PCs more reliable than ever

Computer manufacturers are getting better at making reliable products, according to industry analysts.

Although many consumers may not believe it, a new study by analysts Gartner has found that annual failure rates have dropped by a quarter over the past two years.

Three years ago around seven out of 100 desktop PCs were expected to fail in their first year of use. That figure is now only five per 100. However, notebooks, which are currently outselling desktops, do not fare so well, with failure rates having remained similar over the past two years.

According to the study, failure rates overall are highest in the first 60 days of use, with motherboards and hard disks being the most vulnerable. One reason suggested by Gartner is that more parts are built directly onto the motherboard than in the past.

A representative of the company said: “Parts such as network cards and modems can no longer be replaced separately. If either of these fails, an entire motherboard swap is required.”