Case Study
Why It’s Time to Refresh PCs: Performance, Security, and Sustainability Over AI Hype
A pragmatic analysis by Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) on why the 2025 PC refresh cycle is driven by performance, security, and sustainability rather than AI hype. It details the tangible ROI of modernizing hardware to reduce support costs and enhance workforce productivity. Discover why the most successful organizations are prioritizing security, sustainability, and workforce productivity in their 2025 hardware strategy.
- Topic
- IT Management
- Published
- 4 May 2026
The conversation around "AI PCs" is everywhere, but for IT leaders, the reality is more grounded. The decision to refresh a fleet isn't just about chasing new buzzwords; it's about solving the daily frustrations of aging hardware, rising support costs, and an evolving threat landscape.
In this Showcase report from Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), we analyze the current state of PC refresh cycles. Learn why the upcoming Windows 10 end-of-support deadline is the perfect catalyst to modernize your infrastructure with Dell and Intel. This is your guide to moving beyond the hype and delivering tangible value to your organization.
Key Highlights:
Fundamental Focus: Organizations are prioritizing performance, security, and reliability over the current marketing hype surrounding AI.
The Window of Transition: The end-of-support for Windows 10 in October 2025 is a primary driver for immediate hardware refreshes.
The Aging Penalty: Research shows that PCs older than four years can double the volume of help desk tickets and support costs.
Hardware-Based Security: Modern PCs provide silicon-level protections that are essential to defend against sophisticated modern malware and phishing.
Performance Leap: Intel® Core™ Ultra processors offer significant gains in multi-threaded tasks, essential for today's video-heavy and collaborative work environments.
Sustainability & Repairability: New hardware designs prioritize modularity and recyclability, helping organizations meet enterprise ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Future-Ready Architecture: Refreshing now provides the Neural Processing Units (NPUs) required for local AI processing as software developers release more on-device tools.
Employee Retention: Modern, fast, and reliable devices are a key factor in employee satisfaction and overall productivity.
Battery Life Optimization: Advanced power management in modern silicon extends the "work from anywhere" capability without constant charging.
Lifecycle Cost Management: Moving back to a 3-year refresh cycle often reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to stretching devices to 5 years.
Pragmatic Implementation: Dell and Intel provide the services to make the transition from legacy to modern fleets practical and minimally disruptive.