- Fix PCs diagnosis starts with a diagnostic scan that points directly to the failing component.
- Match symptoms to parts: crashes point to GPU, no-boot points to PSU or cables, slowdowns point to RAM or storage.
- Always verify with a benchmark test after swapping a part — a fail means something is still loose.
- Keep spare screws and cables tracked; loose connectors are among the most common root causes.
- Diagnose fast to earn more: quicker fault identification directly raises your repairs per hour.
How Diagnosis Works in Fix PCs
Every repair ticket in Fix PCs begins the same way: a customer hands you a broken computer, and you must figure out exactly what is wrong before touching a screwdriver. The game gives you a diagnostic tool — scan the customer's PC and it points you to the failing component, whether that's a dead GPU, faulty RAM, a failing PSU, or simply a loose cable.
Diagnosis is the profit bottleneck of your shop. The faster you identify the fault, the faster the PC hits the workbench, gets fixed, passes the benchmark, and earns you Cash. Experienced players memorize symptom patterns so most orders are identified within seconds of reading the ticket.
Before running any scan, read the customer's ticket description. Tickets often hint at the problem category, letting you skip straight to the likely part and confirm with the diagnostic tool.
Diagnosis overview by fault type:
| Fault Type | Diagnostic Signal | Likely Part | Repair Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| No power / won't boot | PC completely dead | PSU, power cables | Easy |
| Loose connection | Intermittent behavior | Cables, connectors | Easy |
| Display failure | Artifacts, black screen | GPU | Medium |
| Crashes under load | Freezes during tests | GPU, PSU | Medium |
| Slow performance | Long boot, laggy | RAM, Storage | Easy |
| Random errors | Unstable behavior | RAM, Motherboard | Hard |
Symptom-to-Part Matching Table
Once you've handled a few dozen orders, you'll notice the same symptoms repeat. Use this reference table to go from symptom to suspect part in seconds, then confirm with the diagnostic scan before ordering a replacement.
| Symptom | Primary Suspect | Secondary Suspect | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC won't power on | Power Supply | PSU cable, power switch | Reseat cable or swap PSU |
| Black screen, fans spinning | GPU | Monitor cable | Swap GPU, reconnect cable |
| Blue screen / random crashes | RAM | GPU, Storage | Reseat or replace RAM |
| Very slow boot times | Storage (HDD) | RAM | Upgrade to SSD |
| Overheating, loud noise | Cooling fans | Case airflow | Replace cooler |
| Fails benchmark repeatedly | Wrong part tier | Loose screws/cables | Recheck installation |
Symptom guessing alone can mislead you — some tickets list misleading complaints. Always confirm with the diagnostic tool before buying a replacement part, or you'll waste Cash on components the customer didn't need.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis Workflow
Follow this workflow on every ticket to keep your diagnosis consistent and fast. The same loop applies whether the fault is a loose cable or a dead flagship GPU.
Accept and read the ticket
Interact with the waiting customer to accept the repair ticket. Read the complaint carefully — it usually narrows the fault to one or two part categories before you even touch the PC.
Run the diagnostic scan
Use the diagnostic tool on the customer's PC. The scan highlights the failing component, such as a dead GPU, faulty RAM, failing PSU, or a loose cable.
Check inventory for the replacement
Open your parts inventory and confirm you own a matching replacement. If not, buy it before heading to the bench — mid-job part runs kill your turnover rate.
Move the PC to the workbench
Carry the PC to your workbench and place it down. All disassembly and part swaps happen at the bench, not on counters or shelves.
Swap the part and verify
Unscrew the side panel, remove the faulty component, install the replacement, reconnect cables, close up, and run the benchmark. A passing score confirms the fix.
When multiple tickets show similar symptoms, handle them back-to-back. You keep the same tools out and the same replacement parts in hand, cutting minutes off each diagnosis-repair cycle.
Common Diagnostic Mistakes and Fixes
Most failed repairs in Fix PCs come from a handful of predictable mistakes. Each of these cards covers a frequent sticking point and how to resolve it.
Part Won't Come Out
- Check remaining screws — some are easy to miss
- Look for an attached power cable
- Unplug connectors before pulling parts
PC Won't Power On
- Confirm PSU-to-motherboard connection
- Flip the PSU power switch
- Reseat every power cable fully
Benchmark Keeps Failing
- Compare installed parts against ticket requirements
- Verify all screws fully seated
- Check for low-wattage PSU with high-end parts
Wrong Part Installed
- Some jobs require a specific part tier
- Re-read the ticket requirements
- Redo the swap — wrong parts void the job
A low-wattage power supply can't drive high-end GPU and CPU combinations. If a build keeps failing its benchmark with premium parts installed, the PSU is the first thing to check.
Cost reference for common replacement parts:
| Part | Category | Price | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8GB DDR4 RAM Stick | RAM | $35 | Level 1 |
| 500W Basic PSU | Power Supply | $50 | Level 1 |
| Entry GPU (GT Series) | GPU | $120 | Level 2 |
| Standard ATX Motherboard | Motherboard | $90 | Level 4 |
| High-End CPU | CPU | $380 | Level 15 |
| Flagship RTX-Class GPU | GPU | $1,500 | Level 25 |
Speed Up Diagnosis for More Profit
Diagnosis speed is the core of the Fix PCs money loop. Faster identification means more completed repairs per hour, which compounds into better tools, more workbenches, and bigger inventory.
| Strategy | Effect on Speed | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Memorize symptom patterns | Cuts scan hesitation | High |
| Upgrade diagnostic tools | Faster, more precise scans | High |
| Stock common parts near bench | No mid-order part runs | Medium |
| Batch similar tickets | Fewer tool swaps | Medium |
| Second workbench | Two repairs in parallel | High (once affordable) |
Take simple orders first — loose cables and single-part swaps build Cash quickly. Reinvest in a quality screwdriver and upgraded diagnostic equipment before anything else; they cut time off every future order.
Diagnosis Mastery Checklist:
- Memorize the top symptom-to-part matches
- Always run the diagnostic scan before buying parts
- Keep GPUs, RAM, and PSUs stocked at all times
- Upgrade diagnostic tools in the first hour of play
- Verify every repair with a passing benchmark
FAQ
Q: How do I diagnose broken computers in Fix PCs?
Read the customer's ticket, then use the diagnostic tool on their PC. The scan points to the failing component — GPU, CPU, RAM, PSU, storage, or a loose cable — which you then replace at the workbench and verify with a benchmark test.
Q: Why won't the PC power on after my repair?
Check that the PSU is connected to the motherboard and that the power switch on the PSU itself is flipped. Also confirm every power cable is fully seated — partially plugged connectors are a common cause of dead builds.
Q: The benchmark keeps failing even though I replaced the broken part. What's wrong?
Compare the installed parts against the ticket requirements — some jobs need a specific part tier. Also check that all screws are fully tightened and cables are seated. A low-wattage PSU paired with high-end parts will also fail benchmarks.
Q: What are the most common faults customers bring in?
Loose cables, dead GPUs, faulty RAM, and failing power supplies make up the bulk of early orders. Stocking these categories keeps you from stalling mid-repair, since running out of a common part kills your momentum.