Can I buy PC parts and leave them for later?

Jovan612

Reputable
May 23, 2015
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I want to build a PC, but my money isn't all there yet, there are some really good deals at the nearby micro centre and I want to buy some of those parts. Could I buy a CPU (for example) and store it in the box for a couple months until I get the rest of the money? Or will it damage the components if stored for so long?
 
It's completely okay to do that but it's better just to wait till you have the money and then just buy it all straight out. Price's go down passively so there really isn't much point waiting unless you can get a working pc minus some bits. eg an i5 and run off intergrated graphics till you can afford a dedicated one.
 
A box sitting on a store shelf, or in your closet will be the same. The warranty will start when you purchase it, so if you get a 30 day return policy from the store, you might want to build it within 30 days, or it may take longer if you need to replace something.
 


Hadn't thought about warranty's and thats a big reason for wanting to buy and build all at once.
 
I totally would not. I did a Christmas build(two at the same time), turned out one of the mobos was bad. Replacing it wasn't easy, all replacement boards were sold out so I couldn't exchange it. Built computers on xmas (bought 20 days earlier) so I had 10 days to replace the board or send back to manufacturer, but since boards were sold out I couldn't. Long story short had to get the manager of the store to give me a gift card with a note saying I could come back after the 30 days to claim my replacement unit. Buy all your shit at once, and make sure it works. Otherwise you have to wait a looooong time to send stuff back and forth + you pay the shipping in most cases.