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Got a problem with your PC? Not sure whether to repair it or replace it?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Below are a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether to repair or replace your broken PC.

How much will repairs cost vs a replacement?

The 50% rule is often worth following when deciding to repair or replace something: if the cost of repairing your PC is equal to 50% or more of the cost of a new PC, you’re often better off investing in a replacement.

For example, if repairs are likely to cost £160 and you can buy a new PC for £300, a new PC may be a better investment.

Of course, PC repairs can vary in cost, so it’s important to shop around in case you can get repairs done more cheaply. The cost of a new PC also depends on what type of PC you opt for – while basic PCs can cost £300, high-end custom models can cost thousands of pounds. If your machine will cost you thousands to replace, a £160 repair is definitely the better option.

Try to keep track of the total cost of repairs if you keep having to fix your machine. If the total repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a replacement, it’s time to replace.

How old is your PC?

The age of your machine is also important to take into account. A relatively new PC might still be covered by a warranty – in which case it’s usually better to fix it than replace it.

The average lifespan of a PC is 5 years. After this, most PCs start to seriously slow down and experience frequent issues, which could get expensive to repair. Replacing a PC that is 5 years or older may be a better option. You should particularly consider replacing your PC if it’s using outdated software and you cannot run new software on it due to it being incompatible.

Does your current PC still fit your needs?

It’s also important to consider your needs. Perhaps you have a basic PC, but would like to get more into PC gaming? Your machine may have limitations that are holding you back. Instead of spending money fixing your machine, now might be a good time to consider investing in a newer more advanced PC.

Downgrading your PC is also an option if you have a more advanced machine but don’t have a need for it – especially if it’s 5 years old and repairs are likely to be expensive. Buying a basic model could be cheaper than what you’d spend on repairs and may be all you need if you just use it for checking emails and writing documents.

Conclusion – should you repair or replace?

Repairing could be a good idea if the cost of repairs is low, if your computer is still young/in its warranty, or if you’re really attached to your PC.

Replacing may be a better option if repairs are equal to 50% or more of the cost of a replacement, if your computer is over 5 years old, or if your current PC no longer fits your needs.

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