Hardware Repair Being Performed

Is It Time For Some Maintenance? Or Is It Time To Replace?

Deciding whether to repair your computer or invest in a new one can be a challenging task, especially with the steep entry price. Understanding the distinction between an old computer and a neglected one, along with your maintenance and upgrade options, can help you make an informed decision. This article outlines the key considerations to keep in mind.

Old Computer Vs. New Computer

Old Computer

An old computer typically refers to a device that has been in use for many years and may no longer meet current performance standards. Signs include :

• High Temperatures : Dust buildup as well as improper thermal paste will cause high temperatures on computers, both of which are almost always found on older systems. Generally around five years of normal use means your computer is ready for some more thermal paste, and definitely needs a dusting as well! These two issues are very important to keep track of as they are the general maintenance all computer require.

• Ticking Noises : Nine times out of ten, a ticking noise coming from your computer either means your hard drive is going out, or your fans are having an issue. Both of which are very risky issues to let play out on a computer. After about five years of regular use, all hard drives are in the danger zone of data loss. Especially if they are making a ticking noise, that means something is crucially beginning to fail. As far as your fans go, if you don’t have proper levels of cooling, it will cause your hardware to go out considerably faster, as high temperatures are very stressful to computer components, as well as slower performance being a byproduct of prolonged high temperatures.

• Excruciatingly Slow Performance : Unless you have something extremely intense running in the background, like games or a complex software, no healthy computer should take 60 seconds plus just to perform basic tasks like open Google, or navigate to a new webpage. If this sound’s like your computer, then something definitely needs an upgrade!

Outdated Hardware : If you notice anywhere on your computer boasting about having “DDr3 Memory” or “Network Card Included,” your computer is too old and needs some care but most likely a full upgrade. “DDr3” components generally have been outdated since about 2014, and “Network Cards” have generally became a standard to include in consumer grade computers around the 2010s. If you notice anything like this, give us a call! If your computer is that old and hasn’t been touched, your hard drive is most likely on it’s way out as well.

Compatibility Issues : Does your computer tell you that you can’t upgrade to the latest version of your OS due to hardware? Then your computer is definitely too old and needs to be looked at. If you go long enough without upgrading your OS eventually you will have issues with using modern programs.


While an old computer may still function, it doesn’t mean it is doing good! Having an old computer is okay as long as you get it checked out by someone with the proper knowledge, because if your hard drive failed, then you would lose all of your data, which sometimes is impossible to recover. The purpose of proper computer maintenance is disaster mitigation. Don’t skip over the following “Neglected Computer” section, as the majority of old computers are also normally neglected.

Neglected Computer

A neglected computer naturally is also normally an old computer, but with heavy use a computer that has suffered from a lack of maintenance will very quickly dwindle. Look for things like :

Accumulated Dust : Dust buildup will lead to overheating and system instability. High temperatures also mean more wear and tear on your system as well as slower performance. Most people should get their computers dusted out once a year, especially if you use a laptop!

Outdated Software : Ignoring updates can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and performance issues. Operating system updates are very important to stay up to date on! If you use your computer heavily, make sure to stay up to date on your BIOS version and drivers as well! However BIOS updates and driver updates normally are better to be performed by someone with the proper knowledge.

Fragmented Hard Drive: A cluttered hard drive can slow down performance, but it generally can be fixed unless your hard drive is very old. Defragmentation is really only necessary on hard drives, so if you have a solid-state drive, you don’t need to defragment. This however is once again an operation better performed by someone with the correct knowledge.

Proper Maintenance.

If you suspect that your computer is simply neglected, several maintenance options can help rejuvenate its performance:

• Thermal Paste : Thermal paste is needed for all computers! Around five years of regular use is when it is time to replace your thermal paste, but it also largely depends on how you use your system, the heavier the use, the more often you need to maintenance your system!

Cleaning : Physically cleaning the computer, including the interior components, fans, and ports, can help prevent overheating and improve efficiency. Keep that dust out!

Software Updates: Regularly updating your operating system, application, and drivers ensures that you benefit from performance improvements and security patches.

Disk Cleanup: Utilizing built-in tools to remove unnecessary files and programs can free up valuable storage space. Check out our article on how to remove junk buildup!

Defragmentation: For traditional hard drives, defragmentation can optimize data storage, leading to faster load times. However do not defragment if you are on an SSD, there is no need.

Regular maintenance on your computers is very important for insuring longevity and disaster prevention! Computers are just like automobiles in the sense that they need regular maintenance on a regular schedule, but rather then gauging that by miles driven, you go by time and intensity of use!

Options for Upgrade!

If your computer is relatively recent but still underperforming, you might consider upgrading specific components :

RAM Upgrade: Increasing RAM can enhance multitasking capabilities and overall speed, especially for resource-intensive applications.

SSD Replacement: Swapping a traditional hard drive for an SSD can improve boot times and application loading significantly. This will make a huge difference!

Graphics Card Upgrade: If you’re into gaming or graphic design, upgrading your graphics card can yield a noticeable boost in performance.

Power Supply and Cooling Systems: Investing in a better power supply or cooling system can improve stability, especially after hardware upgrades.

These kind of upgrades often times are all that needs to be done to bring your computer back to life! Rather then spending $700+ for a brand new system, you can replace what actually needs an upgrade and have a totally different computer for a fraction of the cost.

When is it time for a new computer?

While maintenance and upgrades extend the life of a computer, certain signs indicate it may be time to invest in a new device :

Incompatibility with Software : If your computer cannot run essential applications or the latest operating system, it may be time to upgrade.

Frequent Repairs : If you find yourself repeatedly fixing the same issues or facing new problems, the cost of repairs may outweigh the benefits of keeping the old machine.

End of Life: Manufacturers typically stop supporting older models, meaning no more updates or security patches, leaving your system vulnerable.

Changing Needs: If your computing needs have evolved—for instance, requiring more processing power for work or gaming—a new machine designed for those tasks may be necessary.

Determining whether to maintain your current computer or invest in a new one involves careful consideration of its age, condition, and your personal or professional needs. By understanding the differences between an old and a neglected computer, exploring maintenance and upgrade options, and recognizing the signs that indicate it’s time for a new device, you can make a decision that best suits your situation and budget.

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