The Repair vs. Replace Decision
When your computer starts acting up, you face a choice: pay to fix it or buy something new. Here's how to make the financially smart decision.
The 50% Rule
General guideline: If repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value, consider replacing.
But it's not always that simple. Consider these factors too.
When to Repair
Repair makes sense if:
1. The problem is simple
- Dying hard drive → SSD upgrade ($60-120)
- Slow performance → RAM upgrade ($40-80)
- Won't power on → Power supply ($50-100)
2. The computer is relatively new
- Less than 4-5 years old
- Still meets your performance needs
- Software you need still supports it
3. It's a high-end machine
- Original cost was $1500+
- Current specs still competitive
- Premium build quality
4. You're comfortable with it
- All your software is set up
- Your workflow is dialed in
- Relearning takes time
When to Replace
Replace makes sense if:
1. Multiple things are failing
- Motherboard + other components
- Age-related wear on many parts
- "Death by a thousand cuts"
2. The computer is old
- 7+ years for desktops
- 5+ years for laptops
- No longer receives security updates
3. Your needs have changed
- Started gaming/video editing
- New software requires more power
- Working from home needs changed
4. Repair cost is high relative to value
- $300 repair on a $400 computer
- Motherboard failure on budget laptops
- Screen replacement on old laptops
The Upgrade Path
Sometimes "repair" can mean "upgrade":
| Problem | Repair | Upgrade |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Slow | Clean/tune up | Add SSD + RAM |
| Storage full | Delete files | Larger drive |
| Can't run new games | N/A | New GPU |
| General age | Clean/repaste | Consider new |
Real-World Examples
Repair It:
- 3-year-old laptop with dead battery ($80 fix)
- Gaming PC with failed GPU (under warranty)
- Desktop with slow HDD → SSD upgrade ($100)
Replace It:
- 8-year-old laptop with failed motherboard
- Low-end laptop with cracked screen + battery issues
- Desktop that can't run Windows 11 (unsupported CPU)
Get an Honest Assessment
At Computer Store KS, we'll:
1. Diagnose the actual problem (not guess)
2. Quote repair costs accurately
3. Compare to replacement options
4. Recommend honestly, even if it means less work for us
5. Offer both repair AND replacement options
We'd rather you make the right choice than pay for a repair that doesn't make sense.
Questions to Ask Us
When you bring in your computer:
- What's the actual problem?
- What will repair cost?
- What would replacement cost?
- How long will this fix last?
- Is my data safe?
Honest advice is our policy. Come get a real answer!