How Much Is My Computer Worth?
Calculate your laptop or PC's current market value, get trade-in estimates, and find out whether it makes sense to repair or replace.
Computer Value Calculator
How did the specs compare to other options when you bought it?
Trade-In Estimate
Total Depreciation
Depreciation Rate
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Value Over Time
Yearly Depreciation Schedule
| Year | Date | Value | Year's Depreciation | % of Original |
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Important: This calculator provides estimates based on average depreciation patterns. Actual resale value depends on local market conditions, specific model desirability, and buyer negotiation. For the most accurate pricing, check recent sold listings on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa for your exact model.
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Understanding Computer Depreciation in 2026
Computer depreciation refers to how your device loses value over time due to age, wear, and technological advancement. Whether you're trying to sell your old laptop, decide if a repair is worth it, or simply curious about your PC's current market value, understanding depreciation helps you make smarter financial decisions.
How Fast Do Computers Lose Value?
Most computers follow a predictable depreciation curve. In the first year alone, expect your device to lose 25-35% of its value—this is the steepest drop. Years two and three see continued depreciation of 15-25% annually, though the rate slows. After five years, most computers stabilize at roughly 10-15% of their original price, representing a "floor" where budget-conscious buyers and collectors keep demand steady.
What Factors Affect Your Computer's Value?
Several factors influence how much your specific computer is worth:
- Brand reputation: Apple products consistently retain value better than most Windows PCs, often holding 40-50% of their value after three years. Premium Windows brands like Microsoft Surface, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad also depreciate slower than budget brands.
- Original specifications: Flagship configurations hold value better because they remain capable longer. A 2023 laptop with 32GB RAM and top-tier CPU will be more desirable in 2026 than an entry-level model from the same year.
- Physical condition: Cosmetic damage, keyboard wear, and battery health significantly impact resale value. A well-maintained device can fetch 20-40% more than a heavily worn one. Common issues like fans not spinning or overheating can be fixed affordably if caught early.
- Market timing: New product releases often temporarily depress prices for older models. Conversely, supply chain issues can increase demand for used devices.
Private Sale vs. Trade-In: What's the Difference?
When selling your computer, you have two main options. Private sales through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Swappa typically yield the highest returns but require more effort—you'll need to create listings, communicate with buyers, and handle shipping or meetups. Trade-in programs from Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, or manufacturers offer convenience but typically pay 40-60% of what you'd get selling privately. If your device has issues, you might also consider pawning your laptop for quick cash, or selling it broken to parts buyers.
When Should You Repair vs. Replace?
The general rule is simple: if repair costs exceed 50% of your computer's current value, replacement usually makes more sense. Check our laptop and computer repair pricing guide to understand typical costs. However, consider these additional factors:
- Age: For computers over 5 years old, even affordable repairs may not be worthwhile given limited remaining useful life.
- Software support: If your device can no longer receive security updates or run current software, replacement becomes more urgent regardless of physical condition.
- Performance needs: If your current device genuinely meets your needs, extending its life through strategic repairs or upgrades often provides better value than buying new.
Our computer repair specialists in Florida can help you evaluate whether repair makes sense for your specific situation with a free diagnostic assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 3-year-old laptop in good condition typically retains 30-45% of its original value, though this varies significantly by brand. An Apple MacBook purchased for $1,500 might be worth $550-700, while a comparable Windows laptop might fetch $350-500. Use our calculator above with your specific details for a more accurate estimate.
Gaming PCs generally depreciate at similar rates to other computers, but their absolute value remains higher due to premium components. However, GPU-intensive machines can see accelerated depreciation when new graphics card generations launch, as gaming performance expectations evolve quickly. Desktop gaming PCs with upgradeable components often hold value better than gaming laptops.
Apple computers typically retain value better for several reasons: brand prestige creates consistent demand, longer software support extends useful life, limited model variations make comparison shopping easier, and Apple's ecosystem creates buyer loyalty. The shift to Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4 chips) has further improved Mac longevity by delivering excellent performance with high efficiency.
If you use your computer for business purposes, you may be able to claim depreciation as a tax deduction. The IRS typically allows computers to be depreciated over 5 years using MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System), or you may qualify for Section 179 expensing to deduct the full cost in the year of purchase. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
To maximize your sale price: clean your device thoroughly (inside and out for desktops), include original accessories and packaging if available, take high-quality photos showing condition honestly, factory reset the device, and be transparent about any issues. Timing matters too—avoid selling right after new model announcements when prices temporarily dip. Consider selling on enthusiast forums or Swappa for premium devices, as these platforms often attract buyers willing to pay more than general marketplaces. If your device has issues, read our guide on selling a broken laptop for options.
Strategic upgrades can increase resale value, but rarely dollar-for-dollar. Adding RAM or upgrading to an SSD are the most cost-effective improvements—they directly impact performance and buyer perception. GPU upgrades in desktop PCs can add significant value for gaming-focused buyers. However, don't upgrade specifically for resale; the return on investment is usually better if you benefit from the upgrades yourself while using the device. Our computer repair team can advise on which upgrades make sense for your specific machine.
The average functional lifespan is 4-6 years for laptops and 5-8 years for desktops, though well-maintained machines often last longer. The limiting factors are usually software compatibility (operating system and application requirements evolve), battery degradation (laptops), and whether the device can handle your current workload. Business-class devices like ThinkPads and workstations are built to last longer than consumer-grade equipment. Regular maintenance and addressing issues like cooling problems early can extend your computer's useful life significantly.
Repair costs vary widely depending on the issue. Screen replacements typically run $150-400, battery replacements $80-200, and motherboard repairs $200-500+. Simple fixes like RAM upgrades or storage replacement are usually under $150 including parts. See our complete laptop and computer repair pricing guide for detailed breakdowns. Our technicians in Wesley Chapel, Holiday, and Hudson offer free diagnostics so you know exactly what you're dealing with before committing to repairs. Not local? We also offer mail-in repair services nationwide.