Here's the straightforward truth: most PC repairs cost between $75 and $250.

Let me break down what you might expect to pay so there are no surprises.

Quick Reference: Common Repair Costs

Labor rates in the Midwest typically run $60–$100/hour. Parts are additional.

What Drives the Price?

The diagnosis matters most. A computer that won't turn on might need a $60 power supply or a $300 motherboard—there's no way to know without proper testing. That's why diagnostic fees exist, and good shops apply that fee toward your repair.

Laptops cost more than desktops for the same repair. Everything's compact, harder to access, and requires more disassembly time. A RAM upgrade takes five minutes on a desktop; some laptops require removing the entire keyboard.

Parts availability affects older machines. Finding components for a 10-year-old computer sometimes means hunting down used parts or paying a premium. We'll always tell you when repair costs approach the machine's value.

The Repairs I See Most Often

Slow computers are my bread and butter. Usually it's malware, a dying hard drive, or a system crying out for an SSD upgrade. That SSD swap ($150–$250 total) delivers the single biggest performance improvement you can make—we've seen eight-year-old machines feel brand new after upgrading from a traditional hard drive.

Virus and malware removal runs $75–$150 and takes 1–2 hours done properly. A thorough job means more than running one antivirus scan—it's checking for rootkits, cleaning browser hijackers, reviewing startup programs, and making sure nothing's hiding. Cutting corners here means the problem comes back.

Hardware failures vary widely. Power supplies and RAM are affordable fixes that get you back up and running quickly. Motherboards and graphics cards get expensive. When someone brings me a PC with a failed motherboard in an older system, I'm honest about whether repair makes financial sense.

Laptop-specific issues tend to cost more due to the compact design. Cracked screens run $150–$400 depending on your model. Keyboard replacements fall between $80–$200. Battery swaps are usually $50–$150 and can breathe new life into a laptop that won't hold a charge.

When Should You Repair vs. Replace?

Here's my honest rule of thumb:

Repair it if:

• • Cost is under 50% of replacement value
• • Computer is less than 5–6 years old
• • It still meets your needs after the fix

Replace it if:

• • Multiple things are failing
• • It's 7+ years old
• • Repair costs exceed $400–$500

I turn away work when repair doesn't make sense. A $300 fix on a six-year-old budget laptop isn't doing you any favors.

How to Protect Yourself

Get a clear estimate first. You should understand what's wrong and what it costs before any work begins. No surprises.

Ask about warranty. Reputable shops stand behind their work—30 to 90 days minimum on repairs.

Watch for red flags: vague pricing, pressure to decide immediately, or pushing replacement without exploring repair options. A trustworthy tech explains your choices and lets you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does repair take?
Simple fixes like virus removal often finish same-day. Hardware replacements needing parts typically take 2–5 days.

Should I try fixing it myself?
RAM and storage upgrades are beginner-friendly. Virus removal takes some know-how. Motherboard work? Leave that to the pros.

Is on-site repair more expensive?
Usually $25–$75 extra for the house call. Worth it if transporting your PC is a hassle.

Do repair shops guarantee their work?
They should. Look for 30–90 days minimum on parts and labor. If a shop won't stand behind their repairs, that's a red flag.

The Bottom Line

Most repairs fall between $75 and $250. Get a proper diagnosis, understand your options, and work with someone who'll tell you the truth—even when that truth is "buy a new one."

Have questions about a specific issue? Reach out. I'm happy to give you a straight answer.