This post will cover if it is worth having your computer repaired based on its age, condition and the potential cost of the fix. This can help you decide if you should have it repaired or maybe replaced.
Age Of The Computer
The age of the computer can make a big difference for the repair. If you computer is under 3-5 years old it can almost always be worth repairing. We have seen in our experience when clients have computers only a few years old it can be cost effective to actually fix it rather than spend thousands on a new PC.
If you computer is older than 5-6 years old a replacement could be the most cost effective option DEPENDING on what is actually wrong with us. If you are ever unsure on what is wrong with it and if repair or relpacement is your better option than you can contact DNGR Tech and ask for our advice.
The age of the computer can be important but a simple repair does not matter for the age of the PC. For example if you are running out of storage its almost always cheaper to “repair” and add more storage than it is to replace.
Common Mistake
People are attached to the computer and sometimes spend more than they should on repairs. A lot of the time what you care about is the actual data not the computer its self. These are 2 different things as the data inside can be recovered without needing to fix the whole PC.
The 25% and 50% Rules
A simple repair like added storage or swapping to an SSD rather than an old mechanical drive a cost of 25% should be a maximum. This can be for simple 1 hour or less repairs from our technicians for small computer repairs or computer upgrades.
A middle cost repair like replacing a CPU with a similar one or replacing 1 component like memory or a GPU well than a 50% maximum should be stuck too as anything outside of this may not be economical.
When Is Replacing Your Computer the Better Option?
Replacing your computer may make more sense if it has several faults, needs an expensive repair, or can no longer run the software you need.
Compare the full repair quote with the cost of a replacement that meets your needs. Consider the computer’s overall condition, warranty and whether it can run a supported operating system—not just its age.
Can I Keep My Files If I Replace My Computer?
You do not necessarily need to repair a broken computer to get your files back. If its storage drive is still working, documents, photos and other files can often be transferred to another computer.
If the drive itself has failed, data recovery may be needed. Recovery is not always possible, so tell your technician about any important files before work begins.
Pro Tip
Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace? – DNGR Tech helps home users and small businesses across Hampshire assess their options. Contact us to discuss the problem and get advice on whether a repair, upgrade or replacement makes sense for your computer.