Computer Replacement Plan

[mslaterdws]

Hi All,

 

Apologies if this is the wrong forum, I was not sure which to post this question in.

 

We, like many of you, have had some very lean years in terms of budgets and we are now in a position to start replacing our aging IT Room computers.

Previously in the "good times" we would replace IT Room computers on a rolling 5 year cycle, as we use Dell we would purchase 5 years of Pro Support and that would see out the computers before retiring either to WEEE, a charity or another area of the school in need of older less critical hardware.

 

However since budget constraints stopped that cycle we have had to sweat those computers and after 10 years they are now starting to be replaced. They still work, they still cope with the software being used but they are suffering physically.

 

So my question is how long are others keeping your computers for? What are your replacement plans?

 

Our only real issue looking ahead is when Windows 10 is EOL and we need to move to Windows 11, our current computers do not have TPM 2.

 

Many thanks

 

Mike

[kennysarmy]

We also used to replace EVERYTHING after 5 years.

 

I'd say now we run about 15% of 900 computers out of warranty but we still try to keep the rest in warranty.

[FN-GM]

Have you considered that older computers won't get firmware and BIOS updates that contain security updates?

[howartp]

We still try and replace approx 10% of PCs every year (~750 total) give or take, but have just agreed budget to ensure the 400 that won't run Win11 are all replaced by Summer 2025.

 

I'm not saying we'll definitely go Win11 in that Summer, but at least we're ready and planned for rather than reacting to.

[mslaterdws]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

Yes I agree in terms of the firmware and BIOS once they are not being updated we generally try to stop using them.

[verysmartbenn]

I'd say at the moment we're only keeping ours for 3 years. But recently with times changing theres been a massive change for us. So computers we've had a year will be going back it seems! Roll on laptops!

[mslaterdws]

I guess the other issue would be around is any one leasing computers?