- If you want to save some money, it’s generally safe to get these four components used: PC case, CPU cooler, CPU, and graphics card.
- As with any used purchase, you should be able to recognize scams and should always inspect and fully test these components before purchasing them.
Unless you have a ton of money to spend on your PC, you would probably be happy to learn that you can buy many components second-hand without needing to worry about their reliability. This can save you money, which you can put into your piggy bank, or spend more on an all-important part, like the graphics card. Sounds good? Well then, here are the components to buy used for cheaper.
Note that I’ve listed these in descending order of how much I recommend getting each part second-hand.
PC Case
This is the most no-nonsense option if you’re looking to save some bucks. Depending on your needs, a PC case can set you back anywhere from $30 to $200 (or more!). So, if you’re looking to get a case that costs $100, you could probably get it for half the cost or less, depending on the condition and how long it has been used.
In most cases, all you need to ensure is that you’re happy with the chassis’ condition in terms of scratches. A used case could also have broken I/O (for example, one of the USB ports may not be working) and case fans (for example, the RGB on one of the fans may not be working).
CPU Cooler
The next, also a fairly no-nonsense option, is a used CPU cooler. Air coolers, especially, have a virtually endless lifespan, and as long as there is no significant physical damage, they should work as well as rain. The only thing that can “die out” in an air cooler is the fan(s), which can easily be replaced.
As for AIOs, I would generally say they are also a safe option, but not as much as air coolers. They also have a pretty long lifespan, and typically are rendered useless only when the liquid coolant runs out. However, in serviceable AIOs, the coolant can be replaced. In general, though, I recommend getting an AIO only if it hasn’t been used much, and just like for air coolers, you check for physical damage.
CPU
You’d think that, with the CPU being one of the most important components, you shouldn’t compromise on it. But in reality, it’s improbable that you end up with a faulty CPU, and you’re hearing this from someone who has bought a handful of used CPUs since he’s gotten into PC gaming.
Any CPU you buy is likely either working perfectly fine or not working at all (dead). The only common exception to this is if the CPU has significant scratches on the integrated heat spreader (surface), which could affect its cooling and cause it to run hot. CPUs are so safe to buy as a used option because both Intel and AMD CPUs are programmed to shut your PC down as soon as they heat up to a dangerous level.
Graphics Card
While it’s my least recommended option, there’s little chance of you running into a misused GPU (any GPU used for gaming or video editing is probably okay!). Also, while getting a non-mined GPU is certainly better than a mined one, it’s not the worst option if you buy it from someone who has taken good care of it (and you’re getting it for a good price), as you can see in this video from LinusTechTips.
Of course, you can only really take the seller’s word for that, so I recommend a hand-to-hand deal where you can test the GPU’s performance before purchasing it. This goes for the non-mined GPUs, too, of course! If the clock speeds are the same or close to those specified by the manufacturer, and the test finishes normally, you’re good to go.
The Used Market Can Be A Goldmine If You’re Careful
While buying used components always involves some (usually minimal) risk, it can also be very rewarding if you practice caution. I’ve bought all sorts of used components over the years and haven’t run into trouble with any of them. The key is to be able to recognize scams (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is), perform face-to-face deals, and fully inspect and test whatever you’re buying before you finalize the deal.
If you’re buying from popular resellers, ensure they have a good rating and no scams have been reported. Additionally, you can purchase from websites like eBay that provide buyers protection.
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