How to Decide Whether to Replace or Repair a Computer

New computers have become so inexpensive that people often believe replacing a computer has better value than repairing it. However, new computer prices are low partly due to cuts in build quality, parts quality, and included hardware. Repairing a good computer by spending up to 10 to 20 percent of its original cost is a better value than a new machine, unless you will receive a significant speed and performance increase.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computers

1. Find out if the repair is covered by manufacturer's warranty or an extended service agreement.

2. Get a free estimate, if repair shops in your area will provide one. If not, find out the hourly labor charge.

3. Expect to pay $60 to $80 per hour for labor in U.S. cities, with a 1-hour minimum charge, and twice as much for on-site repair.

4. Find out how long a repair will be warranted. Most shops warrant repairs for 60 to 90 days.

5. Expect a hard drive and a power supply to last 3 to 6 years, expect the life of other mechanical drives to vary depending on usage, and expect electronics to last many years.

6. Remember that one third of computers are repaired each year.

7. Repair your computer if the repair costs less than $200, and the machine's performance and functionality are completely satisfactory.

8. Replace your computer if you are willing to buy a computer that is better in every way, or if you need a repair that costs more than $500.

9. Buy a new machine if you have a 486 PC or 86040 Macintosh or older. If you are reading this by mid-2000, buy a new machine if your CPU is less than 100 MHz.

10. Choose a new machine if you are using Windows 3.1.1 or older.

11. Get a new machine if your current computer lacks specific functionality that you want or need.

12. Expect a new computer to come with at least a 1-year limited warranty.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not have your computer repaired with refurbished parts.

• Repair your computer if the power supply, hard drive and CD drive have already been replaced.

• Replace your computer if you will need to rent or lease one for several weeks while yours is being serviced or awaiting parts. (Renting a computer can be exorbitantly expensive.) Understand that computer manufacturers can be slow to send proprietary parts, or may no longer stock them.

• If you diagnose the problem yourself, remember that replacing the part you believe is malfunctioning may not solve the problem.