ROI, the discrepancy between what an OEM advises and what a top analyst provides can have a significant influence. Replacing IT equipment indeed requires a period of downtime during which infrastructure must be removed. A corporation invests money that would be better used elsewhere to replace equipment that is fully working. When you maintain your still-functioning hardware longer than planned, your return on investment rises.

Keeping The Costs In Mind

OEMs frequently release new technical advancements, but you should think about whether the expense of a refresh or upgrade is in your best interests. Although servers have a legal end-of-life date, OEMs are not required to choose that date. For your data center and your company’s benefit, regular maintenance can extend the life of last-generation technology. Servers and other pre-owned or reconditioned gear can last far longer than the recommended 3, 5, or 10 years. Pre Rack IT offers third-party support to extend the life of your server hardware. Reach out today and request a quote.