Understanding Battery Cycle Counts: When Should You Replace It?

## Battery Health 101: The "Cycle Count" Secret

Batteries are like tires; they wear out with miles driven. In batteries, we call these "cycles."

### What is a Cycle?
One cycle is using 100% of your battery's capacity.
- **Example**: Tou drain 50% today, charge it, then 50% tomorrow. That equals **1 Cycle**.

### When is it "Dead"?
Most lithium-ion batteries are rated for **500 to 1,000 cycles**.
- **0 - 500 Cycles**: Peak performance.
- **500 - 800 Cycles**: ~80% Capacity left. Noticed drain.
- **1,000+ Cycles**: "Service Recommended." Risks of swelling.

### How to Check It

**On MacBook:**
1. Click Apple Logo (Top Left).
2. Hold **Option** Key -> Click **System Information**.
3. Go to **Power**.
4. Look for **Cycle Count**.

**On Windows:**
1. Open Command Prompt (Cmd).
2. Type: `powercfg /batteryreport`.
3. Open the file it creates.

### The "Plugged In" Myth
"Can I leave my laptop plugged in 24/7?"
**Yes, but...** modern laptops stop charging at 100%. However, heat kills batteries. If you game while plugged in, the heat degrades the battery faster than the charging does.

### The Techfix Recommendation
If you are over 800 cycles, or your battery health is below 80%, change it. A weak battery can cause CPU throttling (slow computer).

📍 **Battery Replacement Services**: RM 180 - RM 450 depending on model.