Slow laptop or PC: upgrade, repair or replace?

Many slow computers don't need replacing. Often one part, or a good clean, makes them fast again for a fraction of the price of a new one.

The usual causes

• A hard disk (HDD) instead of an SSD: the most common reason a computer takes minutes to start. An SSD makes it start in seconds.
• Too little memory: with 4 GB, Windows 11 and a browser struggle. Many laptops and PCs can take 8 or 16 GB of memory.
• Dust and dried thermal paste: the computer gets hot and slows itself down. A clean with fresh thermal paste fixes it.
• Viruses, or years of programs: a fresh Windows install makes it like new.

Upgrade or replace?

Upgrade when the computer is a few years old, has an Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen, and the case, screen and keyboard are fine. An SSD and more memory cost far less than a new laptop.

Replace when it's very old, the processor is a Celeron or Atom, the memory can't be upgraded, or it needs several expensive repairs at once (screen, battery and motherboard). Then a new or refurbished laptop is better value.

How we do it

Bring it to our shop in Ħamrun. We check it, tell you what's wrong and the price before any work, and if an upgrade isn't worth it we tell you that too. When we fit an SSD we copy your Windows, programs and files over. A part we fit has two years' warranty. More on our repairs.

How long does an SSD upgrade take?

Usually the same day or the next; we send a WhatsApp message when it's ready.

Will I lose my files?

No: we copy everything to the new SSD. If the old disk is failing, tell us, and we'll try to recover what's on it.

Is it worth replacing a laptop battery?

Yes, if the rest of the laptop is fine. We stock laptop batteries for many models.