The question I get 3 times a week in Cluses: "Khalid, my PC is 6 years old and slow. Repair or replace?"
Here's the method I use to advise honestly — sometimes I lose a job because I say "replace", but it builds trust.
The 50% rule
If repair cost > 50% of an equivalent new PC, replace.
| Repair | Cost | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Add SSD + 16GB RAM | €150 | ✅ Repair (new = €600) |
| Cracked laptop screen | €250 | ⚠️ Borderline |
| Dead motherboard | €400 | ❌ Replace |
| Windows reinstall + cleanup | €80 | ✅ Always repair |
4 other criteria
1. Age
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| < 4 years | Repair |
| 4-7 years | Repair if simple (SSD, RAM) |
| > 7 years | Replace |
2. Your needs
- Office + web + email: a 5-6 year PC with SSD is fine
- Photo/video: 16GB RAM + recent GPU minimum
- Modern gaming: new PC, unless great refurb
3. Windows 11 compatibility
Windows 10 unsupported since October 2025. Options: install Linux Mint, or replace.
4. Battery state (laptops)
If battery < 1h and replacement is €130 on a 5-year laptop, it's borderline. At 6 years, just replace.
Typical advice
Case A: 2019 family desktop slow
- HDD swap + 16GB RAM = €160 → Excellent repair
Case B: 2017 MacBook Pro broken screen
- Screen €350 + battery €130 = €480 → Borderline
Case C: 2014 desktop without Windows 11
- Incompatible TPM → Replace recommended
Refurbished?
Back Market, Recommerce: business Dell/HP/Lenovo €300-500 (€800-1,200 new). With 12-24 month warranty.
If you buy refurbished, I configure it at home in the €50 install plan: data transfer, Office, antivirus, backup.
In doubt?
€80 diagnosis at your home in Cluses/Sallanches/Bonneville: I tell you exactly the problem, the cost, an honest recommendation. Deducted from quote if you go ahead. Call +33 7 83 44 65 99.