Worth Repairing 4yr Old Gaming Laptop?

LCaptainJack on 04/07/2024 - 16:46

I have this laptop from late 2020: Acer Predator Helios 300 15.6-Inch i7-10750H/16GB/512GB/RTX2060 6GB Gaming Laptop

The battery only last about an hour, but otherwise it works pretty well (for what I want out of it). However, the AC charger sits very loosely in the port, easily falls out. I can deal with it, but it gets increasingly annoying. Planned obsolescence i guess. With its age I think I'll need to buy something new either now - or best case 12 months or so even if I get it repaired.

I've been quoted $260 to repair it. Just wondering if there's any point in doing this and trying to sell it, or should I just try to move it on as is for parts or whatever (if I can)? I see people listing these on ebay, but assume their listed prices are very much wishful thinking.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • pharkurnell on 04/07/2024 - 16:54
    +1

    You can change it in 20 mins if you buy another battery…

    https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Acer+Predator+Helios+300+(2020)+Battery+Replacement/146012

  • FireRunner on 04/07/2024 - 17:12
    +2

    Specs are still decent even for gaming at FHD.
    Unless you require something more powerful I wouldn’t be upgrading yet.
    Is the quote for just the repair or does it include the battery as well?

  • Drakesy on 04/07/2024 - 17:16
    +1

    It's still a pretty strong laptop in this day and age.
    I have a RTX2060 with a Ryzen 7 and it does alright, at least yours is a 6 core as opposed to my measily quad core. Although $260 sounds pretty steep.

  • mapax on 04/07/2024 - 17:58

    Have you tried a different barrel jack to see if it’s a tighter fit?

  • garetz on 04/07/2024 - 18:08

    You are better off putting that repair money towards a new machine. The lifespan of most of these gaming laptops are 3-5 years. What are you going to do when it dies in 6-12 months time ? If that repair fee is worth it to you to have the machine work for a short time longer then do it.

  • Axelstrife on 04/07/2024 - 18:44
    +4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQdac5WQCxo

    Looks like an easy repair tbh, it's not surface mount (i suck at that) but a through hole solder job so it isnt difficult.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/334157805343
    $34 from china for the jack.

    Personally i would do it myself.

    • AndyC1 on 04/07/2024 - 19:52

      OP could get the part and then take the laptop when pulled apart to a TV / Audio repair place and get them to swap the part over for $50 to $100 (hopefully near the $50).

  • Ghost47 on 04/07/2024 - 18:48
    +2

    Does it still run games well? If it does I’d personally probably try and repair it. Saves money instead of buying a new one and less e-waste going into landfill somewhere.

  • notaccel on 04/07/2024 - 19:03

    This unit just uses a DC-in jack that isn't soldered to the motherboard. It's a very easy fix, almost certainly to be worth it.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 04/07/2024 - 22:45
    +1

    Repair it and get a few more years out of it if you can.

  • aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa on 04/07/2024 - 23:17
    +1

    Given the abysmal battery life, I'd assume that the laptop is mostly stationary. If the only problem is that the charger keeps falling out, why not just duct tape the charger on?

    I agree with just putting the money aside for a new computer down the line. $260 is a fair bit for a repair

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