A common view is that unless your old computer has completely stopped working, then a new computer is nothing more than a luxury for tech-fanatics. This couldn’t be more further from the truth. There are many instances when a new computer is a must-have. This guide is here to help you identify when it is time to upgrade and get a new computer. It’s smart not to wait until the blue screen of death renders your computer completely inoperable, as you’ll be one of the millions of people over the years who have done this and lost all your saved, valuable data
1. Your Computer Keeps Overheating
A sign that you are in the danger zone is if your computer keeps overheating. All laptops overheat if you’re in a hot environment or if cooling fans are blocked and can’t do their job. That’s normal, relatively healthy, computer behavior. However, the trouble starts when your computer is overheating for no reason. Computers collect dust inside that can stop fans from working properly, and if you smoke indoors, you are likely damaging the same components. Overheating can damage all the components in your computer, and one day, your hard drive can suddenly fry, taking all your data with it. When you are getting a replacement, it might be a good idea to look through laptops with replaceable fans.
2. Your Computer Takes Ages to Turn on or Shut Down
If your computer takes ages to boot-up, there’s probably something that is happening behind the scenes. If your computer is starting to take longer to start up, start it in safe mode. Doing this will show you if there is a software or hardware issue. If it is still taking way too long to boot while it’s in safe mode, do a backup and look for a new computer because that’s a severe warning sign.
3. You Experience Frequent Failures or Crashes
If you are having to sit through many crashes, something could be wrong with how your OS is installed. Take it to a computer technician, and they will likely reinstall your computer’s OS. If it still crashes and gives you problems after the OS has been reinstalled and even after a factory default reset – you probably have failing hardware. You should immediately back up your data and look for a new computer.
4. Your Computer is Very Slow
A CPU will slow down a little over time due to general aging and dust build-up – but this should not be a significant slow-down that impacts your computer’s function. There are several factors that cause computers to slow down, e.g., a dying hard disk, overheated and damaged hardware, or simply because the software applications are too demanding for your computer. Some slow computers can be fixed with proper maintenance, but if this does not solve the problem, then it is time for a new computer. If you are reluctant to do this, get a second opinion and take it to a repair shop – they will be able to tell you if maintenance can help or if you should just go for a new unit.
