Category: News

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• Outdated Technology: While the savings are good, the components may be several generations old.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.

For a business owner, a broken computer or a network issue isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a costly disruption that can bring your entire operation to a halt. At CPR of Lubbock, we understand that you have a business to run, and managing your IT infrastructure shouldn’t be another item on your to-do list. That’s where our managed services come in.

More than just a quick fix, managed service is a proactive approach to keeping your business technology running smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

What Exactly is a Managed Service?

Think of it as having your own dedicated IT department, without the overhead. Instead of waiting for a computer to crash or a server to fail (the old “break-fix” model), a managed service provider (MSP) like CPR takes a preventative approach. For a predictable, flat monthly fee, we assume responsibility for your entire IT infrastructure. This includes everything from your networks and servers to workstations and phone systems. We monitor your systems 24/7, identify potential problems before they escalate, and perform routine maintenance to ensure everything is operating at peak performance.

The Key Benefits of a Managed Service for Your Business

Switching to a managed service model offers a wide range of advantages that impact your business’s productivity and bottom line.

• Predictable IT Costs: Say goodbye to unpredictable, expensive repair bills. With a fixed monthly fee, you can budget for your IT needs with confidence, eliminating surprise expenses from hardware failures or cyber incidents.
• Proactive Maintenance and Support: Our focus is on prevention. We perform regular updates, security patches, and system optimizations to keep your technology healthy. This proactive approach drastically reduces downtime and helps your team stay productive.
• Enhanced Cybersecurity: In today’s digital world, security is non-negotiable. Our managed services include robust protection with premium antivirus, ad-blocking, spam blocking, and web filtering to defend your business from an ever-evolving landscape of online threats.
• Access to a Team of Experts: You get the benefit of a full team of IT professionals without the cost of hiring in-house. We provide a full-service IT support help desk, giving your team immediate access to expert assistance whenever they need it.
• Focus on Your Core Business: By offloading the burden of IT management to us, you can redirect your time and energy back to what matters most—growing your business and serving your customers.

Why Choose CPR of Lubbock for Your Managed Services?

Since 1986, CPR has been a trusted partner for businesses in the Lubbock community. Our deep local roots and years of experience mean we understand the unique challenges you face. We are committed to providing efficient and professional solutions that are tailored to your business goals. We don’t just fix computers; we build lasting partnerships built on trust and a shared vision for your success.

Ready to take the stress out of IT management? Contact us today for a free network assessment and let us show you how our managed services can provide you with peace of mind and a stronger, more resilient business.