
Abstract's 2025 Hardware Guidelines
At Abstract, we maintain guidelines for device purchasing and replacement according to industry best practices. We've learned a thing or two repairing and supplying hundreds of computers each year. In 2024 we had to make a few updates to our policies; we'd like to discuss our findings and what we anticipate in the year of 2025.
Laptop and Desktop PCs
Build Quality
At Abstract, we highly recommend businesses avoid consumer grade devices. This year that rule has held true and even grown stronger. Consumer grade devices, especially laptops, get harder to maintain, upgrade, and repair each year. It is becoming clear consumer grade devices are designed to be replaced, not serviced. Which is why we recommend business grade build quality: to ensure you get the most out of your device.
Recommended Minimum Specs
With Windows 11 on the horizon, our recommended minimum specs had to be updated. Starting in 2025, we now recommend 16GB of RAM to comfortably run Windows 11. Our full recommended minimum specifications are as follows:
- 16GB of RAM
- 256GB of SSD storage
- 13th generation i5 processor, equivalent, or greater
- 3-year service warranty
Device Replacement Guidelines
Its good practice to have policies in place to track the lifespans of your devices. As they age out they should be monitored for replacement. We outline our current policies for replacement by device below.
Computers
For computers (laptops and desktop PCs), plan to upgrade or replace them every 3-5 years--around 3 years for laptops and closer to 5 years for desktop PCs. After that point hardware starts to get dated, especially if the devices were minimum specs to begin with. Most warranties expire at the 3-year mark, so we recommend evaluation for upgrade or replacement at that point.
Monitors
Monitors can be replaced as necessary. There is no strict rule, as they can run for a long time without experiencing any issues. When they break, replace them.
Network Equipment
For network equipment, consider upgrades or replacement in 5-7 years. Typically we can rely on network equipment to last closer to seven years or more, but depending on company growth the equipment can become outpaced. Around 5 years after purchase your company should evaluate if they are still ideal for your usage or if they're at risk of outage. Abstract keeps an eye on these issues for our managed clients and proactively recommends replacements as they arise.
Servers
We recommend you upgrade or replace servers 5-7 years after purchase. Similar philosophies apply as with the network equipment, reevaluating your needs is crucial. Server accessories might abide by different timelines; backup drives for example tend to fail after 2-3 years of usage. Its good practice to check drives on a monthly basis for signs of failure.
Battery Backups
With battery backups, we strictly recommend a battery replacement 3 years after purchase, and a full unit replacement 6 years after purchase.
Have Additional Questions?
If you have questions about device specs, hardware replacement, or expectations for the future, don't hesitate to give us a call! Reach out to us today for consultation on recommended hardware or quotes on prices.