Repair vs Replace: When Is a Computer Worth Fixing?
A repair makes sense when the machine still meets your needs and the fix costs well under half of a comparable replacement.
| Option | Pros | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | SSD/RAM upgrades, screen/keyboard fixes, virus cleanup, data recovery | Best when device is under 5 years old and parts are available |
| Replace | New warranty, better battery life, current software support | Consider when motherboard fails or repair exceeds ~50% of replacement |