Microsoft has analyzed error messages and reports from around 1 million consumer computers and used the data to compile a huge report. It is believed that this is the biggest survey of its kind.
Their research shows that computers built by reputable manufacturers, also known as “brand name” computers, are more reliable than no-name computers or “white box” computers, either from small manufacturers or a computer you build yourself at home. A brand name computer has a 1:120 chance for a CPU-related breakdown in its first 30 days, while a white-box machine has a 1:93 chance.
For memory related errors, chances are 1:2700 for brand name and 1:950 for the more “unknown” machine.
Microsoft’s survey doesn’t mention any names, so we don’t know which manufacturer is the best, is it Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Apple, or…?
But the survey does mention that CPU’s from Intel and AMD has 20 times more breakdowns if they are overclocked. Although the report doesn’t specify if it’s the actual CPU’s causing the problems, or if it’s the motherboard/BIOS, due to being over clocked.
Another interesting observation is that notebooks has 3-4 times fewer breakdowns than desktop computers, despite notebooks are usually tossed around more often than desktop computers. It’s believed that the cause is that notebooks are fitted with more durable hard drives as well as SSD’s without any spinning mechanical parts.
Finally, the report concludes that there’s a 97% chance that the same hardware error will occur more than once.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I only use brand name computers, hardware as they are more reliable and trusted by all types of users. This report also favors the reliability of brand name.
Aasma recently posted… MLM Software Development
Even big brands nowadays builted in China and Thailand, for me it’s the same, and believe me I had an i-phone 4 that ruined in three weeks!!
most of “no name” computers are made with brand name components, but that’s true that some no name computer parts are very low quality
It is a sad thing that the overall quality of these products decreases, due to cost considerations. From my point of view, I usually invest money in the best products on the market, to avoid these kind of issues.
Julian King recently posted… Outdoor pizza oven plans
The no-names aren’t that bad actually. Depends on the person’s budget. Of course, it’s always good to buy branded computers, other wise if one has a tight budget, a no-name is just as good as the branded one trust me
Peter Lee recently posted… 5 Computer Tricks to Use Your Computer More Efficiently
wow that is interesting information. I wish they would have go more in depth on the info, but interesting none the less.