Computer Diagnostics Austin TX
Not sure what's wrong with your computer? That's exactly what our diagnostic is for — $50 for standard PCs, Macs, and laptops, or $99 for gaming PCs. We figure out the problem, explain it in plain English, and give you a written estimate so you can make an informed decision — no pressure, no commitment to repair.
- Standard PC/laptop $50
- Gaming PC $99
- Written estimate included
- No obligation to repair
- Same-day turnaround
What You Get With Your Diagnostic
A diagnostic at PC Genie is not a quick glance and a guess. It's a hands-on assessment where we open up your machine, test components, check software, and identify the actual root cause of the problem. The standard diagnostic for PCs, Macs, and laptops is $50; gaming PCs are $99 because the hardware is more complex and takes more time to test thoroughly. Here's exactly what's included in either tier:
- Hardware inspection — We check the power supply, motherboard, RAM, storage drives, fans, and thermal conditions. For laptops, we check the battery, charging circuit, screen, and hinges.
- Software assessment — We check for malware, driver issues, OS corruption, startup problems, and software conflicts that could be causing your symptoms.
- Root cause identification — We don't just describe the symptom; we identify what's actually causing it. "Your laptop is slow" becomes "Your hard drive is failing and your RAM is maxed out at 4GB."
- Written estimate — You get a clear breakdown of what needs to be done and what it'll cost. Parts, labor, timeline — all spelled out before you commit to anything.
- Plain-English explanation — We explain the issue in terms that make sense. No jargon, no scare tactics, no vague hand-waving about "needing a new computer."
- Honest recommendation — If the repair costs more than the machine is worth, we'll tell you. If it's a simple fix, we won't pad the estimate. We give you the information; you make the decision.
When Does a Diagnostic Make Sense?
A diagnostic makes sense whenever you're dealing with a computer problem and you're not sure what's causing it. Some specific scenarios where our customers find diagnostics most valuable:
Your Computer Is Acting Up, But You're Not Sure Why
Maybe it's slow. Maybe it blue-screens sometimes. Maybe it makes a weird noise. Maybe it takes forever to start. These symptoms could point to a dozen different causes — from a failing hard drive to a malware infection to thermal throttling. A diagnostic pinpoints the actual problem so you're not guessing (or replacing parts that aren't broken).
You Want to Know If Repair Is Worth It
Your laptop won't turn on, and you're wondering whether to fix it or buy a new one. A diagnostic tells you exactly what's wrong and what the repair would cost. If it's a $60 battery replacement, that's an easy yes. If it's a $500 motherboard, maybe you'd rather put that toward a new machine. Either way, you're making an informed decision.
You've Tried Troubleshooting and It Didn't Work
You've Googled the error messages, updated drivers, run Windows troubleshooters, and nothing helped. At this point, you need someone with the tools and experience to dig deeper. That's what we do.
You Don't Want to Get Talked Into an Unnecessary Repair
Some shops will tell you everything needs replacing. We'll tell you what actually needs fixing. If your computer just needs a cleanup and some software updates — a $50-$100 job — we're not going to recommend a $400 repair.
What Happens to the Diagnostic Fee?
The diagnostic fee — $50 for standard PCs/laptops, $99 for gaming PCs — covers the time and expertise to figure out what's wrong. If you decide to proceed with the repair, we can apply or waive the diagnostic fee where appropriate. If you decide not to repair, you pay just the diagnostic and take your machine home with a clear understanding of its condition.
Either way, you walk away with useful information. The diagnostic is never wasted.
What We Diagnose
We diagnose PCs, Macs, laptops, gaming desktops, and business workstations. Common diagnostic requests include machines that won't turn on, slow performance, overheating, blue screens, data recovery assessment, virus/malware assessment, hardware failures, and upgrade recommendations.
Problems we diagnose every day.
Describe what's happening and we'll figure out why. That's the whole point.
Diagnostics you can trust.
We tell you what's actually wrong. Not what makes us the most money.
The diagnostic process
Simple, transparent, and no surprises.
Drop off
Bring your computer to either Austin location during business hours. Tell us what's happening — we'll take notes.
We diagnose
We inspect hardware, test components, check software, and identify the root cause of the problem.
We call you
We explain what we found in plain English and give you a written estimate for the repair if one is needed.
You decide
Approve the repair, take the machine elsewhere, or just take it home. The diagnostic fee ($50 standard, $99 gaming PC) covers the assessment either way.
Standard PCs, Macs, and laptops are $50. Gaming PCs are $99 (more complex hardware, more time to test). Both tiers cover a hands-on assessment, identification of the problem, and a written estimate. If you proceed with the repair, the diagnostic fee can be applied or waived where appropriate.
Hardware and software inspection, relevant component testing, root cause identification, a written estimate with repair costs, and a plain-English explanation. You'll know exactly what's wrong, what it costs to fix, and whether the repair is worth doing.
Most diagnostics are completed same-day. Complex issues may take 1-2 business days. We'll let you know the timeline when you drop off.
No. The diagnostic gives you information. You're free to take that information and get the repair done anywhere. No pressure, no obligation.
A diagnostic makes sense when you don't know what's wrong, when you want to know if repair is worth the cost vs. replacement, or when you've tried basic troubleshooting and the problem persists. It's also smart before buying parts yourself — the part you think is bad might not be the actual problem.
Yes. We diagnose MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac minis alongside Windows PCs and laptops. Same process — identify the issue, explain it clearly, and give you a written estimate.
Other services you might need.
Call for a computer diagnostic — $50 standard, $99 gaming PC.
Describe what your computer is doing. We'll tell you whether to bring it in and what to expect. Walk-ins welcome during business hours.