How much does laptop and PC repair cost?
Most repairs start at $99 plus parts. Here is how repair pricing works at Computers for Change, with specific ranges for the most common jobs on both laptops and desktops.
The short version
Most repairs start at $99 plus parts. If we take a look and a fix without parts is not possible, a $50 bench fee applies. Harder jobs cost more, and we quote before we start. No surprise charges, no upselling after the fact.
What affects the price
- The job. A simple battery or storage swap is different from a screen on a thin laptop or a more involved hardware repair.
- Parts cost. Screens, batteries, drives, RAM, fans, and other components vary by model. We source the right part and price it up front.
- The device. Some laptops are simply more work to open and service than others. Desktops are usually easier and faster to work on. Gaming and ultra-thin laptops are usually more complex.
- How long parts take. Most parts are in our inventory or arrive within a day or two. Rare components can take longer.
Laptop vs PC: what tends to differ
Laptop repairs are generally more involved than desktops because the parts are packed in tighter and many components are specific to that model. A desktop SSD upgrade is faster than the same upgrade on a thin laptop. That said, both follow the same $99 plus parts starting point for most jobs.
Common ranges
SSD upgrade
- Desktop or older laptop: typically the $99 base plus the cost of the drive ($40 to $150 depending on size and speed). Same-day on most machines.
- Newer thin laptop with NVMe SSD: same approach, slightly more parts cost for the drive. Still usually same day.
Battery replacement (laptop)
- Older laptops with removable battery: $99 plus parts (battery roughly $50 to $130).
- Newer ultrabooks with internal battery: $99 plus parts, with somewhat higher labor on models that require significant disassembly.
- MacBooks with glued-in batteries (2016+): see our Mac cost guide; the labor is higher.
Screen replacement (laptop)
- Standard laptop screens: $99 plus parts, parts typically $80 to $200 depending on size and quality.
- Gaming and high-refresh-rate screens: parts can run $250+. Labor higher on screens that are bonded into the lid.
- Touch-screen and 2-in-1 displays: labor higher because of digitizer alignment.
Virus and software cleanup
Usually the $99 flat, no parts required. Includes diagnosis, cleanup, and basic hardening. Windows reinstall (when needed) is the same labor, since the work fits in the standard repair envelope.
Diagnosis only
$50 bench fee if we open it up and a no-parts fix turns out not to be possible. A quick look at the counter, where we can tell on the spot, is free.
Power supply (desktop) or charging issues (laptop)
- Desktop power supply swap: $99 plus parts (PSU $50 to $150).
- Laptop DC jack repair: usually $99 plus the small parts cost. More involved on some thin models.
RAM upgrade
$99 plus parts on machines that support it. Many ultrabooks and newer MacBooks have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded; we will check yours.
Thermal paste and fan cleanup
$99 flat, no parts. Especially common on gaming laptops and older desktops. Often the difference between a hot, throttling machine and a cool, responsive one.
Operating system install
$120. A clean install of Windows or macOS, set up and ready to use. One of the most common jobs we do after the $99 repair. Back up your data first, since a fresh install clears the drive.
Data transfer
$120 per machine or drive to move your files, photos, and settings to another computer. With the purchase of a machine from us it is half off at $60, and we discount further when you bring multiple drives at once.
When a repair is not worth it
If a fix costs more than the machine is worth, you can put that toward a refurbished laptop instead and we move your data over the same day (data transfer is $60 with your purchase, half the standard $120). That trade-up is the idea Computers for Change was built on. We will tell you straight when it is the right call.
For a firm number, bring it in. We will give you a clear quote before any work begins.
Common questions
What does the $99 starting price cover?
Most repairs that do not require parts (or only need small inexpensive parts) start at $99 flat. That covers diagnosis and standard labor. Storage upgrades, screen swaps, and battery work add the cost of the part on top.
What is the $50 bench fee?
If we take a look at your laptop or PC and determine that a fix without parts is not going to solve it, we charge a $50 bench fee for the diagnosis. That fee gets applied to your repair if you proceed with parts.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Walk in with your computer and we will take a look. A quick counter assessment is free; if we take it in to diagnose, the $99 repair or $50 bench fee applies. We only bill the bench fee if we have to open it up and find that the repair is not viable.
Why is gaming laptop repair more expensive?
Gaming laptops are more densely packed inside and use more involved cooling systems. Opening and reassembling them takes longer, and replacement parts (especially high-refresh-rate screens) cost more. Same starting price; the labor and parts add up faster.
Can you tell me a price over the phone?
We can give a rough range over the phone, but anything firm requires looking at the machine. Two laptops of the same model in different conditions can be very different repairs.
What if it costs more once you open it up?
We do not start work without your approval. If we open it and discover something we did not see (rare but it happens), we call you with the updated quote before continuing.
Want us to take a look?
Bring it in to 196 College St, or send a few details for a quote.