Building a new computer requires 10 years worth of power
Tue May 27, 2008 4:36PM EDT
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I slobber over new computers as much as anyone... but I've never really stopped to think about the environmental and energy impact that actually building that computer entails as an alternative to using my old computer for longer.
According to Ecogeek, the true cost of a new computer in energy terms is astounding: It takes as much energy to building one computer as it does to run one for 10 full years. That's a phenomenal figure, one which should give any would-be computer buyer pause.
One thing not mentioned, however, is that newer computers tend to use less power than older ones, so there are potential cost and energy savings to be found by upgrading (though perhaps not 10 years worth of savings). And while reinstalling your OS, adding RAM, and generally cleaning out your system can definitely reinvigorate an older computer, these tricks won't work 100 percent of the time. I'd be wiping the hard drive and reinstalling Windows on my current laptop right now if it wasn't about to literally fall apart due to a broken LCD bezel that prevents it from closing and a growing crack in the base that threatens to dump the computer's contents into my lap one of these days.
That said, with the 220 million tons of e-waste generated annually in the country (also per the story linked below), maybe a little duct tape and super glue would have been the more environmentally conscious choice.
Comments on Building a new computer requires 10 years worth of power
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2 Posted by krumpy_14 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:54PM EDT Report Abuse
It takes me a lot of enegy to get out of bed every day, but I'm going to keep doing it, since the alternative is worse.
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3 Posted by agustin2489 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:47PM EDT Report Abuse
Wow, that really does give me something to digest. I'm going to be building a desktop soon so I wonder, how many carbon credits would I be able to save thanks to my building it?
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4 Posted by cricketr77 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:31PM EDT Report Abuse
Do you mean run the computer continuously (:-o)... Or just 10 years of normal usage?
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5 Posted by rorbincalendar on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:51PM EDT Report Abuse
krumpy_14 excellent. Secondly the cost of that energy is built into the price I pay for the new computer. I thought I would never see the day that a tech consultant recommends potentially using outdated or obsolete tech for a nonexistent problem. Bizarre.
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6 Posted by cnull on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:27PM EDT Report Abuse
rorbincalendar - You're completely off base there. First, it's not about price, it's about conservation. As well, I am not recommending using "obsolete tech" at all. I am suggesting that people consider whether or not they really need a new PC when a RAM upgrade will do. Try re-reading the third paragraph instead of just ranting about something I didn't even say.
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7 Posted by krumpy_14 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:54PM EDT Report Abuse
Cnull....have you computed how much energy it takes to build RAM? I don't want you to worry yourself silly...but you need to look at this from all angles.
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8 Posted by russellbly on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:56PM EDT Report Abuse
This old computer of mine has done my biding for 9 years , has had its ups and downs. I can't seem to shake getting rid of my old friend, so I'll add it to the new super duperbecause I know Its not gonna run like my watch too.
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9 Posted by bkhoste on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:08PM EDT Report Abuse
Econuts will stop at nothing to destroy our way of life. They hate freedom, just look at what they do to people who choose to drive an SUV or Minivan. They hate the poor as evident of gas prices and they standing in the way of us using our own natural resouces so we can lower the gas prices here. Also, they caused the absurd idea of buring our food supply for fuel (E85) and that is now causing food supplies to skyrocket. If the Econuts want to make a bigger impact on the world and reduce carbon emmisions they should shut their mouths and stop breathing, this would cause a serious reduction in CO2 emmisions. I think from now on I will buy a new computer every year and put the old on in the trash, and noone can stop me!
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10 Posted by dudleyrobertson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:49PM EDT Report Abuse
I'm getting my buggy and new horse next week. The carbon credits are awful, but what are we to do in this new age of high tech living. Have to have my transportation. Tin cans and string work well. Newest thing in communication. How far back in time are we to go in order to satisfy a bogus environmental theory. Silly.
1 Posted by alexgannis on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse
That right now and these days computers after two years are out dated since computer are being more advance and running faster and that why people are having problems with window vista trying to install an upgrade OS onto a 10 year old computer doesn't make sense sooner people well have to upgrade to a new computer or they will just have more problem, even with their window xp because it too well no longer be supported.