Damaged Laptop Hinge: Prevention, Repairs, and Cost-Effective Solutions

In today’s digital age, laptops have become an indispensable part of our lives. They accompany us everywhere, from classrooms to coffee shops and from board meetings to bedroom binge-watching sessions.

But there’s one vulnerable part of a laptop that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late – the hinge. Laptop hinges are critical components that allow the screen to open and close smoothly, providing the flexibility and functionality we love.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of laptop hinges, exploring what they are, the various ways they can be damaged, how to prevent such damage, methods to fix them, and the associated costs and timeframes.

What are the Different Ways the Hinge Can Be Damaged?

Laptop hinges are subjected to a variety of potential stressors and can become damaged in several ways. Understanding these common causes of hinge damage can help you take proactive measures to prevent such issues.

a. Overuse and Wear and Tear

Constantly opening and closing your laptop can put a strain on the hinge mechanism. Over time, the hinge may weaken or develop stress fractures, leading to problems like wobbling screens, stiffness, or even complete failure.

b. Physical Damage

Accidents happen, and laptops can fall or be subjected to physical impacts. Such incidents can cause severe damage to the hinge, leading to misalignment, cracks, or even complete breakage.

c. Poor Handling

Rough handling of a laptop, such as gripping the screen to open it or carrying it by the screen instead of the base, can exert excessive pressure on the hinge, leading to damage.

d. Manufacturing Defects

In some cases, laptop hinges may have manufacturing defects that make them more prone to damage. These defects can manifest as premature wear or misalignment issues.

e. Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions can also affect laptop hinges. Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or dust can accelerate wear and tear, potentially causing hinge problems.

f. Aging

As laptops age, their hinges may naturally wear out. This can result in the hinge becoming loose, making the screen wobble or not stay in position.

How to Prevent Hinge Damage

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same holds true for laptop hinge issues. Here are some practical steps you can take to prevent hinge damage and ensure the longevity of your laptop:

a. Handle with Care

Treat your laptop gently and avoid any rough handling. When opening and closing the laptop, use both hands—one on the base and the other on the screen—to distribute the pressure evenly.

b. Avoid Overextending the Screen

Do not push the screen past its maximum angle. Overextending the screen can put excessive strain on the hinge and may cause it to break.

c. Use a Laptop Sleeve or Bag

Invest in a quality laptop sleeve or bag to protect your laptop during transportation. This will shield it from potential impacts and environmental factors.

d. Keep Your Laptop Clean

Dust and debris can accumulate in and around the hinge area, affecting its performance. Regularly clean your laptop and its hinge area to prevent buildup.

e. Maintain Proper Ventilation

Laptops generate heat during operation, and adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Ensuring proper ventilation will help maintain the overall health of your laptop, including its hinge.

f. Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on the Lid

Avoid placing heavy objects on the laptop lid when it’s closed, as this can damage the hinge and the screen. Always clear the area around your laptop before closing it.

Additional Tips for Plastic Hinges

If you own a laptop with plastic hinges, be especially cautious and follow these additional tips:

a. Open the screen slowly

When opening your laptop, do it gently and avoid jerky movements to reduce stress on the hinge.

b. Use fingers behind the screen

Instead of using the screen itself to open the laptop, use your fingers behind the screen near the hinge area to apply pressure evenly.

c. Don’t push the screen too far back

Avoid pushing the screen beyond its normal range of motion, as this can strain the hinge.

d. Keep the laptop cool

High temperatures can cause plastic components, including hinges, to become brittle and more prone to damage. Ensure your laptop remains cool during use.

Ways to Fix the Laptop Hinge

If you find yourself dealing with a damaged laptop hinge, fear not – there are several methods to fix the issue. The right approach depends on the severity of the damage and your level of technical expertise. Before starting, you need to first identify whether it is the hinge that is actually damaged or if it the components that the hinge is attached to. Here are some common ways to address laptop hinge problems:

1. DIY Hinge Repair

For minor hinge issues like stiffness or wobbling, you can attempt a DIY repair. Here are the basic steps:

a. Gather your tools: You’ll need a set of small screwdrivers, a soft cloth, and a strong adhesive.

b. Remove the bezel: Carefully remove the plastic bezel or cover that surrounds the laptop screen. This usually involves removing screws and gently prying it off.

c. Inspect the hinge: Once the bezel is removed, inspect the hinge for any loose or damaged parts.

d. Tighten screws: If you find loose screws, tighten them gently but not too forcefully to avoid damaging the threads.

e. Apply adhesive: If there are cracks or breaks in the hinge, you can use a gentle adhesive to reattach or reinforce it. Be cautious not to use too much adhesive, as it may interfere with the hinge’s movement. While superglue is useful for a quick, easy fix, more experienced users can use Selley’s Araldite Super Strength Epoxy Adhesive or a Glue gun from Bunning’s Warehouse.

These adhesives are stronger, permanent and have a 5-minute drying time. I recommend the 5-minute glue instead of 24-hour ones because you’ll want the glue to set quickly to finish off the repair.

f. Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the laptop, ensuring that all components fit snugly. Test the hinge to ensure it’s functioning properly.

Please note that DIY hinge repair can be challenging and may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable with disassembling your laptop or if the hinge damage is severe, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

2. Professional Repair

Professional repairs are often the safest and most effective way to address hinge issues. A certified technician can disassemble the laptop, assess the extent of the damage, and perform the necessary repairs. They may also replace any broken hinge components with new ones.

3. Replacement Hinge

In some cases, the hinge may be irreparably damaged or have a manufacturing defect. In such situations, replacing the hinge is the best course of action. Replacement hinges are usually available from laptop manufacturers or third-party suppliers. Here’s how you can go about replacing a laptop hinge:

a. Identify the correct hinge: Make sure you order the correct hinge model for your laptop. Consult your laptop’s service manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

b. Gather your tools: You’ll need screwdrivers, a soft cloth, and the replacement hinge.

c. Disconnect and power down: Turn off your laptop and disconnect it from any power source. Remove the battery if possible.

d. Remove the bezel and screen: Follow the steps mentioned in the DIY repair section to remove the screen bezel.

e. Detach the old hinge: Carefully remove the old hinge, taking note of how it’s attached. Keep track of any screws or brackets.

f. Attach the new hinge: Securely attach the replacement hinge, ensuring it’s aligned correctly with the laptop’s chassis and screen.

g. Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the laptop, making sure all components fit properly. Test the hinge to ensure it operates smoothly.

How Much Does it Cost and How Long Does it Take to Fix or Replace the Hinge?

The cost and timeframe for fixing or replacing a laptop hinge can vary widely depending on several factors, including the laptop brand, model, and the extent of damage. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect:

1. DIY Repair

A DIY repair for minor hinge issues may not cost you much, as you’ll mainly need tools and possibly a small amount of adhesive. The time it takes depends on your skill level but is typically a few hours.

2. Professional Repair

Professional repairs are more expensive, and the cost can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the complexity of the repair and the technician’s labor charges. Turnaround time can vary, but most repairs can be completed within a day or two.

3. Replacement Hinge

If you need to replace the hinge, the cost will include the price of the replacement hinge, which can range from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the laptop model and brand. Labor charges for the replacement can add an additional $50 to $100 or more. The entire process can take a few hours to a day, depending on the technician’s expertise and workload.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs and timeframes may vary based on your location and the specific circumstances of your laptop’s hinge issue. Always obtain a quote from a professional technician or service centre before proceeding with any repairs or replacements.

Professional Hinge Repair Services

If you prefer to have your laptop’s hinge issue resolved by professionals, we offer a cost-effective and efficient solution. We specialize in laptop hinge repair and replacement, and here’s what we offer:

a. Hinge Repair and Securement

We can repair and secure the hinge using a reliable bolt and nut method. This ensures the hinge’s stability and functionality for the long term.

b. Quick Turnaround

We understand the importance of your laptop in your daily life, so we strive to complete the repair within one day.

c. 1-Year Warranty

To give you peace of mind, we provide a 1-year warranty on the hinge repair service, ensuring that you’re covered in case of any unexpected issues.

By choosing our professional hinge repair service, you can save a substantial amount compared to taking your laptop to the manufacturer. Our expertise and commitment to quality make us the ideal choice for resolving your laptop hinge problems.

In conclusion, laptop hinges play a crucial role in the functionality of your device and understanding their vulnerability to damage is essential. By following preventive measures and handling your laptop with care, you can prolong the life of your hinge. If you do encounter hinge issues, you have various repair options, ranging from DIY fixes to professional assistance.

Remember that the cost and timeframe for repairs depend on the extent of damage and the chosen method. Choosing a professional hinge repair service can be a cost-effective and reliable solution, ensuring that your laptop continues to serve you for years to come.

If you need more advice and help with your laptop, we’re here to help! At Safemode Computer Service, located in the heart of Inner West Sydney, our experienced technicians can assist you with any computer issue you have. We fix all computers, whether you have a desktop or laptop, PC or Mac. Call us today at 1800 85 83 82, or come on down to our Enmore store!

Should I repair or replace my computer?

As computer technician who has seen so many computers and done thousands of computer repairs, I’ve certainly been asked “Is my computer worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one?” many times.

When it comes to “Repairs VS Replace”, some think you should repair while others think you should replace.

So what’s my answer to the inevitable question? Most of the times, my answer is “you should repair it”.

Because, more often than not, the overall cost of fixing a computer is lower than buying a new one.

I myself use a 9-year-old laptop for home, and a 7-year-old laptop for work. Trust me, I’m tech savvy, I want my computers to be fast and reliable. When I click on an app, I expect it to open immediately.

With the right tweak, your “old” computer can do more than what you need. Most of us are not Hollywood movie makers after all.

But, there are times when you should consider replacing.

After 8-10 years of use, the computer will become incompatible with newer operating systems, and are unable to be upgraded.

The system may still work, but will lose support from the manufacturers as they consider these devices as obsolete. We’ll cover more about this later.

This might be quite unusual, but we do know of a lot of people who hang on to their old computers way past its 10-year lifespan. We’ve seen a lot of computer users still using old laptops running on Windows Vista or Windows XP.

These are mostly for sentimental reasons or that they are simply used to its interface and OS. If the device works, this is completely fine.

The downside is, these computers are considered outmoded, so they are quite difficult to fix. So you might want to consider how long you’ve had the laptop before you decide to buy a new one to replace it.

Is my computer worth fixing though?

One thing to know though, repairing your computer can’t be more expensive than buying a new one.

In the above infographic, I’ve taken an example of purchasing a decent computer that costs $1,500 (AUD) to buy as a new unit.

Even assuming that the worst case scenario of repair options, that the computer is unreliable and needs 2 major repairs within 4 years, it’s still $900 less than replacing it.

This is also assuming the best case scenario of replacing: the computer works flawlessly for 4 years, which is unlikely.

If you only need replacement repairs like a cracked laptop screen or battery replacement, think of it this way: These faulty parts don’t have much to do with the laptop’s performance, so all you need to do is replace them and the laptop will be good as new.

Most repair services can also help you upgrade your computer as well, if you’re looking to enhance its performance.

When faced with certain more expensive repairs like motherboard replacement, you may need to re-consider and ask whether this fix is worth it or not.

Useful computer upgrades for better performance

As we’ve mentioned above, the overall cost of repairing or upgrading a laptop or desktop computer shouldn’t be more than buying a new one. There’s nothing more disappointing than finding out that your new laptop isn’t as powerful as you thought.

If you’re looking for a bit of a boost for your current laptop that you’ve had for a while, you could look into upgrading its hardware.

This could get your computer to perform much better than it ever has, and possibly give it a longer lifespan as well. Here are a few computer upgrade options for both laptop and desktop computers that you can consider.

Replacing HDD with SSD

Solid-state drives, also known as flash storage, have gradually become a known standard for a lot of newer laptop and desktop computers. They are much more durable compared to traditional hard disk drives, as HDDs contain moving machinery and SSDs don’t.

Performance-wise, SSDs definitely win the race. SSDs can deliver speeds up to 16 times faster than an HDD, and don’t draw as much power as well. They run on NAND memory chips, which aren’t as fragile as the spinning disks inside hard drives.

Because of its durability and great performance, an SSD upgrade has become quite a popular computer upgrade.

While they often cost a bit more than traditional hard drives, upgrading to an SSD can deliver you great benefits.

This upgrade works for both laptops and desktop computers. If you’re used to a large amount of space on your desktop, you can use the SSD as the primary drive, and a bigger 3.5-inch hard drive for secondary storage.

You may also try using the two drives as a hybrid drive, which requires a little bit of software configuring first.

Blazing fast with NVMe SSD

NVMe SSDs have been around for some years. There were expensive in their early days. Now they have become affordable and installed in most new computers.

How fast?

With NVMe SSD installed, whenever you click on Google Chrome web browser or Microsoft Edge web browser, it will open up instantly. Opening Microsoft Outlook takes about 2 seconds. Opening Microsoft Word or Excel takes about 2 or 3 seconds.

If your computer supports the latest NVMe SSD, and you opt for premium ones such as Samsung or Intel, it will be even faster.

Just ask any computer enthusiasts, they will tell you that they have NVMe SSD installed on their computers. It’s incredibly pleasant to use your computer with NVMe SSD installed as the main drive.

Quick note: many Apple computers and new Windows laptops nowaday come with NVMe SSD installed.

Adding more RAM to your computer

Having more RAM capacity can boost your computer’s multitasking capabilities. The amount of RAM you have determines how much data can be temporarily stored there while you’re working on it.

You’ll get a smoother computing experience if you have more RAM, where data can be readily accessed from it.

4GB is usually the bare minimum for normal functioning, and 8GB is the recommended capacity for basic tasks.

Upgrading to 16GB of RAM would be useful if you do graphics or video editing work. This upgrade could make things run smoother for you.

That said though, you might not need a RAM upgrade if you already are upgrading to an SSD. An SSD is already fast enough for multitasking purposes.

Can my old computer handle the latest apps?

In most cases, Yes!

Unless you use your computer for professional movie editing, your 8 year-old computer can do more than what you need. It just needs the right tweak and changes to be lightning fast.

Most of us use computers for email, word pressing, web browsing, videos. As long as your computer is not a $300 entry level one, it will be able to run fast and do all you need it to do, provided that it has the right upgrades for it.

What a trusted repair service can do for you

If you do decide to repair or upgrade your computer, make sure you also find the right repair service for you. Feel free to shop around for quotes, and see what kind of repair services that they offer.

As experienced repair technicians, we offer tech consulting if you bring your computer in with us.

We can find the right repair and upgrade options based on your computing needs. Depending on how you use the computer, how much storage you need, and the issues related to the specific model, we’ll recommend repair and upgrade options that are right for you.

Future proofing is also something we keep in mind when considering your repair options.

Certain software or apps require a specific set of hardware specs. So by letting your friendly repair tech know what you do with your computer, they’ll be able to match your hardware to the software requirements.

When to replace your computer

A computer can last up to 8-10 years, this we know. Once the computer’s hardware and software have become incompatible with the mainstream, it might be time to let it go.

When a computer has become so old, the spare parts and tools needed to fix it are less available. Not to mention how hard it will be to fix.

If you do decide to get rid of your computer and buy a new one instead, don’t forget to dispose of the old one correctly.

Throwing it away in the trash will just create e-waste, which contains toxic and hazardous materials that will just pile up in a landfill. Instead of throwing it away, you could arrange an e-waste council collection or drop it off at a collection depot.

Trading in your old computer is also an option. Computer repair shops often take in old computers for refurbishment or for their spare parts. Plus, you might be able to get some money out of it as well.

Your laptop data can be rescued without fixing the computer

It’s more than likely that your data can be rescued without your computer getting repaired.

Rescuing your data is different from repairing the laptop. Our laptop rescue experts can recover your data onto an external hard drive in most cases, even without fixing your computer.

However, there is always a chance of data loss when your computer breaks down. Having a regular backup is always recommended.

Planned obsolescence?

Many computers still work after 10 years, amazingly well in facts. But why are we forced to replace it?

Could this be “planned obsolescence” forced by big tech companies like Microsoft and Apple?

If the computer is working so well, what’s the reason to ditch it?

Yes, you could say it’s “planned obsolescence”, but it might be a necessary one.

Technology needs to progress to achieve innovation. And when it does, old ones become obsolete. And we all need innovation.

Having said that, if your old computer serves you well and does what you need, do you really need the latest, most innovative technology that you may actually never use?

Or are you just buying the latest iPhone but never use it to its full “innovative” potential?

I dare to say that most of us buy a new computer, or a new smart phone because we want it, not because we need it.

Make no mistake, I’m guilty of this as well.

My new OPPO phone has all the cool features and amazing LED display, even though my 2 year-old Huawei phone was still perfectly working before I replaced it.

Though, my Dell Latitude work laptop is 7 years old, my MacBook Pro home laptop is 9 years old. Both have been working so well. The Dell even survived a major coffee spill on its keyboard without a glitch.

Being a tech person, I use all the latest apps, tech tools in the market. I also use Adobe Photoshop on my Dell laptop, and often have multiple web browser tabs open. I don’t expect to lose any productivity.

I don’t want to wait for my computer to open anything. When I click on Google Chrome browser, I expect it to open quickly, with little to none waiting time.

Both laptops can handle these tools perfectly. This is an example that old hardware still can handle many of the latest apps.

You don’t really have to get the latest hardware to handle the latest software.

Computer advice at Safemode Computer Service

Need a bit of computer repair advice? Still unsure about getting your laptop or desktop computer fixed? We’re here to help.

Our expert technicians at Safemode Computer Service in Enmore are always happy to assist you with any computer repairs that you need, from hard drive failures, to laptop screen replacements, for both Windows and Apple. Find us in Inner West Sydney, or call us today!

6 Reasons Why My Computer is Slow and How to Troubleshoot

Have you ever asked yourself at least one of these questions? Why is my computer suddenly slow? Why is my computer slow to respond? Why is my omputer slow in starting up, slow to load, slow for no reason, slow in the first 1o minutes, even slow but has plenty of memory?! Trust me, you’re not alone. As a professional computer repairer, I see this problem every week.

Slow performance is a very common and inescapable issue for both Windows and Apple computer users who have owned their computers for quite a while. It can be caused by a range of things.

In this post, I’ll explain what causes the computer to slow down, and what can be done to troubleshoot your suddenly slow computer, how to clean up a slow computer, and make it fast again, or even much faster.

Finding that your computer can’t keep up while you’re trying to get things done is always an annoying problem.

But, understand this: parts inside your computer do wear out. Yes, your computer ages, just like the tyre in your car. When it does, it slows down, or freezes.

Though, slowness can also be caused by software issues such as virus or having too many startup programs.

3. Virus infection – common reason as to why computer is slow

Getting a virus can get you a lot of trouble. Besides the malicious things like stealing data and corrupting files, viruses also run as a background process.

And as we already know, background processes take up RAM space and adds to your computer’s workload whether it likes it or now. And this is a background process that you might not be able to find on Task Manager.

How do I know if my computer has a virus?

Trust me, you’ll know it when it happens.

Most viruses don’t sit quietly. It will be “in your face”: random inappropriate pop-up ads, changes to Chrome homepages, or random webpage redirects that you have no control over. Showing your computer have 200+ issues that need urgent fixing, and it’ll ask you to fork out credit card to fix it.

Getting a computer virus is like catching a serious cold: you’ll be lying flat on your bed with aches all over your body.

Having an antivirus software and be careful on the web can help you avoid getting your computer infected with a virus.

Having an antivirus by no means guarantee that your computer will never get viruses. It’s like police fighting criminals, there will always be criminal.

In fact, the best antivirus is “self-awareness“. understanding what a computer virus is and how it gets into your computer will be your best option to prevent it.

If you take enough caution to prevent virus from getting into your computer in the first place, you won’t have to find ways to remove viruses from your computer at all!

Just to tell you, I myself have no antivirus software on my own Dell work laptop, nor in my home Apple laptop. Knowing how to clean up viruses yourself (which is hard to do) is an excellent way to troubleshoot slow computer.

Being a computer technician, an IT guy, I can swim amongst the crocodiles without getting eaten.

4. Worn out or faulty hardware – The most common reason why computer is slow

After you’ve owned your laptop or desktop computer for a while, certain components will show signs of failure. Hardware repairs are the most common problem that we see with our customers’ computers.

You know that your car tyre will wear out, because you see it moving. The same goes with certain parts in your computer, but you don’t see it.

This can be caused by physical damage or natural wear and tear. Even if the device can last long, its performance will eventually deteriorate. Hardware failures in components like the hard drive or processor can cause the computer to slow down.

Quite often, a slow computer is caused by a hard drive failure. The OS boots and operates out of the hard drive, and a damaged hard drive can cause slow read and write times. An accumulation of bad sectors makes things harder for the hard drive to work properly as usual.

The fact is that, worn out hardware is the most common reason that slows down your computer. Knowing how to troubleshoot this will help fixing it. Clean up software cannot help fix a slow computer in this case.

To speed up your computer, the worn out or faulty part will need to be replaced or even better, upgraded.

Hardware replacement or upgrades to significantly speed up your computer

Almost every year, tech manufacturers release new models of their products. More memory, faster processing time, newer generation of chips etc.

Just by installing the correct parts for your computer, it will speed it up significantly. When I say “significantly”, I mean, it could fly.

There are a few hardware replacement or upgrades you can do to speed up your computer. Investing in hardware upgrades will outperform all other methods to clean up your slow computer.

They each come with their own benefits that apply to different kinds of computing uses and experiences. With this, consider each upgrade with reference to what you want to find the right upgrade for you.

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is known as the brain of the entire computer. It is where instructions and calculations are made and executed. The CPU makes decisions and tells the other components what to do with electronic signals sent out via the motherboard.

The processor’s speed is represented with its IPS, that is instructions per speed. IPS is calculated by putting the processor’s clock rate (in hertz) and its IPC (instructions per clock). You can find out your CPU’s performance by running benchmark tests.

One thing that affects the performance of the CPU is the number processor cores it uses. These days, consumer-grade CPUs usually come in dual-core or quad-core processors. The more processor cores it makes use of, the more workload the CPU can handle.

There are also different types of CPU you can choose from. This includes Intel Celeron, Pentium, i3, i5, i7, and so on. Upgrading from Intel Celeron or Pentium to an i5 or i7 processor could get you a significant boost. If you’re only looking to upgrade from i5 to i7, there wouldn’t be much of a difference in performance.

If you are looking to upgrade your CPU, be sure to note that you can only do so with a Windows desktop computer.

Laptops have their CPU built onto the motherboard, so it’s impossible to just take the CPU out. Getting a CPU upgrade that is compatible with your desktop computer is also important.

While a CPU upgrade might seem like an easy choice to speed up your computer, options are quite limited and expensive as well. Upgrading the CPU to troubleshoot slow computer is a good method, but not always the best one.

GPU / Video card – Effective to troubleshoot slow computer for graphic design professionals

GPU (graphics processing unit) upgrades can greatly benefits users who are keen on gaming or graphics editing. The GPU works to create images on a display, and more so to manipulate computer graphics and image processing.

So if you use your computer largely for gaming or graphics editing, you may want to look into getting a more powerful video card to support your computing needs. Playing games on a weaker graphics card can slow down the display and possibly disrupt your gaming experience.

Like the CPU, laptop video cards are usually embedded on the motherboard. So you can only upgrade your video card if you have a Windows desktop computer. Video cards that are more powerful will draw more power, so you might have to upgrade your power supply to support it.

RAM – Effective, more cost-effective way to troubleshoot slow computer problem for multitaskers

Computer memory RAM is important for multitasking, heavy graphic design software users. Upgrading RAM is a great, cost effective way to troubleshoow slow computer for these users.

RAM makes use of volatile memory chips for almost instant access of data that you might need while working on something.

This helps to keep things at the ready, rather than your system having to read from the hard drive all the time. So while you have different apps and windows open, the data you may need is readily stored in your computer’s memory.

As RAM comes in set capacities, you may find that need more memory for larger multitasking capabilities. Here are some common RAM capacities, together with its intended use.

• 4GB — bare minimum for daily personal use
• 8GB — recommended amount for personal use
• 16GB — for high graphics use, photo editing software
• 32GB and more — for movie editing and more

If you do a lot of multitasking, getting a RAM upgrade can get you a 30% performance boost. Before you do, you may also want to check whether your RAM comes in separate chips or is built onto the motherboard. You may add more chips in if they are separate from the motherboard.

Hard drive replacement

Hard drives are notorious for being a common computer issue. They don’t last very long and will fail over time. Its performance goes down and may even stop working.

Traditional hard drives contain spinning parts to read and write data. This delicate machinery can be prone to physical damage and bad sectors that causes hard drive failure.

While bad sectors do sound a bit intimidating, its something that all hard drives have. Nothing’s perfect, and so is the case for the hard drive manufacturing process. Even brand new hard drives come with a tiny amount of bad sectors, and they will accumulate over time.

When bad sectors on a drive accumulates to an intolerable point, the drive will start to fail. This will become noticeable if you start noticing slow boot up times or long response times from apps.

You can refresh your system by getting a new drive, preferably a better performing one if you want. A hard drive replacement is one of the most effective and quickest way to refresh and speed up your computer, you can even do it yourself easily!

Want to learn more about why hard drives fail and how to repair them? Learn more about hard drive error signs and how to test your hard drive for issues in our guide “Top 8 hard drive issues and how to fix them yourself“.

Switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) – One of the best ways to troubleshoot slow computer instead of simple “clean up”

For the best of both worlds, consider an SSD upgrade. SSDs are better for both durability and performance, offering things that a traditional HDD can’t. It makes use of non-volatile NAND memory, which does not require moving parts to operate.

This lowers the risk of accidental physical damage, which makes it longer-lasting than HDDs.

Switching to an SSD from an HDD is a very popular upgrade solution these days as a quick performance boost. In fact, upgrading to SSD is the best way to troubleshoot slow computer problem, better than all “how to clean up slow computer” methods.

It can offer speeds up to 16 times faster than an HDD, which is a huge boost for performance.

Along with hard drive replacements, SSD upgrades can be a quick and worthwhile solution to slow laptops or desktop computers. However, if you’re thinking about getting an SSD upgrade together with a RAM upgrade, it might not be necessary.

SSDs are already fast enough for multitasking and other uses that RAM assists with, so you might not even need that much more RAM along with the SSD.

If you want your computer to fly, achieve monster productivity, you should seriously consider upgrading to SSD.

6. Water damage

Yes, water damages can make your computer slow too.

For example, water can damage SMC controller in an Apple Mac laptop, causing it failing to read temperature from certain parts. When this happens, the laptop throttles its CPU which slows down the computer.

And, it’s not just “water”, it can be humidity.

Moisture in the air can partially turn into water and causes the damages, or even kill your computer.

There were some weeks when it rained heavily everyday, the weather was wet. We saw dead laptops, slow computers coming in on daily basis.

Or, water leak may have happened and you didn’t know it.

For example, you had your laptop screen lid up, and water was leaking to it from behind. The screen blocked the view so you didn’t notice.

Computers like Apple Mac laptops have ventilation under the screen hinge cover. Hence, water leaking from behind will go straight into its internal components and causes damages.

If your computer had water damages, it’s harder to tell if the slowness was caused by water, or by aging computer.

Here is some troubleshooting tips that you can try yourself, at home:

Checking your computer for possible problems

Running diagnostics on your computer from time to time can be helpful even if your computer is running fine.

You might also be able to find out why your laptop or desktop computer is running slower than usual, if it turns out to be a hardware issue.

Simple apps like chkdsk can help you detect and repair bad sectors, while full diagnostics tests or dedicated hardware analysis software can help you do more than simple tests.

Running diagnostics on your laptop or desktop computer

Your computer should come with built-in apps specific to its brand that you can use to run full diagnostics on hardware. These are apps like Dell SupportAssist or HP Support Assistant. This offers specific tests and solutions tailored to your model of computer.

Dell forum, or Apple community are also a good source to get answers without leaving your house.

Otherwise, you may also choose to run diagnostics from startup, also known as boot diagnostics, or pre-boot diagnostics.

You can enter boot diagnostics by entering a key specific to your computer’s brand. For Dell it’s For Dell it’s “F12”, “ESC” key for HP, “Enter” key for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops and Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computers, and “D” key for Apple Macs.

Unfortunately, some computers don’t come with built-in diagnostic tools: Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, Razer, Clevo, and Lenovo IdeaPads.

Don’t you hate it when they don’t make these tools built-in.

Your system will report possible hardware issues found on components such as the fan, processor, or hard drive. Your slow computer problem could be traced back to hardware issues, or simply some other software problems.

Getting professional help to troubleshoot your slow computer

Finding yourself not so technologically adept? Don’t have the time to do more research? Getting professional repair services from a technician might be what you’re thinking about doing.

You can get help from an authorised service centre or a third-party service. Or, simply getting advice from an experienced retailer can also be beneficial.

For authorised service centres, they can usually offer free computer servicing if your device is still covered by warranty or care. While an authorised service centre can get you specialised services, they might not be able to fix your device if it is too old or offer upgrade services.

Some might choose to go to a third-party repair service instead, if their warranty has run out, or they might not live close enough to a service centre.

If you’re looking for expert technical help in Inner West Sydney, our technicians at Safemode Computer Service can definitely be of service. We fix both desktop computers and laptops, Windows and Apple Mac computers.

We can help you find the right upgrade option for you, as well as any computer issues that you might be facing. This includes virus spyware removal, or data recovery. Come by our Inner West store for our highly rated services today.

Learn more about our award-winning computer repairs.