Category: News

The holiday season is behind us, and the “New Year, New Me” resolutions are in full swing. We set goals for our fitness, our finances, and our homes—but what about the device that helps you manage all of it? A professional tune-up is a great way to start 2026.

Whether you’re a student at Texas Tech, a local business owner, or someone keeping up with family photos, your computer is likely the MVP of your daily life. Over the last year, it has likely accumulated a lot of “digital weight”—bloatware, temporary files, and perhaps even some hidden malware.

If your laptop or desktop isn’t feeling as fast as it did last January, a professional tune-up is the best way to kick off 2024. Here is why a visit to CPR – Computer Professional Repair in Lubbock is exactly what your tech needs.

1. Clear Out the Digital Clutter

Just like your home needs a deep clean, your operating system needs one too. Over time, every website you visit and every app you install leaves behind “footprints” in the form of cache files and registry errors. A professional tune-up goes deeper than a standard “trash bin” empty. We identify and remove unnecessary background processes and “bloatware” that steal your RAM and slow down your boot-up time.

2. Boost Your Speed Without Buying New

Many people think a slow computer means it’s time to head to a big-box store for a new one. In reality, most computers are still hardware-capable; they are just bogged down by software inefficiency. Our technicians can optimize your system settings to ensure your CPU and memory are dedicated to the tasks you actually care about. Often, a professional tune-up can make a 3-year-old computer feel like it just came out of the box.

3. Hidden Security Checks

The start of the year is a prime time for cyber threats. During a professional tune-up, we don’t just look for speed; we look for safety. We perform deep scans for viruses, spyware, and malware that your standard free antivirus might have missed. We also ensure your operating system and drivers are fully updated to patch any security vulnerabilities.

4. Physical Longevity (The Dust Factor)

Lubbock is famous for its wind and dust. If you haven’t had your computer professionally cleaned in a year, there is a high chance that dust has settled on your fans and heat sinks. This causes your computer to run hot, which leads to “thermal throttling”—where your computer intentionally slows down to prevent itself from melting. We provide professional internal cleaning to keep your hardware cool and extend its lifespan.

5. Specialized Upgrades

While we’re tuning your software, we can also advise if a simple hardware upgrade could give you a massive boost. Sometimes, adding a little more RAM or switching an old spinning hard drive to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can make your computer 5x faster for a fraction of the cost of a new machine.

Start the Year at Peak Performance

Don’t let a lagging computer hold back your New Year’s productivity. At CPR – Computer Professional Repair, we’ve been serving the Lubbock community since 1986. We’re locally owned, locally operated, and dedicated to keeping your tech running beautifully.

Stop by and see us today! 📍 5212 82nd Street, Lubbock, TX 📞 (806) 794-5333 🌐 www.cprlbk.com

New Year. Fresh Start. Fast Computer.

In today’s digital world, you might be looking for a new computer without the hefty price tag. Buying a used (or refurbished) computer can be a smart, budget-friendly option, but it comes with trade-offs. As experts in computer repair at CPR Lubbock, we’re here to break down the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if a pre-owned machine is right for you.

 The Pros of Going Used

Choosing a used computer offers several compelling benefits, primarily centered on value and sustainability:

• Significant Cost Savings: This is the most obvious advantage. Used computers are often priced at 30% to 50% less than their brand-new counterparts. This allows you to afford higher-end specifications (like a faster CPU or more RAM) that might be out of budget if purchased new.
• Reduced Depreciation: Like cars, new computers depreciate rapidly once they leave the store. When you buy used, the original owner has absorbed the steepest part of this depreciation, making your investment more stable.
• Eco-Friendly Choice: Buying a used computer is a form of recycling. It reduces electronic waste (e-waste) and lessens the demand for manufacturing new components, which consumes energy and natural resources.
• Immediate Availability of Older Ports: Many newer, ultra-thin laptops have phased out useful ports like standard USB-A, HDMI, or Ethernet. Older models often still include these legacy ports, eliminating the need for bulky adapters or dongles.
• Proven Reliability: If you’re buying a popular, established model, there’s a wealth of online information and reviews regarding its long-term reliability and common issues. You know exactly what you’re getting, as the model’s history is well-documented.

 The Cons of Going Used

While the savings are tempting, buying used involves accepting certain risks and limitations:

• Shorter Lifespan and Warranty: The computer’s life clock is already ticking. Components like the hard drive and battery have been through cycles of use, meaning they will fail sooner than new ones. Furthermore, the original manufacturer’s warranty is often expired or non-transferable, leaving you without official coverage.
• Outdated Technology: While the savings are good, the components may be several generations old. You might miss out on essential modern features like Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt ports, or newer, faster solid-state drive (SSD) technology. This can lead to slower performance with demanding modern applications.
• Cosmetic and Wear Issues: Used computers often have noticeable scratches, dents, or wear-and-tear on the keyboard and trackpad. While this is purely aesthetic, it can affect your user experience. More importantly, internal wear could indicate a harder life for the machine.
• Battery Degradation: Laptop batteries lose their ability to hold a charge over time. A used laptop will almost certainly have a significantly reduced battery life, potentially requiring you to purchase a replacement battery shortly after buying it.
• Hidden Problems: Unless you’re buying from a certified refurbisher, you might not know the machine’s true history. It could have undetected thermal issues or intermittent hardware failures that were the reason the original owner sold it. This is where a reliable local repair service comes in handy!

 Making the Right Decision

Buying a used computer can be an excellent choice if you need a reliable machine for basic tasks (browsing, email, document editing) and are working with a strict budget.

However, if you need a computer for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or competitive gaming, or if you highly value manufacturer support and cutting-edge features, buying new is likely the better choice.

If you choose to buy used, we highly recommend purchasing from a reputable vendor or having the machine inspected by a professional like us at Computer Professional Repair (CPR Lubbock). We can check the health of the hard drive and battery and ensure the machine is running optimally before you rely on it!

Need help evaluating a used computer or troubleshooting a recent purchase? Stop by CPR Lubbock today!

For gamers in Lubbock, the performance of your machine isn’t a luxury—it’s the competitive edge. While pre-built computers offer convenience, they often come with compromises: proprietary parts, inadequate cooling, and a graphics card budget cut to cover the cost of a fancy case.

If you’re serious about gaming, content creation, or just maximizing the value of every dollar you spend on hardware, a Custom Gaming PC Build is the ultimate solution.

At CPR – Lubbock Computer Professional Repair, we don’t just fix computers; we build them. We know the unique demands of a gaming rig and can help you craft a machine that is perfectly optimized for your needs.

Here is why going custom is the smarter choice and a simple checklist for getting started.

The Custom Advantage: Control, Performance, and Value

Choosing to build a PC (or having a professional build one to your specs) offers three key benefits that a big-box pre-built system simply cannot match:

1. Absolute Control Over the Budget & Parts

• No Bottlenecks: A custom build ensures every part is perfectly balanced. Pre-builts often pair a great CPU with a mediocre Graphics Card (GPU) to save money. We prioritize the GPU—the true heart of a gaming machine—and ensure the CPU, RAM, and Storage complement it without wasting money.
• Quality Components: You choose the exact brand and model of the Power Supply Unit (PSU) and Motherboard. This is critical for system stability, something pre-builts often cut corners on.

2. Superior Cooling and Longevity

• Optimal Airflow: We design the airflow inside the case, selecting the right fans and orientation to keep internal temperatures low. A cooler PC means better performance, less thermal throttling, and a longer lifespan for expensive components.
• Upgradability: Every custom build is designed with the future in mind. Want to drop in a new-generation GPU in two years? No problem. A custom machine uses standard, easily swappable parts, making future upgrades simple and affordable.

3. Aesthetics That Reflect Your Style

Want custom RGB lighting, a specific color-themed case, or a unique liquid cooling loop? Going custom means your PC is not just a machine, but a personal statement.

Ready to Build? Your 3-Step Custom PC Checklist

If you’re considering the transition from an off-the-shelf desktop to a true gaming rig, here’s how to start:

Step 1: Define Your Goal (and Budget)

Forget general prices. Be specific about what you want to play:

• Casual Gamer: (e.g., League of Legends, Valorant at 1080p resolution)
• Serious Gamer: (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty at 1440p resolution)
• Enthusiast/Creator: (e.g., 4K resolution, Streaming, Video Editing)

Your goal dictates the budget. Your GPU should typically consume the largest chunk of that budget, followed by the CPU and then fast storage (NVMe SSD).

Step 2: Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

DIY builders often make small, costly errors. Professional services eliminate these risks:

• Incompatibility: Pairing an AMD CPU with an Intel motherboard (or vice-versa) is a non-starter. We guarantee every part is compatible from the CPU socket down to the RAM speed.
• Forgetting Standoffs: Tiny motherboard standoffs prevent the motherboard from short-circuiting against the metal case. Forgetting these is a common, and catastrophic, rookie mistake.
• Inadequate Power: An insufficient PSU can lead to system instability and component failure under load. We use a PSU calculator to select a reliable unit with overhead for future upgrades.

Step 3: Let the CPR Experts Handle the Assembly

Building a PC yourself is rewarding, but it’s a time-intensive process that can be frustrating if you run into BIOS issues, driver conflicts, or hardware faults.

At CPR – Lubbock Computer Professional Repair, we handle the entire process: component selection, professional assembly, BIOS configuration, Windows installation, and driver updates. You get a fully customized machine, built by experts, with a single local warranty protecting your entire system.

Ready to stop sacrificing frame rates? Whether you need a full consultation, help sourcing parts, or expert assembly, the team at CPR is the only local partner you need to achieve peak PC performance.

Call us or visit our Lubbock location today to start building your dream machine!

Gaming PCs are powerful machines, but when something goes wrong, it can feel like your digital life has hit a major roadblock. Whether you’re dealing with a frustrating crash, a pesky virus, or need a major upgrade to play the latest titles, you need a team that understands the unique needs of a gaming rig. That’s where we come in.

At CPR – Lubbock Computer Professional Repair, we’re not just any computer repair shop. We’re your local gaming PC experts, and we’re here to get you back in the game fast.

Why Choose CPR for Your Gaming PC?

1. We Speak Your Language: Our technicians are gamers and PC enthusiasts themselves. We understand the importance of a high frame rate, the frustration of screen tearing, and the need for a rig that can handle anything you throw at it. We know the difference between a GPU and a CPU and can help you troubleshoot issues specific to gaming hardware and software.

2. Expert Diagnostics and Repairs: A gaming PC is a complex beast, with specialized components that require expert care. Our team has the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose problems with your graphics card, motherboard, power supply, or cooling system. We can handle everything from simple fixes to complex component replacements, ensuring your PC runs at peak performance.

3. Performance Upgrades: Are you looking to boost your PC’s power? We can help you with that, too! Whether you need more RAM, a faster solid-state drive (SSD), or a brand-new graphics card to handle the latest AAA games, we’ll recommend the best upgrades for your budget and needs. We also offer custom builds, so you can have the gaming PC of your dreams designed and assembled by professionals.

4. Virus and Malware Removal: Nothing ruins a gaming session like a virus. Our experts can deep-clean your system, remove malicious software, and install top-of-the-line antivirus protection to keep your data safe and your gameplay smooth.

5. We’re a Part of the Lubbock Community: We’re a locally owned company that has been serving Lubbock since 1986. We’re committed to providing professional, affordable, and friendly service to our community. We pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time so you can get back to what you love—gaming!

Don’t let a broken PC put a pause on your progress. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive pro, you can count on the experts at CPR to provide the professional repair and support you need.

Contact us today or stop by our shop at 5212 82nd Street to learn more about how we can help you with all your gaming PC needs.