Should you replace your laptop?

Enter your laptop’s processor and memory: we tell you whether it can still get security fixes, and whether a laptop does clearly better for your budget. Sometimes the right answer is to keep it.

Your laptop is…

A PC (Windows) A Mac (macOS)

What is its processor?

Where to find it: on Windows, Settings › System › About, “Processor” line; on a Mac, Apple menu › About This Mac.

How much memory (RAM)?

4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

What matters most to you?

BudgetPaying as little as possible — refurbished is fine SmartThe best value for money PremiumThe best quality, even if it costs more

Budget for the next one, if you replace it

Up to $500 Up to $700 Up to $1,000 No limit

How we decide

Two questions. Can it still get security fixes? (its processor on Microsoft’s Windows 11 lists, or your Mac’s chip.) Does a laptop on sale within your budget do clearly better, by at least 15 points on the processor and memory score (processor measured by PassMark)? Screen, battery life and weight are not compared: we do not know them for yours.