Slow computers cost more than you think

Which is costing you more— new or old equipment?

I get it. New computers are expensive.

With the top-rated models by PCMag in 2024 ranging from $479 to $3199, I understand why it seems like a big expense for something that isn't broken to start with.

However, there’s a good reason that businesses should have a strict 4-5 year replacement timeline on computers. The businesses who already implement lifecycle policies understand that the efficiency and productivity of their business is highly dependent on the tool that their users are on 90% of the day.

In this blog, we’ll lay out exactly these hidden—and not so hidden— expenses are that are costing your business more than the price of a new machine.

Reduced Productivity

Old computers tend to run slower, have longer boot times, and struggle to handle modern software and applications. This leads to decreased productivity as employees spend more time waiting for tasks to be completed. Did you know that just 10 minutes of daily productivity loss adds up to a full week of lost productivity over the course of the year? And that's for just one employee!

Increased Downtime

It's no secret that older computers are more prone to hardware failures and crashes, leading to increased downtime for employees. This downtime also translates into lost productivity and potential revenue. You can calculate how much downtime costs your business using our simple tool.

Security Risks

Outdated hardware and software are more vulnerable to security threats. Unsupported operating systems may not receive critical security updates, making them easy targets for cyberattacks and data breaches. With up to 60% of SMBs who fall prey to a cyberattack closing within six months, this is a risk not worth taking.

Higher Maintenance Costs

As computers age, their components become more prone to failure, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs. Those little fixes here and there add up quickly. It’s better to skip that headache all together or have a computer that is new enough to still have a warranty!

Energy Inefficiency

Older computers are generally less energy efficient. They consume more power, leading to higher electricity bills. Unfortunately, nowadays that translates to real dollars lost every month.

Negative Perception

In a professional setting, outdated technology can create a negative impression on clients, partners, and potential employees. It may signal that the business is not keeping up with the times and may not be capable of delivering cutting-edge products or services.

Also, a quick bonus reason—

Impacting Innovation: In the ever-changing world we live in, not being able to take advantage of applications built for quicker and newer computers puts your business at a serious disadvantage. We're talking everything from AI tools to new apps to software updates— if your machine is too out-of-date, the OS may not be compatible with new tech.

Given all this— a new computer truly does pay for itself pretty quickly. If you're working on a tech budget for 2025, make sure you include replacements for all machines more than 5 years old. Need help identifying what computers best fit your business and user roles? That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call or send us an email. No sales tactics or pitches, just happy to help.