Repair or Replace? 6 Signs That You Need a New Computer

Last year you probably saw a rise in your IT costs. Many businesses had to scramble to get a work-from-home setup created when we were forced into lockdown.

Getting your business set up so your team could work anywhere, at any time, on any device wasn’t cheap. There was a lot to consider – from network access and additional security to data protection – and even the devices your people would work on.

This year, it’s tempting to try to save money and stretch budgets. Especially when it comes to your IT. However, sometimes, it just makes good business sense to invest in new PCs or laptops rather than trying to get another year out of them. Knowing when that time is can be the tricky part.

Older PCs and laptops cost more to maintain. The cost of ownership increases as they age – a little like cars. And, of course, performance decreases over time. The optimal refresh cycle for your devices is around three years.

Often, if a device is more than three years old, it is cheaper to buy a new one.

• A 5-year-old PC could cost twice as much to run as a new one.
• A 4-year-old PC suffers 55% more security incidents than in its first three years.

When you look at it like this, the short-term savings disappear. And it can be an expensive mistake to continue to run an older device. So how do you know when it’s time to bite the bullet and buy new devices?

Start-up and shut down are slow

When start-up and shutdown are slow, loading applications, browsing the internet, and simply saving documents are typically slow. It’s a terrible way to kill productivity. And a sign that your computer is on its last legs.

You’ve got multitasking issues

If your device can’t process several jobs at a time, or if you struggle to go back and forth between applications or tabs in a browser, it might be time for a new one. Insufficient RAM (computer memory) is usually the culprit.

You can’t update your operating software or security

Updates are vital. Especially when it comes to your operating software. Not only does running old software leave you without support if something goes awry, but it also leaves you more susceptible to a cyberattack and other security issues.

Your computer’s fans are noisy

This can be one of the first signs that your device is nearing its time in the computer graveyard. If you can hear the fans running and you’ve only just started working on the device, or if you’re not performing tasks that should be getting the device all hot and bothered, it’s not a great sign. It could be that your applications and operating software are all updated, but they’re maxing out the device’s hardware causing it to overheat.

Upgrading your hardware leads to compatibility issues

Upgrading some aspects of your hardware can be the first step in giving your device an increase in speed and power. However, upgrading some of the parts can lead to compatibility issues in an older device.

If the cost of upgrade or repair outweighs a replacement

Sometimes it’s not worth the price of a repair or replacement part. It may not fully rectify your issues or last as long as you’d like it to. As with anything regarding your business devices or infrastructure, always consult your IT support partner before making any big decisions. It can be costly to replace one device, let alone a fleet of them.

Our professionals at Yeo & Yeo Technology can discuss your technology requirements and make the best recommendations based on your budget and needs. Contact us today.