Do I Need a New Laptop, or Can Mine Be Fixed?

It's the question we get asked more than any other: "Is it worth repairing, or should I just buy a new one?" The honest answer depends on the specific problem, the age and spec of the machine, and what you actually use it for. Here's how we think about it.

Problems That Are Almost Always Worth Fixing

Some faults are straightforward and cheap relative to the cost of a replacement:

• Slow performance — if the laptop has a spinning hard drive and/or less than 8GB of RAM, an SSD upgrade and RAM boost will transform it for a fraction of the cost of a new machine
• Cracked screen — screen replacements are routine and often cost £80–£150 depending on the model, far less than a new laptop
• Battery not holding charge — a new battery typically costs £40–£80 fitted and gives a machine a whole new lease of life
• Virus or malware — this is a software problem and almost always fixable without replacing hardware
• Keyboard issues — sticky, broken or unresponsive keys can usually be replaced individually or as a full keyboard unit

Problems Where It Gets More Complicated

• Motherboard failure — this is the main circuit board of the laptop. Repairs are possible but can be expensive, and parts aren't always available for older models. We'll advise honestly on whether the repair cost makes sense against the machine's value.
• Liquid damage — depends entirely on what was spilled and how quickly you acted. Sometimes it's a clean-up job; sometimes components are beyond saving. We assess each case individually.
• GPU failure — on most modern laptops the graphics chip is integrated into the motherboard, making it difficult or impossible to replace in isolation.

The Age Rule of Thumb

As a rough guide, we generally suggest repairs are worth it up to about 7–8 years old, provided the underlying spec is still adequate. A 6-year-old laptop with an i5 processor, 8GB RAM and an SSD will run Windows 11 perfectly well and handle everyday tasks without breaking a sweat.

Beyond that age, you may start to hit Windows 11 compatibility issues (older CPUs aren't supported), and parts become harder to source. That's when a new machine starts to make more sense.

What to Look for in a Replacement

If you do decide to replace, here's what matters for most home and office users:

• Processor — Intel Core i5 (12th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 is plenty for everyday use
• RAM — 8GB minimum, 16GB if you run lots of tabs or use Teams/Zoom regularly
• Storage — SSD only; 256GB is the minimum but 512GB is more comfortable
• Display — 1080p (Full HD) as a minimum; IPS panels have better viewing angles than cheaper TN panels
• Battery life — anything claiming under 6 hours real-world use is worth questioning

We're happy to recommend specific models for your budget and usage — just ask.