With the end of the year approaching, we are continuing our Budget Talk series our newsletter. This time we are diving into the cost of repairing a computer verses the cost of replacing it. Here are the considerations
Why Repair a Computer?
For those who are looking to save money and extend the value of the assets they already have should consider either repairing or upgrading their current computers. There are some repairs or upgrades that are worth considering:
Network Adapter: This is usually simple and cheap to repair in the majority of desktops and some laptops.
Memory: This is a good way to breath new life and performance into a computer. Depending on the age of the memory technology this is another simple and cheap repair or upgrade on all systems.
Hard Drive: Especially for older computers still using the spinning disk type of hard drive, a repair or upgrade is worth the money for the easy boost in performance.
Laptop Keyboard: This item could go either way, the price from the manufacturer is sometimes high but the repair time is fairly low.
These will often allow computers to continue being used for an additional 1-2 years, but it is our experience that if internal components have started to fail then it is best to start budgeting for replacement.
Why Replace a Computer?
There are repairs and upgrades that are not worth the cost. These items should definitely make you consider replacement:
CPU: The main processor of the computer is usually not easily upgraded and every year they come out with significant improvements in them. If your CPU is more than 3 years old then there is enough of an increase in speed that replacement it best.
Motherboard: If the motherboard of the computer is failing, especially for computers that from major manufacturers, the cost of repair is usually too high (over half the cost of new computer). Best to replace the computer if not under warranty.
Laptop Screen: This item, especially if it is a touch screen, is absolutely not worth replacing. The cost of the part is usually around half the cost of the laptop and the labor involved can be prohibitive. If your screen is broken best to get a replacement.
Please remember that all new computers are able to be depreciated for up to four years based on industry standards and that repairs do not qualify.
Don’t wait until system failures disrupt your operations. Contact Farmhouse Networking now to schedule a comprehensive IT lifecycle assessment. Let’s work together to optimize your technology investments and keep your business running smoothly into the new year and beyond.
Farmhouse Networking continues to make strides in providing our customers with the best, most cost effective, and environmentally friendly computing experience possible. Part of that process is what has come to be known as Lifecycle Management. Each piece of hardware has an expected amount of time in which it is cost effective to use and support it. Once this time frame has been exceeded the cost of supporting the device becomes greater than the cost as shown in the following graph:
FHN Lifecycle Management
So the question remains what to do with the old computers when the time comes to replace them. Previously here in Grants Pass, OR we could support a local charity by taking them to Southern Oregon Aspire to have the computers dismantled and hard drives shredded. Now that their doors are closed we are stuck with dropping them off at the local dump, but what if you could make money while being responsible with the environment?
Farmhouse Networking is now partnering with a company called Arcoa, who do just that. Here is what they do in their R2 rated responsible recycling facility:
“We help you recover value from retired electronic equipment through responsible methods of reuse and recycling. Resale offers the best potential for value recovery, but the fast pace of innovations in technology and short product life cycles can limit equipment’s potential for reuse. From there, the best option may be to recycle the items in an environmentally friendly manner. We’ve built a robust de-manufacturing process to offer additional options for asset value recovery by disassembling equipment for commodity grade materials, which can be diverted from landfills and be used to create new materials.”
Hard drives will be electronically wiped, magnetically degaussed, or shredded based on need. The rest of the parts will be dismantled and sold with part of the profit returning to your company to help offset the cost of buying new computers. What could be better than making money on the buy?
If your company is heading towards a hardware refresh, then make the environmentally sound choice by contacting us for assistance.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10
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