What PC Parts You Can Buy Used? [Beginner’s Guide 2024]

Tech enthusiasts like myself always keep upgrading their computers. But sometimes, going for a new part seems impossible for the budget issue, and it’s okay. In this case, buying a used part can be a great alternative.

You can save a few hundred dollars on computer components that can do more or less of the same stuff a new one can.

But choosing which PC parts to buy can sometimes be challenging. As you know, you must avoid some second-hand parts because of the risks they bring.

In this article, I will discuss what used PC parts you should or should not buy from the market and the reasons behind it.

So read this article thoroughly, and you will know everything about buying used PC parts.

PC Parts that are safe to buy used

Buying an excellent used PC Parts involves a little more work than getting something new, but the components from a few years ago should still give you good service. Used parts will do mostly the same stuff as their newer counterparts. You can buy Processor(CPU), RAM, Cooler, etc., second-hand.

Here are the parts you can buy used:

1. Processor(CPU)

The processor is like the brain of the computer. So the price is higher than other PC components. For this reason, second-hand CPUs are getting more popular day by day.

Here is why you should buy a used CPU:

• CPUs are usually built to last and can serve you for several years. That’s why you can easily buy a few years old CPU without worry.
• You will get the same speed as the newer unit.
• Used processors are drastically cheaper than newer ones.

Although there are many pros to buying a used CPU, you must keep a sharp eye on some facts.

Here are the things to consider before buying a used CPU:

• Check for the bent pins while inserting the CPU because if you have any bent pins, your CPU won’t perform as it should.
• Situations like unplanned shutdown are also a red flag for buying a used processor. Avoid those types of components while buying.
• Check for the heat. Increased heat reduces the processing speed.
• Don’t buy second-hand CPUs older than 5 years old.
• Test the stress of your CPU.

You can use prime95 to strength test your CPU. This is free software that tests all the cores of your CPU separately.

Follow our guide to know can an overheating CPU cause shutdown.

2. RAM

RAM is another component you can buy second-hand. The cost of RAM has increased in recent years. You need a large amount of RAM to effectively run all the apps and software on your PC. That’s why buying used RAM comes in handy.

Here is why you should buy used RAM:

• RAM is the most durable part of a PC and serves you when put to the correct type.
• You will get more RAM if you buy the used version.
• There isn’t any performance drop between used and new versions.

But you need to keep some things in mind when buying second-hand RAM.

Here are the things to keep in mind while buying a used RAM:

• Check whether the RAM is overclocked or not. Overclocking reduces the life expectancy of the RAM.
• Ensure the bus speed before buying because the RAM of different bus speeds won’t be compatible with each other.
• Check the version of the RAM you buy, as DDR3 RAM won’t work with DDR4 motherboards.
• Inspect the RAM for any physical damage.
• Check the RAM strength.

Memtest86 is an excellent software to test RAM strength, and it’s free. This software marks the fault parts of your RAM.

Also check our exclusive tutorial on can increasing RAM help CPU usage.

3. Case

Used PC case can save you lots of bucks, And it’s easy to check. It doesn’t need lots of testing to determine legitimacy.

The exterior looks are what matters the most. Check for any dents or cracks to ensure the condition of the case.

I recommend you to buy PC cases that don’t look too old or damaged. Another minor thing to check for is the case’s switch and USB ports the case provides.

4. Keyboard & Mouse

Keyboards and mouse aren’t as costly as components like CPUs, but you can buy second-hand keyboards and a mouse to replace broken parts quickly.

Here are some things to consider to buying a used Keyboard & Mouse:

• Check for the physical status of the keyboard and mouse.
• Check for the compatibility of the Keyboard & Mouse on your device. Sometimes the 2nd-hand Keyboard & Mouse won’t work with your PC.
• Try to use the keyboard and mouse for around
• Check all the keys for potential damage.

Check out the easiest way to change Mouse polling rate.

5. Monitors

Monitors are safe to buy second-hand as they don’t differ much from the new. Also, purchasing second-hand monitors can save you some serious penny. But you have to consider some things before buying a used monitor.

Here are the things to consider before buying a used monitor:

• Check for any dead pixels on the screen. You can mark the dead pixel on an all-black screen.
• Examine the used monitor for any kinds of dark or bruise marks. They indicate the potential damage to the LED light.
• Check the HZ of your monitor. That will help you determine if it’s an original piece or a copy.

When you check the above factors, then you can negotiate the price.

6. Disc Drives

Disc drivers are safe to buy in used condition. But you won’t save much because the price difference between the used and new ones isn’t much.

Check for the physical appearance; if it is ok, buy it without a second thought.

7. Graphics card

Buying used graphic cards might help save your hard-earned cash when you know the history of the device.

However, making such a move is risky for unknown devices. GPU used in mining will harm your PC.

3Dmark and ADA64 are two apps used to determine the GPU’s status. You need to test how much heat the used GPU can handle. Also, look for any sudden crashes in the GPU. This way, you can determine if.

Quickly check out our epic guide on how long do GPUs last.

8. Cooler

There are two types of cooler in the market: the stock cooler and the liquid cooler. However, it’s okay to buy a used stock cooler but don’t ever buy any liquid cooler because it’s hazardous. The risk of leakage in the case of dents and cracks is common for the second-hand liquid cooler.

Here are some things to consider before buying a used cooler:

• Check the physical condition of your cooler. Avoid purchasing any color with holes or cracks.
• Inspect the noise level of the cooler you are purchasing.
• Examine whether your cooler can run into the max speed or not.

After checking those factors, you can determine the price of the cooler you are buying.

{Note: you can buy, a CPU, RAM, PC Case, Cooler, and Disc drive. You Shouldn’t Buy the HDD, MOBO, and PC cable. Make a picture using the component image, tick marks, and cross marks.}

What PC Parts you shouldn’t buy used?

As you can buy some parts without putting much thought, some parts you shouldn’t buy second hand. The main reason behind it is that you can’t determine those components’ risk factors. In some cases, the risk factors of those components are much higher than the cost benefit you are getting.

Here are the used parts you shouldn’t buy:

1. HDD

Buying a used HDD can cause you a disaster. Without knowing the previous history, you can’t even determine the life expectancy of your hard drive.

Here is why you shouldn’t buy a used HDD:

The magnetic tapes store data by rotating. It generally rotates a thousand revolutions per minute. These rotating parts can be damaged easily when the device is dropped or improperly used.

There is almost no way to determine if there are any bad fragments in the storage. So I recommend you buy a new hard drive instead of a new one.

2. Motherboard

The motherboard works as a foundation on which PCs are built. Buying a used motherboard involves too much risk for the reduced price.

Here is why you shouldn’t buy a used Motherboard:

• Crucial components like capacitors could have worn out in old motherboards. That reduces its functionality.
• Older motherboards don’t usually support the latest or advanced CPUs and RAM.
• Most used motherboards have faulty back connectors. So you can’t use the back USB or 3.5mm ports in the used MOBO.
• Bend pins in the CPU socket can damage the CPU itself.

Considering those reasons, you can see it is better to avoid buying a used motherboard.

3. Power supply (PSU)

PSU is the most critical computer part; never ever buy second-hand.

Power is essential for all of the system components to function effectively. When the PSU is damaged, it can reduce the lifespan of other PC parts by not giving enough power.

So don’t try to save money on the Power Supply.

Also, remember that a little extra Wattage in the specs can go a long way toward making a power supply live longer and run cooler.

4. Power cables

The faulty cable can damage other parts of the PC. Your cable is coated with Rubber; some delegate cables maintain the connection under the rubber.

These cables can be damaged for simple bending or sudden pull. And you won’t be able to see the damage because it gets hidden under rubber coating. So you shouldn’t buy used PC cables.

Also, check out our separate post on does RAM brand matter.

Pros and cons of buying used PC Parts

Like two sides of a coin, used PC parts have both pros and cons. While shopping for the used PC parts, you need to ensure the advantages you are getting are worth the money you are spending.

Here are the pros and cons of buying used PC parts:

The table above gives you the merits and the problems of buying used PC parts. Now it’s up to you whether you buy used hardware or not.

Conclusion

Long story short, you can usually buy a used CPU, RAM, PC Case, Cooler, and Disc drive. Keep some crucial facts in mind while buying a used GPU. And never try to buy the Power supply unit second-hand. Also, I recommend not purchasing the HDD, MOBO, and PC cable.

Thanks for reading this article. Upon completion, I’m sure now you know what used hardware you should buy and what you shouldn’t. Comment if you need any other information regarding PC hardware.

Have a great shopping day!