Whether you use a computer for work or entertainment, it is a valuable part of your life. You will want to get every second of value out of your initial investment. And when your technology fails, you may wonder, is it cheaper to repair or replace a computer? 

The answer depends on a few different factors. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this list of guiding factors. 

Repair vs. Replace: Factors To Help Decide?

Replacing your computer is a difficult choice, and if a repair is possible, it may be the better avenue. But, depending on a few different things, it may be the more expensive choice in the end. 

Here are the questions you need to ask yourself when deciding to repair or replace your computer.

How Old Is the Computer?

First things first: how old is the computer? On average, your computer should last between four to eight years. 

Within that range, how often you use the computer, what you use it for, and how you have maintained it will impact its lifespan. 

So, is it worth repairing a 5-year-old laptop? Probably not.

If your computer is within the normal lifespan, reach out to a top-notch computer repair service like EezIT for a free repair quote. Once you know how much a repair may cost, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it is cheaper to repair or replace your computer. 

What Condition Is the Computer In?

The computer’s condition should be factored into your decision to repair or replace it.

Have you been taking care of it? Have you been applying updates? Can it run the latest operating system?

If the answer to these questions is “no,” it may be time for a new computer.

Of course, if operating speed is the primary issue, consider running updates on your operating system and software to see if that improves performance. 

What’s Wrong With the Computer?

Narrowing down the problem can go a long way in helping you to make a decision. 

Start by running your antivirus software to ensure that it is not a virus or malware impacting performance. 

You can also check the resource usage of your programs. On a PC, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Spotlight on a Mac (Command+Space). If you notice that a program uses most of the CPU or RAM, it could be the problem. Try uninstalling and replacing it with a different program. 

The issue could be the operating system. If you have not reinstalled the operating system in the last 5 years or so, it may be time to give that a try. 

It may be that your computer needs an update to its hardware, or it could be that some of the components are failing. The hard drive or the RAM could be failing. 

It is possible that upgrading your laptop from an HDD to an SDD could help immensely. But, if there is more going on with the computer, or it is particularly old, it is likely more cost-effective to simply get a new one.   

Current Price of New Computers

The cost of repairs will almost always be cheaper than the purchase price of a new computer. But that does not mean it will be cheaper in the long run. 

If the repair to your computer is only a short-term fix or will require you to continue upgrading regularly, it will likely cost you more than buying a new computer. 

Here are some benchmarks to consider:

• If the computer is 7 years or older, and the repair will cost more than 25% of the cost of a new computer, it is likely a good idea to forgo the repairs and purchase a new computer. 
• If the computer is 3-4 years old, a repair or an upgrade can likely get you another 1-3 years of life. However, if the repair costs are 50% or more of the cost of a new computer, it is probably best to just buy one. 

This analysis, of course, depends on many factors, like your budget and the type of computer you need. 

If you like your current system and really only need it to get online and perform simple tasks like word processing, a repair or upgrade may be more than worth it, even if it is old. But, if you’d like a faster computer, more storage, and access to complex applications, purchasing a new computer is probably best.   

And, of course, the price of new computers can fluctuate during the year. If possible, try to time your purchase for sales like back-to-school, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday. Check-in with manufacturers to see if they have any new releases on the horizon (for example, Apple releases happen every September).  

Cost of Setting up a New Computer

The cost of setting up a new computer depends on the hardware, peripherals, and software you choose. 

Certainly, you can purchase your computer with the software installed and use it right out of the box. And for many people, that is enough.

But if you need a computer system operating exactly the way you want, and you need data migrated from the old computer, you should pay to have someone set it up for you. This is particularly important if you use your computer for business or gaming. 

Business computers require top-notch security, and gaming PCs and laptops must be optimized for use under the most intense and demanding circumstances. 

Hiring professionals for custom computer setup may add to the costs, but it will be well worth it in the end. Not only will you have a fully operational computer, but all of your important data will also be transferred from your old system and easily accessible on the new one. In business applications, that data transfer alone is worth the costs. 

Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Computer?

As you can see, there is no one straight answer to this question. If the computer is newer, it is likely cheaper to perform a repair and extend the life of your computer. If it is older, a replacement is likely the cheapest option. 

The good news is that the professional technicians at EezIT can help you make the best decision for you. 

If you are experiencing problems with your computer or laptop, we can assess the issue and provide you with a cost estimate. Once we have the go-ahead, we can apply the repairs or upgrades and get you back up and running. 

Our computer repair services can be accessed by pick up or drop off. That’s right, if it’s more convenient, we’ll come to you! Or, you can drop off your device at our Calgary location.

If you have decided to buy a new computer, you can trust EezIT with your new system build and data migration. No matter the system’s complexity, our Calgary IT technicians have the experience and skill to get the job done right. 

Contact us today to learn more or to get started!