Even though computers have dropped in price significantly over the years, it’s still a nice chunk of change to shell out when your old PC is on the fritz. Today, we’re going to discuss the benefits of considering to repair or replace an old computer. You may be surprised by what you learn!

A decade ago, the average American spent $1,200 on electronics every year. Back then, that kind of money already got consumers about 25 techy items each.

Fast forward 10 years, and half of that goes only towards buying a new personal computer!

That’s right. In 2017, the average price of PCs sat at about $629. Although this reflects a considerable drop in selling prices, it’s still a lot of dough to shell out.

Which is why you’re now wondering whether to repair or replace an old computer. That depends on the issues you’re experiencing, and how severe they are.

The bottom line is, there are situations wherein repairs are better than a replacement (and vice versa). Keep reading to find out whether the cost of a new computer is worth it!

Signs You Need to Repair or Replace an Old Computer

Computers are no doubt amazing, but like any other machine, they have a limited lifespan – between three and five years. This doesn’t mean that you need to replace yours once it turns three though.

What’s important is to know the symptoms of a computer going bad. From there, you can do some troubleshooting on your own. If all else fails, know that you can always rely on pro computer technicians to help you figure out the next best move.

It’s So Slooooow

Picture this: You turn on your computer and head to the kitchen to brew a cup of joe. When you get back to your PC, it’s still trying to load.

That’s a sloooow PC right there.

It Freezes Up

Another common PC problem is when you open five or more tabs, and your PC takes minutes before doing anything. Worse, it freezes up, and you’d have to do a hard reset to get it working again.

It Has Problems Running Large Files or Programs

This can happen when you load a large file (such as a high-reso video), and it seems like your PC is a broken robot (or a bad CD player). You’ll also notice this extreme slowness when running apps like Adobe Photoshop or PC games.

When Fixes are Your Best Bet

We understand that all these can make anyone want to rip their hair out in frustration.

Before you do, know that a comprehensive malware and virus removal service may all be what you need. In many cases, these unwanted programs eat up so much RAM they cause your computer to slow down.

If the issue has more to do with lack of storage, then try deleting programs and files you don’t need anymore. If you don’t want to part with them, transfer them to an external hard drive. This frees up space on your hard drive, while also acting as an “extended” memory for your PC.

When It’s Time to Invest in a New Gizmo

So… When is it time to buy a new computer? Well, a good rule to follow is to get a replacement if you spend more time (and money) fixing it than getting any use out of it.

For example, programs crash right after you load them. Another is when you can’t connect it to anything (USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). Or the most annoying (for many, even the scariest): The Blue Screen of Death.

Need More Help?

If you’re still unsure of what the issue is and you can’t figure out whether to fix or replace an old computer, we can help. Give us a shout, and we’ll be more than happy to address your frustrating PC problems!