Repair or Replace? How to Decide What to Do With an Old Computer
Your computer is slow, something's broken, or it's just getting old. Should you spend money fixing it, or put that money toward something new? There's no single right answer, but a few questions make the decision much clearer.
Question 1: Does it still get security updates?
This matters more than speed. A computer that no longer receives security updates is risky to use online, however well it works.
• Windows: Windows 10 support has ended. If your PC can't run Windows 11, upgrading the hardware usually isn't worth it. See our Windows 10 guide.
• Mac: Apple supports each Mac for a number of years. Check Apple menu → About This Mac and compare your macOS version with the versions Apple is still updating.
• Mac: Apple supports each Mac for a number of years. Check Apple menu → About This Mac and compare your macOS version with the versions Apple is still updating.
No updates and no upgrade path? That's a strong sign to replace.
Question 2: What's actually wrong?
Some problems are cheap to fix and give an old computer years more life:
Problem | Typical fix | Usually worth it?
Slow, still has a hard drive (HDD) | Upgrade to an SSD | ✅ Almost always
Slow with lots of tabs open | Add more RAM (if upgradable) | ✅ Often
Battery doesn't last | Replace the battery | ✅ Usually
Overheating, loud fans | Clean, new thermal paste | ✅ Usually
Broken screen | Replace the screen | ⚖️ Depends on the cost
Failed motherboard | Major repair | ❌ Often not, on older machines
Liquid damage | Varies a lot | ⚖️ Get a quote first
Slow, still has a hard drive (HDD) | Upgrade to an SSD | ✅ Almost always
Slow with lots of tabs open | Add more RAM (if upgradable) | ✅ Often
Battery doesn't last | Replace the battery | ✅ Usually
Overheating, loud fans | Clean, new thermal paste | ✅ Usually
Broken screen | Replace the screen | ⚖️ Depends on the cost
Failed motherboard | Major repair | ❌ Often not, on older machines
Liquid damage | Varies a lot | ⚖️ Get a quote first
Question 3: The 50% rule
A useful rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new computer, replace it. That's especially true if the computer is already several years old, because something else may fail soon.
Question 4: How old is it?
As a rough guide:
• Under 3 years: almost always worth repairing. Check whether it's still under warranty first.
• 3–6 years: often worth a cheap upgrade (SSD, RAM, battery), but think twice about expensive repairs.
• Over 6 years: usually better to replace, unless it's a quick, cheap fix and it still gets updates.
• 3–6 years: often worth a cheap upgrade (SSD, RAM, battery), but think twice about expensive repairs.
• Over 6 years: usually better to replace, unless it's a quick, cheap fix and it still gets updates.
Question 5: Does it do what you need?
If you only browse the web, write documents and video call, an older computer with an SSD may be perfectly fine. If you edit video, play modern games or run demanding software, an upgrade may not close the gap.
If you do replace it
• Back up first, then wipe the old computer safely before selling, donating or recycling it. See our guide to wiping a computer.
• Recycle responsibly. Many retailers and councils take old electronics, and some manufacturers run trade-in schemes.
• Consider refurbished. A refurbished computer from a reputable seller, with a warranty, can be great value.
• Recycle responsibly. Many retailers and councils take old electronics, and some manufacturers run trade-in schemes.
• Consider refurbished. A refurbished computer from a reputable seller, with a warranty, can be great value.
The bottom line
Check security updates first, then weigh the repair cost against the computer's age and value. Cheap fixes like an SSD, RAM or a new battery are often worth it. Expensive repairs on an old, unsupported computer usually aren't. Still unsure? A quick diagnosis from a repair shop can tell you what's wrong before you spend anything.
