Computer Repair Cost

Typical costs:

• Technicians typically charge $50-$100 per hour for labor to work on the computer, but this varies by geographical location. Most jobs can be finished in an hour.
• Costs for replacement hardware for Macs and PCs vary. Mac parts are primarily sold by authorized dealers, while PC parts are more widely available and can be found anywhere from flea markets to national big-box electronics stores. Replacing a battery can cost $5 for a PC (most PCs use lithium ion batteries[1] ), as much as $100 for a Mac. An internal CD/DVD drive generally starts at $50 and can be installed at home or by a technician in less than an hour. Costs for repairing Macs are often higher than repairing PCs because of Apple's proprietary hardware.
• Motherboards range from $50 to more than $1,000 -- the more expensive models offer faster speeds and more ports. An average model for a home PC costs $75-$200 depending on the computer needs. One Intel motherboard that can be used for servers is available at MacMall for $1,350. A model aimed at the needs of gamers costs $380 on Amazon[2] .
• Removal of viruses, adware and spyware are often included in technicians' hourly fees. Geek Squad[3] , a subsidiary of Best Buy, starts virus removal at $150-$300. Virus and malware protection software can be purchased for $20-$60. McAfee[4] and Norton[5] both make popular anti-virus software.
• Data recovery is charged generally on a per-hour basis, although some companies charge a base fee. Most jobs can be done in an hour. Geek Squad[6] starts data recovery costs at $250. Firedog[7] , which offers remote work on PCs, charges $100 for remote data recovery, but customers are required to either have a monthly plan or pay an additional one-time charge of $150. User-Friendly Computing[8] , a small California store, charges $95 -$120 per hour for data recovery work; the job is usually done in an hour.

• Repairs can range from a fixing minor setting that is incorrect, to removing spyware[9] or viruses[10] , or replacing hardware or an entire operating system[11] .
• Make sure an estimate for repair work includes diagnosis, parts and hours of labor needed to complete the job. Some shops offer free estimates, and others charge a fee to diagnose the problem. Also, find out if there is a warranty on the computer repair work -- the warranty can vary in length depending on the work done. The technician should be able to diagnose and repair the computer either on-site or in the shop. The Association of Computer Repair Business Owners[12] has tips on finding a computer repair company and what should be included in the work.

• Sometimes computer repair can be done by the owner. Tips and tricks for do-it-yourself computer repair can be found at DIY Tech Tips & Guides[13] .
• AAA members[14] receive a 20% discount on Geek Squad services.
• Some replacement hardware and software is eligible for free shipping on Amazon[15] . Purchasing used parts can provide added discounts.

• Make sure to price parts when having hardware replaced. Mac vendors can be harder to find. Good places to start are MacMall[16] and PowerbookMedic[17] . Another good source for pricing parts is Amazon[18] .
• The Association of Computer Repair Business Owners has a searchable membership directory[19] .

1.  www.amazon.com/Energizer-2025BP-2-Lithium-Button-Battery/dp/B0002DSVRO/
2.  www.amazon.com/ASUS-LGA-1366-Republic-Motherboard/dp/B003H2AQG6/
3.  www.geeksquad.com/services/computers-networking/virus-and-spyware-removal.aspx
4.  home.mcafee.com/Default.aspx?
5.  buy.norton.com/estore/mf/pageNotFound
6.  www.geeksquad.com/services/computers-networking/data-recovery.aspx
7.  www.firedog.com/fix-my-pc
8.  userfriendlycomputing.com/computer_service.htm
9.  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
10.  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus
11.  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system
12.  acrbo.com/101-how-to-pick-a-repair-company.html
13.  www.diy-computer-repairs.com/category/pc-tech-help/computer-maintenance/
14.  ww1.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/AAAOnline?page=AAAGeekSquad&association=aaa&clu...
15.  www.amazon.com/PC-Components-Computer-Add-Ons-Computers/b/ref=amb_link_7061752_5?i...
16.  www.macmall.com/
17.  www.powerbookmedic.com
18.  www.amazon.com/
19.  www.acrbo.com/Search-dir.html

Today's Featured Cost Articles

April is craft month. We have the cost of scrapbooking and other crafts. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. If you want a spring or summer wedding, now is the time to pin down the location. A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Didn't hurt the pocketbook Paid: 43.00 I called my dentist because my tooth had been hurting for a week and a half. I couldn't eat or sleep. It was horrible. They got me in the next day. The dental surgeon and staff took x-rays, verified that it indeed needed to come out... [more] -Anxious in Augusta Tooth Extraction Cost Current cost of skirting job 2022 Paid: 2356.00 Purchased material @ mobile home supply store Front/back top trim & ground track 17 each [email protected]$9= $459. 48 [email protected]$17= $816. [email protected]$40 [email protected] $20 tax $121. Total material $1456. 3 guys total $75 hour labor at 12 hours $900 labor... [more] -Fayard siding Mobile Home Skirting Cost Alatel joy tab2 Paid: 108.00 Cracked screen... [more] -Shawn P Speers Tablet Repair Cost Replace 2baths, laundry, and kitchen to the street Paid: 20000.00 Numerous breaks in 90 year old cast iron and also in the clay pipe. replaced with 4" schedule 40 ABS to the curb and then liner in the clay pipe to the city sewer... [more] -Steve in 2022 Sewer Line Replacement Cost Full mouth -Is this estimate too much? Paid: 16945.00 Extract buttom front teeth, replace with single implant for both teeth. Root canals and crowns needed for 3 molars, fillings needed on 11 teeth. Deep cleaning with 4 spots of Arestin and fluoride treatment. All under IV sedation... [more] -Shanmarspag Dental Work Cost Lockout at front door Paid: 175.00 I was quoted $29 for a service call. The techniciandidn't give me a price but went ahead with the repair. It took about 10 minutes. Then he told me the charge was because the owner of the business gets most of the money I paid... [more] -Carla Axelrod Locksmith Cost