Before servicing a computer, we perform a evaluation to determine if the computer should be repaired or replaced. Our free evaluation ensures you don’t end up paying to repair a computer that remains too slow or costs as much to repair as a new computer.
- We check for the following problems at no charge:
- Inspect motherboard for bulging or leaking capacitors.
- Check processor type and speed to determine performance capability.
- Test RAM memory and hard drive for errors.
- We use the following criteria to determine if a computer should be repaired or replaced:
- Check operating system type and requirements to determine if the computer will run fast enough or requires upgrades.
- Using the hard drive SMART status, we assess the power-on hours for the system to determine if the computer is nearing the 50,000 hour lifetime usage limit.
- We itemize all replacement parts and provide a comparison cost to a new system.
Even though a computer may be five years old, it may have few power-on hours, while a computer that is newer could possibly have higher power-on hours. Since fans and motors wear with age, power-on hours is the most accurate way to assess the age and use of a computer.
Consider that weekday 9-5pm usage will accumulate 2000 hours per year, while a computer left running continuously (such as a network server) will accumulate 8760 hours per year, aging more than four times faster.
Our free evaluation service is limited to computers brought into our office for flat-rate repair service. For businesses, we offer the same service on-site at our hourly rate, and we provide a written summary with recommendations when finished.
