HB LaptopsSlow laptop: upgrade to an SSD or buy a new one?
When a solid state drive (SSD) upgrade makes an older laptop fast again, and when a new laptop makes more sense.
If your laptop takes minutes to start and programs crawl, the hard drive is often the reason. Many older laptops still use a spinning hard drive. Swapping it for a solid state drive (SSD) can make the same laptop feel much faster.
An SSD upgrade usually makes sense when:
- Your laptop has a spinning hard drive (we can check in a minute).
- It's otherwise in good shape: screen, keyboard and battery are fine.
- It has enough memory for what you do, or memory can be added too.
- It can run the system you need, like Windows 11.
A new or used replacement makes more sense when:
- The laptop already has an SSD and is still slow.
- It can't run Windows 11 or a current macOS.
- Several parts are worn out at once.
- The storage is built into the board, so it can't be swapped (common on newer MacBooks and thin laptops).
Your files and programs come with you. When we upgrade a drive, we copy your files over, so you're not starting from scratch.
What we do: we check what drive and memory your laptop has, tell you whether an upgrade is worth it, and give you the price in writing before any work. The check is free. If it's not worth upgrading, we'll say so and can show you a tested used laptop.
Stop by our shop on Adams Ave in Huntington Beach, check in online at hblaptops.com/check-in, or call (714) 962-0696.
Related repairs: SSD and memory upgrades
Questions? Call (714) 962-0696 or check in online. More tips
Bring it in today. We'll take it from here.
Walk in Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm, or call or text and talk to a real person.