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Craig PaulsenFlag for New Zealand

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Refreshing desktop fleet vs upgrading desktop to extend its lifespan

Hi Experts,
Can I ask your advice guys. Our client is considering upgrading ( replacing existing hdd's with SSD) their 5+ year old desktops they have instead of freshing/replacing them. These are not likely to be i5's and generally are core 2 devices,

I am all for extending the useful lifespan of the desktops, however my fear is that putting in an SSD will not extend their usability or performance, is this approach sensible? I can understand the cost savings involved for my client, however could this have support implications?

Our clients objective is to extend desktops out another 12-18months for those already 5years or older (e.g. The HP 8000) - do you a) Can you share your thoughts and opinions and what should be my (from a support perspective) approach to this?

Many thanks
Craig
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If it is XP I wouldn't do it as XP doesn't really support SSDs.

If it is Windows 7 I would look into it and possibly a RAM upgrade if they aren't at 4 Gb or better.  Windows 7 does support SSDs.
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thanks RoshanEjaz for your reply, much appreciated,
@dbrunton - Our current desktop fleet comprises of HP desktops, running windows 7 64bit enterprise, 4gb ram
We have about 5000 workstations located internationally, 2/3 located in New Zealand, where the I.T support teams are based ,my client  has been advised by their internal I,T architects that upgrading the HDD's to SSD to will extend the lifespan by a further 18 months, what I'm failing to understand, are there not other components that needs to be considered with this approach as well, :ie should we replace the RAM at the same time, surely replacing /swapping out just a hdd is not the only thing they need to factor, I. Wanting to go back to them with some further things to consider if they go this route. My preference would be for the machines to be replaced/refreshed
Thanks LeeW,
A hard disk is usually the first item to die.  If the disks are that old time to replace them.  And SSD is the way to go and you'll get a performance boost.  RAM usually lasts.

Now there is the cost factor as well to do this as Lee has mentioned.  You'll need to do some number crunching with the IT accountants on this.

I suspect the IT department is holding out to see what the new Microsoft 10 is like rather than trying to upgrade to 8.1 and then 10.  Do 10 in one push, new machines and new OS.
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thank you all for your input
brilliant advise. much appreciated
i would be curious to know what the decision will be
Agreed nobus.

@craigleenz: can you please let us know which path you go with, just out of curiosity?
will keep you posted, can see this one dragging out for ages at the top level here before a decision is made.
oh well - can you cry from time to time " fire! " ?