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Websites that Track PC Hardware Failure Rates?
scarolinus asks: "Working in the computer field, I find myself asking, "Which component to specify for my customers?" It used to be I would specify the most expensive component the customer could afford. The more established and reputable the brand, the better. Now, with no change in volume, it seems that failure rates are at least double what they used to be in the last few years. And it doesn't matter if the system is a $999 special or a $9999 multiprocessor server. So, is there a website out there that cataloges the failure rates of individual PC hardware components? Is there a website that helps us hold the hardware manufacturers accountable for the quality of product they produce?"
It would be hard to find out a components failure rate. The only person that has that information is the company that does the fixes and/or returns.
I think a better measure would be service and how the returns are handled. You could ocmpile that data from customers. To me, it isn't a big deal if a piece of equipment dies as long as it is replaced/fixed quickly. I know for my servers I keep spares around just in case... If I can't keep a spare for it I'm sure to have a 4 hour response time service agreement.