For context, my i7-10th generation laptop motherboard died. I use it for school for a course that requires design software. Took it to several qualified technicians who were unable to revive it. Now, the laptop is only about 3 years old and cost me a fortune and so obviously I cannot afford a motherboard or a new laptop of the same specs. However, I have found an i5- 10th generation motherboard that fits my budget. For the same budget I can also get a refurbished laptop with a warranty but with lower specs like an i5 6th gen and smaller screen inch size. So my question: which should I choose?
If its for school you may be able to apply a good enough pc onto your school loans if you cannot afford one right now. If you dont want to do that i would look at replacing the laptop with what you can, if it took several technicians to decline it, it usually not worth opening the can of worms.
Thanks for your take. I thought so too