By Ribbit Computers, Wichita’s Local Tech Experts
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, our devices are more than just tools — they’re essential lifelines for work, school, entertainment, and communication. So when something goes wrong, it’s easy to feel stuck, frustrated, and even a little panicked.
But instead of waiting for a complete breakdown, knowing the early signs of a failing device can save you time, money, and stress. At Ribbit Computers, we’ve been fixing technology problems across Wichita and Derby since 2004. Here are the top 5 signs your device might need a repair — and why putting it off could end up costing more in the long run.
1. It’s Slowing Down — Big Time
Is your laptop crawling to open a single browser tab? Is your desktop freezing every time you launch a program? Slow performance is often the first warning sign. It could be something simple like too many background programs, or something more serious like a dying hard drive or virus infection. Either way, ignoring it can lead to more system instability and potential data loss.
2. It’s Running Hot — And Not in a Good Way
Devices generate heat, but when your laptop feels like a stovetop or your desktop fans sound like jet engines, that’s a problem. Overheating can be caused by dust buildup, broken fans, or poor thermal paste application — and it can cause your internal components (like the CPU or GPU) to degrade or fail altogether.
At Ribbit Computers, we offer thorough cleaning and diagnostics to keep your system cool and running efficiently.
3. The Battery Can’t Keep Up
If your fully charged laptop dies in under an hour, you could be dealing with a swollen, old, or failing battery. In many cases, this is a simple fix — but if you delay, it could damage the motherboard or cause power-related issues that affect your entire system.
We replace batteries for all major brands and can test your power components on-site.
4. It’s Crashing or Blue Screening
That dreaded blue screen (aka the “Blue Screen of Death”) usually comes with cryptic error codes — but the message is clear: something is wrong. Whether it’s failing hardware, corrupt software, or a bad driver, it needs attention. The longer you wait, the more you risk losing files or having the system stop booting up altogether.
5. It’s Making Weird Noises
Clicking, grinding, or buzzing noises usually mean your hard drive, fan, or power supply is on the way out. A failing hard drive is a major emergency — especially if you haven’t backed up your data. Our team at Ribbit Computers can recover files, replace faulty parts, and make sure your machine is whisper-quiet again.
Why Fix It Now?
Delaying a repair can turn a $60 fix into a $600 problem. Whether it’s your personal laptop or your business computer, downtime can be costly. Our technicians offer fast, honest diagnostics and practical solutions — no pressure, no upsells.
With locations in West Wichita, Northeast Wichita, and Derby, we make it easy to get your devices the help they need.
Need help now?
Call your nearest Ribbit Computers or stop by today. We’re here to help — with local service you can trust.
