When to Repair vs Replace Your Computer

Your computer died. Or maybe it’s just painfully slow. Now you’re facing the classic question: repair it or replace it?

There’s no universal answer, but here’s a framework to help you decide.

The 50% Rule

General guideline: If the repair cost exceeds 50% of what a comparable new computer would cost, replacement usually makes more sense.

For example:

• Broken screen on a 2-year-old laptop that cost $1,200 new? A $300 screen replacement (25% of original cost) is worth it.
• Failed motherboard on a 6-year-old desktop that cost $800 new? A $400 motherboard replacement (50% of original, 75%+ of current value) probably isn’t worth it.

But this is just a starting point. Consider these factors too:

Age of the Computer

Less than 3 years old

Usually worth repairing unless it’s a cheap computer that wasn’t great to begin with. Modern components should have years of useful life remaining.

3-5 years old

Case-by-case decision. If it’s a quality machine (MacBook Pro, ThinkPad, Dell XPS), repairs often make sense. Budget laptops in this age range are often better replaced.

5+ years old

Replacement is usually the better choice. Even if you fix the immediate problem, other components are likely to fail soon. Performance is also typically behind current standards.

Type of Repair

Repairs Usually Worth Doing

• Screen replacement (laptops): $150-400 for most models
• Keyboard replacement (laptops): $100-250
• SSD upgrade or replacement: $100-200
• RAM upgrade: $50-150
• Battery replacement (laptops): $80-200
• Power jack repair: $100-200
• Fan cleaning/replacement: $75-150

Repairs Rarely Worth Doing

• Motherboard failure (especially laptops): $300-600+
• Water damage with multiple affected components
• GPU failure on laptops with soldered graphics
• Multiple simultaneous failures (usually indicates broader problems)

The Hidden Costs of Replacement

When comparing repair vs replacement, don’t forget:

1. Software reinstallation: Setting up a new computer takes time. Count your hours at a reasonable rate.

2. Data migration: Moving files, setting up email, reinstalling applications. Budget 2-4 hours minimum.

3. Learning curve: If you’re switching operating systems (Windows to Mac or vice versa), factor in adjustment time.

4. Peripheral compatibility: Will your existing monitors, printers, and accessories work with a new machine?

5. Software licenses: Some software licenses don’t transfer easily. Adobe, Microsoft Office, and specialty software may require new purchases.

When Repair Is Almost Always Right

Apple computers

Macs hold their value longer and typically have longer useful lives than comparable Windows machines. A 5-year-old MacBook Pro with a new battery and SSD can easily serve for another 3-5 years.

High-end workstations

Professional workstations from Dell, HP, or Lenovo are built to last and often support component upgrades. A RAM or storage upgrade can extend useful life significantly.

Custom-built desktops

Desktop computers are modular. Almost any individual component can be replaced independently. Even a “failing computer” often just needs one or two component swaps.

When Replacement Is Almost Always Right

Budget laptops

Cheap laptops ($300-500 range) often aren’t worth repairing. Build quality is lower, parts can be hard to source, and performance was marginal to begin with.

Laptops older than 7 years

Even quality laptops hit a wall around this age. Battery capacity is severely degraded, performance falls behind modern requirements, and security updates may end.

Computers with multiple problems

If your computer has a failing hard drive AND a bad screen AND a worn-out battery, the combined repair cost often exceeds replacement value.

Performance Considerations

Sometimes the question isn’t “can it be fixed” but “will it meet my needs even after repair?”

Signs Your Computer Is Fundamentally Too Slow

• Takes more than 60 seconds to boot (with an SSD)
• Applications freeze frequently
• Video calls are choppy even with good internet
• Can’t run software you need for work

A slow computer might be fixable with more RAM or an SSD upgrade. But if it has an old processor, no amount of upgrades will make it fast.

Minimum Specs for 2025

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (8th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000 series or newer)
• RAM: 16GB (8GB is increasingly insufficient)
• Storage: SSD (not traditional hard drive)

If your computer doesn’t meet these minimums and can’t be upgraded to meet them, replacement is the path forward.

Get a Professional Assessment

Before making a decision, get a proper diagnosis. A repair technician can:

1. Identify exactly what’s wrong (not just symptoms)
2. Provide repair cost estimates
3. Assess overall system health
4. Recommend repair vs replacement honestly

A diagnostic typically costs $50-100 and is usually credited toward repair if you proceed.

Our Approach

At R5I Support, we give honest recommendations. If your computer isn’t worth repairing, we’ll tell you—and help you find a good replacement. If a simple repair will give you years more use, we’ll do that.

Request a diagnostic or call (602) 399-9913.