BROKEN PC PARTS
Physical damage to computer components — cracked screens, failed hard drives, broken keyboards, or damaged hinges — requires careful assessment and often professional replacement. While some parts can be replaced at home with the right tools and knowledge, others require specialised equipment. This guide helps you identify the damage and understand your repair options.
Common Causes
Accidental drops or impacts that crack screens, damage chassis, or dislodge internal components.
Liquid spills on keyboards or laptops causing corrosion and short circuits in the circuitry.
Normal wear and tear over time — hinges weaken, keys wear out, and mechanical hard drives degrade.
Power surges or electrical faults that can fry motherboards, power supplies, and other sensitive components.
Manufacturing defects that cause premature failure of components like fans, batteries, or display panels.
Excessive heat damage from prolonged overheating that warps circuit boards or degrades solder joints.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Assess the Damage
Before attempting any repair, carefully assess what's actually broken. For screens, determine if it's the LCD panel (shows coloured lines, black spots, or cracks under the surface) or just the outer glass. For keyboards, test each key to identify which ones are affected. For hard drives, listen for clicking or grinding sounds. Check if the computer still boots and runs — this tells you whether the damage is cosmetic or affects core functionality. Document the damage with photos for insurance claims or repair quotes.
Back Up Your Data Immediately
If your computer still turns on, back up all important files immediately before attempting any repairs. Use an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service. If the hard drive is failing (clicking sounds, very slow access, frequent errors), prioritise backing up your most critical files first. For laptops with cracked screens, you can often connect an external monitor via HDMI to access your files. If the drive has failed completely, professional data recovery services may be able to retrieve your files, but this should be done before any repair attempts.
Identify Replacement Parts
Find your exact computer model number (usually on a sticker on the bottom of laptops, or on the motherboard for desktops). Search for compatible replacement parts using this model number. For laptops, parts like screens, keyboards, and batteries are model-specific — a screen from a different model won't fit. For desktops, components like RAM, hard drives, and power supplies follow standard form factors (DDR4, 2.5-inch SATA, ATX) making replacements easier to source. Compare prices across suppliers and check warranty terms.
Handle Hard Drive Failures
If your hard drive has failed, you have two main options: replace it with a new traditional hard drive (HDD) or upgrade to a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are significantly faster, more reliable, and have no moving parts, making them far less likely to fail from physical shock. For most users, a 500GB or 1TB SSD is the best upgrade you can make. After installing the new drive, you'll need to reinstall your operating system using a USB installation drive, then restore your backed-up files.
Attempt Simple Replacements
Some repairs are straightforward enough for confident users. Desktop RAM, hard drives, and power supplies typically involve unplugging the old component and plugging in the new one. Laptop batteries on older models often slide out from the bottom. However, modern laptops with glued-in batteries, soldered RAM, or ultra-thin designs require specialised tools and expertise. Always work on a clean, static-free surface, ground yourself before touching components, and follow a video guide specific to your exact model.
When to Call a Pro
If the steps above don't resolve your issue, it's time to call in the experts. Contact us if:
Your laptop screen is cracked and needs replacement — this requires careful disassembly and specific parts.
Liquid has been spilled on your device — professional cleaning within 24-48 hours dramatically improves recovery chances.
The motherboard or logic board is damaged — these require micro-soldering skills and specialised equipment.
You need data recovered from a failed hard drive that won't spin up or is making unusual noises.