Laptop Repair Questions People Ask
The questions laptop owners in Singapore search for most, grouped by topic. Each one has a short answer here and a link to the page with more detail and prices.
Repair Cost and Whether to Repair
How much is a laptop repair in Singapore?
It depends on the part. At our shops, fan cleaning starts from $40, a RAM upgrade from $60, an SSD upgrade from $80, a battery from $80, a keyboard replacement from $80, a screen from $150, and motherboard repair from $150. Diagnosis is free, and you get a quote before any work starts.
Is it worth getting my laptop repaired?
Usually, when one part has failed and the repair costs well under the price of a similar replacement laptop. Batteries, screens, keyboards, and drives almost always fall in that group. It is harder to justify when an old laptop has several faults at once.
Battery and Charging
How much does it cost to replace a laptop battery in Singapore?
Most laptop batteries cost $80 to $200 to replace. MacBook batteries start from $110.
Is it worth replacing a laptop battery?
Yes, if the laptop works well when plugged in. A new battery is a small cost next to a new laptop.
Why is my laptop plugged in but not charging?
The cause is usually a faulty charger, a damaged charging port, a worn-out battery, or a charge-limit setting. Try another charger before assuming it is the battery.
How do I reset a laptop battery?
Shut down, unplug the charger, and hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds. Then plug in and start up again.
Can a swollen laptop battery go back to normal?
No. Stop using and charging the laptop, and have the battery replaced.
Screen and Display
How much does it cost to repair a laptop screen in Singapore?
From $150 for standard models. Most screens are replaced in 1 to 2 hours.
Is it worth fixing a laptop screen?
Usually yes, because a broken panel leaves the rest of the laptop working.
Is laptop screen flickering a serious problem?
It can be. If an external monitor shows a steady picture, the laptop screen or its display cable is at fault.
How do I fix lines on my laptop screen?
Update the graphics driver first. Lines that stay, or that show before Windows loads, mean a hardware fault in the panel, the display cable, or the graphics chip.
Can bad RAM cause screen flickering?
Rarely. Bad RAM normally causes crashes and freezes, not flicker.
Keyboard and Hinge
How much does it cost to repair a laptop keyboard in Singapore?
Cleaning starts from $50. A full keyboard replacement is $80 to $250, depending on the model.
Can a laptop keyboard be repaired?
Yes, by cleaning it, replacing single keys, or replacing the whole keyboard.
How do I clean under my laptop keys?
With the laptop switched off, use short bursts of compressed air at an angle. Do not pour liquid on the keys or pry off the keycaps.
Why is my laptop keyboard locked and not typing?
Check Num Lock, Fn Lock, and the Windows Filter Keys setting, then test with a USB keyboard to see whether the built-in one has failed.
How much does it cost to fix a laptop hinge?
Tightening or adjustment starts from $60. A full hinge replacement is typically $120 to $300.
Can I still use my laptop if the hinge is broken?
It is best not to. Each time the lid moves, a broken hinge can crack the screen or tear the display cable.
Motherboard and Power
How much does it cost to repair a laptop motherboard in Singapore?
$150 to $300 for simple repairs, and $300 to $500 for complex ones.
Can a laptop motherboard be repaired?
Often, by replacing the one component that failed and keeping the rest of the board.
How much does it cost to fix a laptop that won’t turn on?
From $40 if the power adapter has failed, from $80 for a charging port or battery, and from $150 if the motherboard is at fault.
How do I know if my laptop motherboard is faulty?
Several unrelated things failing at once, or a fault that stays after the suspected part is replaced, points to the motherboard.
Water Damage
What should I do if I spill water on my laptop?
Hold the power button to switch it off, unplug everything, and turn it upside down on a towel. Do not use rice or a hair dryer.
Can a laptop be repaired after water damage?
Often, if it is cleaned quickly. The chances fall the longer corrosion is left to spread.
How long does a water-damaged laptop take to dry?
At least 24 to 48 hours. Drying alone does not stop the corrosion that causes later failures.
Is water damage covered by laptop warranty?
Usually not. Standard warranties exclude liquid damage unless you bought accidental damage cover.
How much does it cost to fix water damage on a laptop?
$80 to $300, depending on how far the liquid spread. The assessment is free.
Overheating and Fan
Why is my laptop overheating?
Dust in the fan and heatsink, dried thermal paste, blocked vents, or a failing fan.
Can an overheating laptop be fixed?
Almost always, with fan cleaning from $40 or cleaning plus new thermal paste from $60.
Does cleaning the laptop fan improve performance?
Yes, if heat was making the processor slow itself down.
How often should I get my laptop fan cleaned?
Every 12 to 18 months in Singapore.
How often should thermal paste be replaced in a laptop?
Every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if the laptop is slowing down from heat.
SSD and RAM Upgrades
How much does it cost to upgrade a laptop SSD?
From $80 for 256GB, $100 for 512GB, and $130 for 1TB, with data migration included.
Can a laptop’s SSD be upgraded?
On most laptops, yes. Laptops with soldered storage are the exception.
Is it better to upgrade an old laptop or buy a new one?
Upgrade if the laptop is only slow. Replace it if the processor is too weak for your work or several parts need repair.
How much does it cost to upgrade laptop RAM?
From $60 to go from 4GB to 8GB, and from $80 to go from 8GB to 16GB.
Can I add 16GB RAM to an 8GB laptop?
Yes, if there is a free slot and the new stick is the same type as the old one.
Is 32GB RAM overkill for a laptop?
For everyday use, yes. 16GB is enough unless you edit video, run virtual machines, or work with very large files.
Data Recovery
How much does it cost to recover data from a laptop?
Most cases cost $80 to $250. You pay only if the files are recovered.
Can you recover data from a laptop that won’t turn on?
Usually. The drive normally survives even when the laptop itself is dead.
How can I recover data from an old laptop hard drive?
Remove the drive and connect it to another computer with a USB enclosure. If it is not detected, do not format it.
Is it safe to throw away a laptop after removing the hard drive?
Mostly, but check for a second drive or soldered storage first, and use an e-waste bin.
MacBook
How much does it cost to repair a MacBook?
Battery replacement starts from $110, screen and keyboard replacement from $180, and logic board repair from $150.
Is it worth repairing an old MacBook?
Often, for a battery or a screen. Less so for a major logic board fault on a model that no longer gets macOS updates.
How much does MacBook screen repair cost in Singapore?
From $180, depending on the model and screen size.
Desktop PC
How much does it cost to fix a desktop computer?
From $40 for cleaning and thermal paste, and from $80 for a power supply replacement.
Is it worth repairing an old desktop?
Usually, when only one component has failed.
Send us the laptop model and what it is doing. Diagnosis is free.
