Updated June 18, 2024
Doing computer repair for a living, I get a lot of questions. One of my favorites has to be, "Should I repair or upgrade my computer or just get a new one." So, let's look at whether to repair or upgrade an existing computer or buy a new one.
First, let's examine the three (3) theories I follow regarding computers and their components.
- Infant Mortality is the belief that if it runs for a day (24 hours), it will run for its lifetime. It is also the start of what is called the Bathtub Curve.
- The Bathtub Curve refers to the expected failure rate of electronics over time, as it resembles an end-to-end bathtub section. The failure rate starts high at the beginning of life (Infant Mortality) and then drops to almost nothing until rising again when it fails.
- The definition of the Lifetime of computer components, from my experience, is three years from the start of service. At three years or older, it's not if it will break down, but when it will break down. But there are exceptions to this rule, mainly in terms of how well you take care of the electronics.
Another factor that has to be included in assessing whether to repair or replace is the life cycle of the operating system (Windows). For example, Windows 10's end-of-life date is October 14, 2025, and if the system you are looking at repairing or replacing does not have the hardware required to run Windows 11, repairing it may be questionable.
Many of my customers would prefer to invest in a new computer that will run Windows 11 than replace failing hardware in a computer that will soon lose support for security patches and updates.
To repair or replace
With that said, let's start with the repair or replace scenario. Most of the time, repairing is the best way to go if the computer (desktop or laptop) is within the expected lifetime. Now, the exception is with the price and availability of replacement parts.
With computers over three (3) years old, you have to consider the cost of replacement parts and labor versus the price of a new system. If the parts and labor total more than $200, I usually ask a client at least twice if they are sure they want to replace the part(s).
You also have to consider whether the replacement parts are new or refurbished (a fancy way of saying used). Refurbished will work quite well for laptop bases, lids, and bezels. A refurbished unit may or may not work for motherboards and IO/daughterboards.
Keep in mind that if a particular component has a flaw that caused it to fail, a refurbished (used) part may also have the same defect and could fail, just like the component you are replacing. I've had a 50/50 success rate with refurbished parts, with some parts lasting only months and some lasting years.
Hard drives, memory modules, desktop DVD drives, power supplies, laptop displays, laptop keyboards, and laptop fans are standard parts and often need replacement. These parts are generally easy to find and purchase. Laptop parts like hinges, display bezels, display lids (tops), and bases can be tricky. A quick Google search for computer model + part name should yield some results.
The availability of replacement parts
In my experience finding replacement parts, I have found that the computer's age has a lot to do with being able to find parts.
- If the computer in question is less than one year old, the only way to get replacement parts is through the manufacturer. And you can be sure that you will pay the full retail price for them.
- If the computer is 1 - 3 years old, the cost of replacement parts should go down, as the supply of parts improves. At this point, people are starting to 'part out' failed systems and posting the parts on eBay.
- If the computer is 3 - 5 years old, the replacement parts will be at their lowest cost. The supply will be high, and you will be able to find multiple vendors carrying the same components. It's a buyer's paradise.
- If the computer is 5 years or older, the supply of parts starts to dwindle, and prices go up. I had a client who wanted to replace a motherboard with bad capacitors that was fifteen (15) years old. I found one (1) refurbished motherboard at almost $500. We had the board recapped for a whole lot less.
To upgrade or replace
When it comes to upgrading a computer, there are quite a few things that you can do to desktop and laptop computers. The one thing with the most bang for the buck is memory. Most systems come with a nominal amount of memory and can easily be upgraded.
The problem with upgrading memory is that many manufacturers will purchase smaller memory modules and fill up all of the memory slots with them. For example, let's say you bought a computer with eight (8) gigabytes of memory installed. The motherboard has four (4) memory slots, and each one can handle a 4-gigabyte memory module (max.), for a total of sixteen (16) gigabytes (max.).
But when you open up the computer, you find that instead of using two (2) 4-gigabyte memory modules, the manufacturer used four (4) 2-gigabyte modules. To upgrade the memory to sixteen (16) gigabytes, you have to replace all of the 2-gigabyte memory modules with 4-gigabyte modules. Why do they do it? They can get smaller memory modules cheaper.
How to upgrade or add more memory to your computer
Another way to breathe new life into a computer is to upgrade the hard drive. You can go with a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) that spins faster or a Solid State Drive (SSD) that has a faster transfer rate. Either of these should give you better performance. Combine it with a clean installation of Windows, and you will feel like you got a brand new computer.
How to upgrade the hard drive in your computer
How to upgrade your computers hard disk drive to a solid state drive
If you have a desktop computer and like playing games, upgrading the graphics card may be an option. Just make sure you know the motherboard specification for the PCIe slot(s) (version 1, version 2, etc.) and use a compatible graphics card. Also, make sure you have enough power connector(s) (6-pin or 8-pin PCIe).
The bottom line
You are the only one who has to decide whether to repair or upgrade an existing computer or replace it with a new one. If it has sentimental value or runs a program you cannot reinstall, then maybe you should repair or upgrade it. But if the cost of fixing it is more than the total value of your existing computer, then consider just replacing it with a new system.
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