Repairing and upgrading your laptop — how to extend its lifespan
RAM, SSD, battery, fan: Which upgrades are worth it and when a repair is smarter than a new computer.
Your laptop feels slow after three years. This is rarely due to the processor — usually, it's because of full storage, an old battery, or dust in the fan.
What really helps
- SSD Upgrade — the biggest performance boost. 80–200 €. - Expanding RAM — 50–150 €. - Battery replacement — brings back mobile usage. 60–180 €. - Cleaning the fan & new thermal paste — 40–80 €. - Replacing the keyboard or display — in case of mechanical damage.
Repair or replace?
If your laptop still has SSD slots, replaceable RAM, or a removable battery, a repair is almost always worth it.
Tips for a longer lifespan
1. Clean up the system, remove old programs. 2. Battery care: don't keep it at 100 % permanently. 3. Have the fans cleaned once a year.
Your rights
Since 2025, laptops fall under the Ecodesign Regulation 2023/826: seven years of spare parts availability obligation for batteries, displays, charging ports, keyboards, and more.
A computer you are familiar with is worth more than a new one.