Every computer has a lifespan, but how do you know if you’ve reached the end of yours? This guide can help you decide whether repairing your computer is worth the trouble and cost.
Why Are You Experiencing Computer Trouble?
Besides the obvious damage, like liquid spills or collisions, age is the biggest enemy.
Each moving part in your motherboard has an expiration date, plain and simple. They can wear down or fail, especially if you use your computer a lot.
Right now, it may be under twice the stress if you also use your computer for work. Millions of people transitioned to remote work at the start of the pandemic, and the bulk of these people will remain working from home for the feasible future.
Teleworking comes with a lot of perks, but it does mean you’re relying on your own tech to get the job done. If your computer undergoes a shift change from a work device to a gaming console with no breaks, it’s under a lot of pressure.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Breakdown is Imminent?
For some people, a breakdown happens out of the blue. One day, their computer doesn’t turn on after they press the power button. But for others, there are signs that something will go wrong soon.
- A popping sound or the smell of smoke (this indicates you blew a cap)
- Blue screen errors happen often
- Slow, glitchy, or frozen gameplay
- It takes a long time to boot up or down
- Loud fans or overheating
Should You Repair or Replace?
Some of the signs above serve as red flags alerting you to a problem. If you catch it early enough, you can bring it to a repair shop for cleaning or replacement parts. But how much does this work cost?
You’ll have to do some research to find out their price, as it differs by job and shop. Call around to your local repair services and get at least three estimates.
You should also consider the computer’s age when weighing up the cost of these repairs. Just like a car, you don’t want to put more money into your computer than it’s worth.
Most computers don’t last more than five years, so a repair at this age (or older) may only be a band-aid solution.
Handling the Cost of Repairs or Replacements
Knowing every piece of tech has a death date, you should build out your finances accordingly. A well-developed emergency fund can help you cover a repair or replacement, as well as a variety of unexpected emergencies.
Financial advisors recommend having at least three months of expenses in this fund, and some even advocate for a whole year.
If your gaming console moonlights as your work computer, you may also consider online loans for assistance. Some online emergency loans may provide a safety net when your savings fall short of unexpected yet essential repairs and purchases.
Like any in-person personal loan, emergency loans come with rates and terms, which means you have to pay back the cost of your online loan plus fees. As a result, emergency loans aren’t recommended to finance repairs on a hobby.
Better ways to handle a new gaming computer include:
- Buying certified refurbished over new to control costs
- Consider store financing to defer payments
- Pick up extra hours at work or look for side gigs
- Sell other belongings who don’t need or want online
The Takeaway
Repair or replace — there is no one answer to the question. It depends on the unique problems you’re facing, the cost of repairs in your area, and how old your computer is. Knowing how these issues impact your costs can help you decide which avenue works best for you.
