While you may still have a functioning PC from the 80s or 90s, no computer can offer you practical usage forever. Still, we all want to make our devices last as long as possible to get the most out of them.
Solutions like professional computer repairs and upgrades can extend the life of your computer, but past a certain point, it is better to opt for computer replacement instead. You have to consider that it may be smarter to invest in a new one instead of spending on repairs and maintenance.
But how can you know whether you should repair or replace it?
Repair or Replace
All computers will slow down over time, and such is the nature of all things mechanical and electronic. The performance will never be the same 5 years down the line as it was on day one, even if you use it for the same things you did 5 years ago.
Basic, essential things like Operating System (OS) updates, which are supposed to improve performance and security, can start to weigh down on your computer after a few years. Everything changes over time, and the apps you use will get updates as well.
Even the websites you visit frequently will improve and upgrade and require more from your computer than they used to.
When your computer isn’t responsive enough, it is a big sign that you have to invest in something to overcome its slowing performance. Whether that’s professional computer repairs, upgrades, or a complete replacement is the key question.
To figure this out, you’ll need first to find out what’s causing your computer to slow down.
What’s Slowing It Down?
Computers have various components that deliver various functions. Any number of these components can cause your computer to perform slow. To make a smart investment, you will need to understand the root cause of the problem.
The first thing you want to do is ensure that the problem isn’t software-related. Run a malware or virus test to ensure no infections are slowing your PC down. Then check programs’ resource usage and if something is eating up your RAM or CPU, consider uninstalling it and replacing it with a faster alternative.
You also have to check that your OS isn’t corrupted, update it, and if you haven’t reinstalled the OS in over 4 years, now is probably the time to do it.
If the problem isn’t a program or update, or if it’s an essential program you can’t replace, you can forget the software and start considering the hardware. To identify hardware upgrades, check the performance charts of your hard drive, RAM, and CPU the next time your computer slows down.
The piece of hardware peaking on the graph frequently is the one you need to upgrade. Sometimes it also happens that a hardware component is failing. A professional computer repair service can better guide you on things like failing hard drives and RAM.
You can find free, basic testing programs online for each hardware component. Still, we do not recommend these because you may end up installing or using something malicious instead, which will further damage your computer, or worse, your personal information.
Once you understand which components are causing issues, you can mark your repairs and crunch the numbers.
Crunch the Numbers on Repair or Replace
Sadly, if you have to replace or upgrade parts, it will be costly. You must also note that some replacements are more sensitive than others, RAM being a key one. More RAM can improve performance and speed up your processes.
Similarly, upgrading your older hard drive to one with newer technology like a solid-state drive (SSD) is another good way to speed up your PC. However, upgrading the CPU or motherboard is not the best idea because it will be a marginal speed boost.
Moreover, replacing the CPU means you may also have to replace other components to ensure compatibility. If this is the case, you are better off investing in a new computer altogether.
To decide whether repairs or upgrades are worth the costs, consider the expense and the age of your computer. If your computer is 5 years old or older, and the repairs or upgrades cost more than 30 percent of the cost of a new PC, you shouldn’t bother investing in repairs or upgrades.
However, if your computer is 3 or 4 years old, you should consider professional computer repairs or upgrades because it will likely add another 2 or 3 years of usage to your computer.
Computers 3 to 4 years old are usually fine with a repair or upgrade that costs 40 percent the price of a new computer. If repairs or upgrades cost more than that, consider a new device.
Conclusion
Everyone’s needs are different, and this repair or replace guide is just a general direction of what you should do. However, it is best to consult trusted professional computer repair services like Priority 1 Computer Services for the best advice on approaching old, slow-performing computers.
They can professionally diagnose the things that are slowing down your computer, recommend a suitable repair or upgrade, and even tell you if it’s better to replace your computer with a new one.If you want to learn more about repair or replace, get professional computer repair services, or consult the best professionals in Florida regarding this matter, please visit our website today.