Computers are wonderful things, and the modern world very much runs on computer technology. But, there comes a time in even the most useful technology’s life when it needs either a serious repair or to be replaced with something new.

The trouble is, it can be hard to tell which option is better.

Here are some of the pros and cons of repairing your computer, along with the pros and cons of getting a new computer instead.

Pros and Cons of Repairing Your Computer

Computer repairs are a good way to keep a functional machine working, and in some cases, can greatly extend the functional life of your computers. Some computers can even be upgraded for quite a while to keep them working beautifully and up to date with the latest technologies.

Here are the pros and cons of computer repair.

Pro: More Cost Effective

Repairing your computer will almost always cost less than replacing your computer with an equivalent or better new one. Repairs are a good option if you’re looking to increase the functionality of your computer, or if you have an unexpected problem before you’ve budgeted for a new one.

Con: You May Need to Repair or Replace Multiple Parts At The Same Time

It’s pretty common, when one thing goes wrong on your computer, for several things to go wrong at once. That might mean that you need to replace several different parts to fully repair the problem.

Pro: Extensive Repairs Can Usually Be Done Slowly

One of the advantages of computer repair is that you don’t have to do everything at once in most cases. Slowly replacing malfunctioning or aging parts can help spread out the cost of the repair, while still getting everything back to top function.

Pros And Cons of Replacing Your Computer

Even the best repair person will, at some point, recognize that it’s time to retire an old computer and replace it with a new one. For instance, if your motherboard is outdated, and you can’t get compatible parts to repair the rest of the computer when things go wrong, it might be time to get a new computer instead.

Here are some of the pros and cons of replacement:

Pro: Take Advantage of The Latest Technology

When you’re buying a new computer it usually pays to get as close to the cutting edge of technology as possible, since that means that the computer will likely last longer before becoming outdated. Those technological improvements also usually mean that a new computer will be more powerful than the one you’re replacing.

Con: New Computers Are Pretty Expensive

The price tag on a shiny new computer is probably no joke, especially if you’re trying to get a machine that won’t need to be replaced every few years in the meantime.

That means you need to have a lot of money set aside in your budget because powerful computers can cost thousands of dollars.

Con: Compatibility Issues With Your Other Equipment

Before buying a new computer it’s important to make sure the rest of your equipment is supported by the new hardware and software the computer comes with.

Especially for business owners, a computer replacement might mean that the system isn’t compatible with the rest of your equipment, which can mean an already large cost becomes a huge one if you have to pay to upgrade other equipment as well.

Con: Set Up and File Transfers From Your Old Computer Take Time

When you get a new computer you’ll probably need to dedicate several hours to getting it set up and installing the programs you need right away.

Whether you’re the one doing the setup, or you’re paying an IT professional to do it for you, it will either cost your time or money to get a new computer up and running.

A lot of the time repairing your existing computer can be the better option, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. If you need your computer repaired, or want help setting up a new computer or integrating new equipment into your existing IT system, Economic Computers can help.