Quick answer
As a general rule, if repair cost exceeds 50% of a comparable new computer's price, or the device is over 5-6 years old, replacement usually makes more sense.
It’s not always obvious — a computer with “something wrong” doesn’t automatically mean it should be replaced, but not every problem is worth repairing either.
When repair makes sense
If the computer is relatively recent (under 4 years old) and the problem is specific (a failed drive, battery, keyboard), repair is almost always the right call.
When replacement makes sense
If the computer is already old and generally slow (not one specific issue), or if repair cost approaches the price of a new one, a new machine offers better long-term value — and comes with a warranty.
- Recent computer, specific problem → repair
- Old (5-6+ years), generally slow → replace
- Repair cost >50% of new price → replace