Technology Articles You Need: Laptop Repair Costs & Aging Devices

Got a laptop that’s acting up? You’re not alone. Many of us face the same headaches—broken screens, slow performance, or mysterious noises. The good news? Understanding which parts cost the most and when to give up can save you time and money.

What Repairs Burn Your Wallet?

When a laptop breaks, the first thing you’ll hear is the price tag. The most expensive fixes usually involve the display, motherboard, and graphics card (GPU). A cracked screen can run you anywhere from £80 to £250 depending on size and brand. The motherboard—basically the laptop’s brain—often costs £150‑£300 because it’s a complex, tiny board that needs skilled hands. GPUs, especially in gaming or workstations, can push the bill past £200.

Why are these parts so pricey? They’re hard to source, require precise solder work, and the technicians need specialized tools. If you’re juggling a tight budget, it helps to know which part is driving the cost before you say yes to a repair quote.

Is a 10‑Year‑Old Laptop Still Worth Fixing?

Ten years might sound ancient for tech, but many laptops keep ticking if you treat them right. Before you toss an old machine, ask yourself three questions: Does it still meet your performance needs? Are the repair costs reasonable compared to buying new? And, does it hold sentimental value?

If the laptop boots, runs your everyday tasks, and the repair quote is under £100, it’s often worth fixing. Small upgrades—like swapping in a new SSD or adding extra RAM—can breathe new life into an old chassis. Even a fresh battery can extend portable use by a few hours.

On the flip side, if the motherboard or GPU needs replacement, you’re looking at a spend that rivals a brand‑new entry‑level laptop. In that case, recycling or donating the device might be the smarter move, especially if you care about e‑waste.

Bottom line: weigh performance, cost, and personal attachment. A quick check of repair quotes against the price of a new, comparable model will give you a clear answer.

Both of our featured posts—"The Costliest Laptop Component to Repair: A Deep Dive" and "Is Your 10‑Year‑Old Laptop Still Worth Repairing and Keeping?"—go deeper into the numbers and offer step‑by‑step advice on making the right call.

Whether you’re budgeting for a fix or deciding to upgrade, the key is staying informed. Keep an eye on the parts that drive repair costs, and don’t ignore simple upgrades that can extend a laptop’s life. Got more tech questions? Browse our other articles for tips on everything from appliance repairs to everyday gadget hacks.