When to repair your computer and when to replace it

Eventually every computer reaches a point where it starts to go a bit funny, but we need to first diagnose the problem before working out whether we should repair the computer or replace it.

If the computer is very old and is not worth upgrading and you are encountering serious problems then at those times you would need to look at buying a new part, new computer or get a custom built computer. If you didnt want to spend the money on a new computer you could also purchase a refurbished computer.

We have outlined below indications on what you could be encountering with your computer and best course of action going forward.

When the motherboard or CPU fails its a major problem

Diagnosing: These types of failures usually present themselves as the computer not starting, hard power shutdowns, weird BIOS issues that cant be fixed with a BIOS update, major powers issues, component damage, overheated CPU because of insufficient cooling, etc..

Usually needs to be diagnosed by a technician.

Solution:

• Getting a new computer, dependant on age of computer. If its old it would be best as replacing with a new motherboard or CPU may require a new array of parts to support it.
• Its possible to get the motherboard repaired but not CPU.

Diagnosing computer issues that are usually minor before coming to a conclusion

There are various components in your computer and each one of those could contribute to specific slowdowns and other types of problems. These types of problems can generally be fixed easy if identified.

First, we need to make sure that software isn’t the problem

1. Firstly it would do best to run a virus scan to make sure nothing is running in the background that shouldn’t be running. If you’re using Windows 10 or 11 you could use the built-in antivirus program in there or try another antivirus program. Not all of them have the same detection rates thou so they may miss things. You want to remove adware, junkware, malware and any types of viruses.

1. Remove any bloated applications that may have been installed when you first got your computer.
2. Remove any unused programs on your computer or any programs you are not familiar with. You will find them in the add and remove programs on Windows or in Finder-> Applications on the MAC, you will also find Login items in the User panel in the system preferences.
3. When done with the above you can then open the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Del) or Activity Monitor on the MAC (In Finder-> Applications). In the CPU and RAM Tabs/Columns look for any programs that may be consuming a lot compared to the amount of CPU and RAM you have available.
4. Over time the operating systems and hard drive file systems become corrupted and will need maintenance.

Another software issue that could be causing problems is the web browser which may be taking up too much resources. Settings can be set in the browser to reduce resource consumption.

Make sure your drivers are all up to date because old and faulty drivers can cause issues.

You can check the Windows Event Log for indications of failing hardware and faulty programs.

Testing computer performance in safe mode. Computer running slow in this mode is an indication of hardware failure but not always.

Next phase is to do hardware tests

• You can test your hard drive by running CrystalDiskInfo which will give an idea to the state of the hard drive. Any types of relocated sector counts or other types of faults recorded usually indicate hard drive failure. Any noises coming the hard drive like beeping, loud spinning or clicking generally indicate a major hard drive failure.
• You can test your RAM by running something like Memtest. Which will give error indications.
• If running intensive applications you notice the computer turn off or slow down it could be an indication of overheating. Blocked fans, heatsink, dried up thermal paste, etc could be the issue.

The above software does not always give clear indications and may not detect anything wrong even thou there are issues with those.

The other hardware parts need to be tested through trial and error and collected experience. There could be problems with the power supply that may not be providing enough power, or it is overheating because the fan is not working properly.

There is a tool called OCCT which can run stress tests to see the change in voltages, but it can damage your computer if used incorrectly and when your computer cannot handle it.

Graphics cards can be tested by using graphics benchmark tools and temp monitoring software to see if it is running hot or its cutting out at some point when its been stressed too much.

If further tests in stressing or bench-marking indicate a CPU or Motherboard problem it is probably recommended to purchase a new system as replacing those parts would probably end up not worth replacing and would be recommended to move forward.

If you computer is over 7 years old it may be recommended to update your computer anyway.

If your computer is 3 to 4 years old it would be okay to replace the parts.

Because of the difficulty in testing hardware and the many types of hardware setups we cant completely cover all instructions on how to do this your self but they can be looked up on the internet.

If you don’t feel comfortable running these tests yourself or you want a more thorough diagnosis of your computer you can give us a call and we will help.