The price of PC components is rising day by day, without much improvement on the performance side. So making a computer with used parts might seem an excellent idea in this situation.
Are you wondering whether you can build a powerful PC with used hardware? Recently I built a PC using previously used hardware and discovered that all computer hardware components should not be previously used.
Before starting to build a PC with used hardware, keep reading to learn what you must know.
You may also like to read about how long does it take to Build a PC?
Is it safe to buy used PC components?
The answer to this question depends on a handful of factors. You can buy some parts without prior knowledge about them, but in most cases, it requires some kind of knowledge about the hardware.
Also, the visual condition of the product can tell a lot about the external abuse a device might have gone through. A part with dusty outside is definitely not a wise thing to buy.
If the external conditions are good and all the connections work properly, it is almost a safe bet to buy used hardware.
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Secondhand parts that you should consider buying
There are a lot of PC hardware components that are robust enough to serve their purpose for several years. Buying these used components can save you a lot of money, whether you are looking to replace a faulty part or want to make a new system from scratch.
Here is a list of used PC components that you can consider buying for your system:
1. CPU
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a hardware component that can make a hole in your pocket if you choose one of the powerful models available on the market. That is a big reason to buy used ones which are fairly in good condition.
Additionally, CPUs are kept very protected inside a computer as they are considered the brain of the device. Therefore, they are built to last long if properly maintained.
Most often, new generation CPUs do not offer a significant performance boost compared to their price jump. Therefore, choosing a bit older generation flagship CPU would still be cheaper than buying a new one.
Always look for issues like bent connector pins or unauthorized shutdown while buying a used processor. You should also make sure that the unit you buy is compatible with the motherboard you choose to work with.
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2. CPU Coolers
Coolers are one of the safest components that you can buy used. Testing them is very straightforward as they are chunks of metals connected with a fan.
You should consider buying a used cooler if the heat pipes are not bent or dented and there is no accumulated dust on the cooler. You should also check whether the fan makes any weird noise while running at any speed. In addition, there should be no residual cooling paste left on the cooler’s body. Finally, ensure that the cooler’s metal part touches the CPU for optimal heat transfer.
Remember that buying secondhand water-cooling systems can be risky, as there might be leaking issues. It is common for old watercoolers to be leaky and have corrosion. Therefore, do not buy a used watercooler unless you are sure about the quality of the product.
3. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the most indestructible component of a computer. Unfortunately, while building my last PC, a 16GB Corsair ram stick fell from the desk and got tossed to a corner of the room. But to my surprise, the RAM was fully operational and did not show any erroneous behavior.
Buying used RAMs is a good idea because the price of each unit goes up with time without any upgrade in generation or speed. Settling for a used RAM of the same generation and speed instead of a new one will save you 10-30% of the cost without compromising performance.
Although it is extremely rare to face any issue with used RAM, you should look for cracked or broken PCBs to avoid buying faulty RAM. In addition, if the RAM supports the RGB lighting scheme, check whether the lighting works appropriately or not. Finally, be sure that the RAM you chose is compatible with the motherboard.
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4. Peripherals
Although used peripherals can be a bit messy, sometimes it is very common to find new, used peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, disk drives, etc.
Typically, offices upgrade their systems every two or three years and sell their older systems at a fraction of the original price. So if you can manage to get hold of some good quality used peripheral devices, do not lose the opportunity of saving a lot of money.
Also related to this guide can I start a PC Without a CPU Cooler?
5. Monitors
Monitors are arguably the most expensive equipment for a PC setup. This is true, primarily if you aim to get a high-resolution monitor.
Whereas the price of a new 4K monitor would cost a pretty penny, you can buy a 1440p used monitor for a much lower price. Best of all, the drop in resolution is not noticeable, as human eyes can not detect the difference between 1440p and 4K. You will also get all the cutting-edge features at a fraction of the price of a new one.
Be aware of any kind of dead pixel while buying a used monitor. For example, if a group of dead pixels is concentrated in one place of the monitor, that indicates that the monitor got hit by something. You should avoid buying in such cases.
6. PC Casing
Casings are the only part of a computer that does not require much testing to determine whether it is good quality. If the casing looks okay cosmetically, it can be assumed that it is in good shape.
Before buying a used one, you should check all the RGB lighting and whether your cooling fan and GPU would fit into the case. Look for any visible damages to the case, and calculate space for components like PSU, motherboard, etc.
What components should always be new?
Although this article focuses on using old hardware to build a PC, some hardware components are best used as new.
Some of the components that you should buy as new are:
1. Storage drive
Buying a used storage drive for use is a bad idea. Most storage devices are HDD or SSDs, both of which have their own problems.
In HDDs, the data is stored on a moving disk and accessed via a magnetic link. Buying a used HDD can result in a loss of drive because such drives are unreliable. In addition, SSDs have a limited amount of read-write cycles. So if the SSD is not pretty new, investing in a used one is not a good idea.
2. Motherboard
As the name suggests, Motherboard is the hub of all PC hardware components. Each and every component of a computer gets connected to each other via the motherboard.
This is a very complex circuitry; finding faults in such circuits could take months, even for a professional. Moreover, a faulty motherboard can connect components that are not intended to be connected and cause severe problems. That is why it is always advised to buy a new motherboard unless you know that the used one you want to buy is fully functioning.
3. Power Supply Unit
The PSU (Power Supply Unit) provides power to all computer components. As the electronics of computers are very sophisticated, PSUs are designed to protect this equipment from a range of problems such as over-voltage protection, reverse current protection, etc.
A faulty power supply can not only damage the other parts of the computer, but it can also be the cause of a bigger problem. Therefore, to prevent you and your devices from any potential hazard, it is advised not to buy a used power supply unit to prevent you and your devices from any potential hazard.
Things to remember while buying used parts
1. Did the seller buy the product as new or used?
This is a very crucial question to ask. Because your product warranty, longevity, and performance all would depend on the age of the product and how much it has been used. Do not buy a product that the seller did not buy as new or firsthand.
2. How long did they use it?
The amount of time hardware has gone through use indicates the future lifetime of the product. By asking this question, you can determine whether the product was abused during its lifetime and what kind of performance you would get.
3. Ask about the repairing history.
A product with a repairing history will perform less than a product without a repair history. Asking this question would help you understand the value of the component. Keep away from products with a repairing history unless a warranty is provided.
5. Why is the seller selling the device?
There are many reasons for which someone can sell their old PC hardware. It is not also practical to think that the seller will tell you the truth. However, sometimes people sell their PC hardware because they are faulty. You should ask this question to the seller to get an idea about any potential issue with the device.
6. Run stability tests
You can test components with various benchmarking and stability testing software. Doing so would help you to be sure about the quality of the product that you bought.
Final Thoughts
Building a PC from scratch or upgrading one with used components is not an easy feat. One must know computer hardware to understand what part might be faulty. All parts should be compatible with each other. Happy PC building!
