A common struggle that many computer users face is about when to replace their PC. Should they keep using their PC even though it has become slow and problematic or shell out the money to get a new one?
People become attached to their systems for a number of reasons. Their computer is comfortable, their PC has seen them through years of files, photos, work, gaming, etc., and they know all its “quirks.”
But when a computer is beginning to hold you back because it’s no longer as fast or efficient as it once was, you can face a difficult decision about replacement.
Before you resign yourself to purchasing a new PC before you’re ready, check into Natick home computer repair options. There are several system repairs and upgrades that can save you from having to replace your computer before you’re ready.
Breathe Life Back into Your PC with These Repairs/Upgrades
The longer you can keep your computer running effectively, the higher your return on investment. Often, something that you may think means the end of your PC, is something that a simple fix can take care of.
Working with the right home computer repair shop in Natick or Sudbury can mean years more of use and having your PC perform better than ever.
Here are some of the key repairs and upgrades that can be done to breathe new life back into an older computer.
Memory Upgrade
As years go by, applications and websites that you visit tend to take up more of your system memory due to tech advances.
Whereas 4GB of RAM may have been fine several years ago, today it means slow multi-tasking and frustrating waits on websites to load.
Before you toss out that slow computer, have it checked for a memory upgrade. Many PCs have the ability to upgrade memory, which can make a significant difference in speed and performance.
Fan Replacement
If the fan in your computer isn’t working properly, components can become overheated, causing unexpected reboots or system errors.
Fan replacement is fairly inexpensive and can stop heat related problems that cause your computer to act up the longer you use it. It may also be the fix for sudden reboots that seem to come out of nowhere.
Switch to a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Do you hate to reboot your PC because it takes forever? Does it take longer than it used to for programs like Photoshop to open and respond to commands?
You could be experiencing hard drive issues that can be fixed without replacing your entire computer.
SSDs use flash memory and zero moving parts. This makes their read/write access to data much faster than a conventional hard disk drive (HDD). By replacing your HDD with an SSD, you’ll see much faster boot times and program opening times.
SSDs are approximately 5x faster (read capability) than HDD.
Graphics Card Upgrade
Many gamers in Natick or Sudbury resign themselves to having to get a new home computer because their game play becomes “sticky” when a new game (using state-of-the-art graphics) comes out.
But often a graphics card upgrade coupled with a memory upgrade can make a PC more responsive and able to handle the higher system requirements of a new PC game and for much less cost than replacing the entire computer.
Internal System Tune Up
One type of repair that can help many slower computers is an internal system tune-up. During a tune up, your technician takes a look over several areas of your computer to employ fixes. These can include things like:
- Remove temporary files
- Defragmenting hard drive
- Perform all updates (software and firmware)
- Full diagnostic scan to check for any problems or conflicts
A benefit of having an internal system tune up is that it can be done without taking your computer to the shop by using remote support.
Virus/Malware Scan & Removal
Today’s malware is stealthy. You don’t always immediately know that your system has been infected, and instead a malware or virus infection can materialize in small system issues that crop up over time.
One of the most important computer repairs to have done is a virus/malware scan of your system. And NOT through a free tool you find online (which can often include viruses themselves.)
Having an IT professional scan your computer and remove any malware found can often solve all types of issues (slowdowns, error messages, etc.) that might make you think you need a new computer.
Fix an OS Upgrade Gone Wrong
Did you have some trouble with that last Windows or Mac operating system upgrade, but powered through it anyhow? If you’ve been experiencing issues after an OS upgrade, it may just be that it wasn’t installed correctly and needs to be redone.
A computer repair technician can backup your system, and then repair any OS upgrade that may have been missing files or not installed properly. This can often solve any post upgrade performance issues you’ve been experiencing.
Before You Buy – Check Your Computer Repair Options!
If you’re facing that tough decision about a PC replacement, come to Pro Tech Guy first. We’ll let you know honestly if your computer performance can be improved through repairs, saving you from a costly replacement.
Contact us today to learn more. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.