Should I?Reviewed: Jan 12, 2026~1 min

Should I Upgrade My Laptop? Deciding on Laptop Upgrades with Frequent Video Calls in a Crowded Dorm

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends. Assess your laptop’s performance during video calls, multitasking, and peak dorm usage before deciding to upgrade.

Context

Students often wonder if an older laptop can handle frequent video calls and heavy workloads, especially when sharing bandwidth and power with roommates in crowded living spaces.

When it might be safe

Current laptop handles video calls and multitasking smoothly
You back up important files regularly
Light coursework or rarely need demanding software

When it is not safe

Ignoring frequent software crashes or hardware freeze-ups
Continuing to use a laptop that overheats during long study sessions
Performing system-intensive tasks without saving work frequently

Possible risks

Unexpected shutdowns or crashes during virtual exams and assignments
Loss of unsaved classwork and notes if device fails
Increased lag or call drops during Zoom sessions, impacting participation

Safer alternatives

Free up disk space and close unneeded programs
Invest in laptop cooling pads or USB-powered fans
Use cloud-based applications to auto-save work
Upgrade RAM or switch to a lightweight Linux OS instead of buying new

Bottom line

If your older laptop struggles or risks crashing during essential video calls or exams, consider upgrading or adding memory. Explore lower-cost fixes first, but don’t risk academic work or connectivity if reliability is a concern.

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