Will using my MacBook a lot when working from home wear it out faster?

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Level 1

4 points

Will using my MacBook a lot when working from home wear it out faster?

I have a bit of a dilemma, I am going to start a new job working from home and I don't know what equipment it best to use. I will be working 4 days each week about 8 hours at a time. I have a 2018 13in core i5 8gb ram MacBook Pro, I mostly use it for school and things like that. My plan was to buy an external monitor and new mouse and keyboard to work easier on my desk, but 8 hrs each day for 4 days a week seems kind of a lot so would it be better to buy an iMac to use for my at home work? The price for iMac is about 250-300 more than the monitor and keyboard/mouse, so would it be better to buy the iMac so my MacBook doesn't overwork or would it be capable enough to work fine for a few years even with that usage?

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 6:58 PM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

May 5, 2021 7:58 AM in response to danny_boii

I've been using my Mac Mini for 8 years and use it 8 hrs/ day 7 days a week and no issues. I also have an iMac that runs constantly for the last 3 years and no issue. I do not think the new Macs with SSD's "wear out". If they do then by then it will be time for a new one. Always keep backups and there should be no concern.

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Answer 2

May 5, 2021 8:10 AM in response to tbirdvet

i agree, although SSDs do have a limit on how many read/write cycles, it takes an incredible amount of data. it is true that it will likely be time to replace the mac due to obsolescence before the SSD "wears out". but, just for my peace of mind, i bought a cheap external SSD because it is definitely cheaper than replacing my internal drive.

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Answer 3

May 5, 2021 7:50 AM in response to danny_boii

sorry for the late reply. i just today saw your question.

i have a similar situation concerning excessive read write cycles on my iMac's internal SSD. i transfer home movies and the like to DVDs for friends and family. it passes ALOT of data through my iMac. what i have done is to install big sur on an external SSD. i still use my internal drive as my normal boot drive. but when i need to transfer those videos, i boot into my external SSD. that way i don't care if i "wear it out". i only installed the macOS. i did not bring over any of my data on my internal drive. if this sounds like something you would like to try, please see this well written user tip from another member to these forums:

How to Setup and Use an External SSD as your Startup Disk - User Tip

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Will using my MacBook a lot when working from home wear it out faster?

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