Should You Repair or Replace Your Computer?

As a rule of thumb, if your computer is under five years old and the issue is software-related (slow performance, a virus, a failing hard drive that can be replaced), repair is almost always the more affordable option.

Replacement starts to make more sense when the cost of repair approaches half the price of a new machine, when the hardware no longer supports current software and security updates, or when multiple components are failing at once.

If you’re not sure which situation you’re in, a quick diagnostic can tell you what’s actually wrong and give you a straight answer — including whether it’s worth fixing — before you spend money either way.