Discussion How to buy a used GPU?

[Order 66]

I want to start this thread, not because I need to buy a GPU right now, (new or used) but I would like the various risks and pitfalls of buying a used GPU to be highlighted. I am sure many others will find this thread useful as well.

 

[punkncat]

I tend towards extreme caution about used graphics cards since mining. It is unfortunate to say, but you really can't trust anyone who says a card hasn't been. It is best to both see the card working, and to follow up by seeing if there is any OC overhead (left) in the card. The last part doesn't do so well for 'factory' OC models.

Beyond that, just not a lot of advice to give. Buy from a good friend if you can. Pony up the cash for a new one to be sure?

I would not purchase a used graphics card outside extreme need alongside a VERY compelling price.

 

[Order 66]

I tend towards extreme caution about used graphics cards since mining. It is unfortunate to say, but you really can't trust anyone who says a card hasn't been. It is best to both see the card working, and to follow up by seeing if there is any OC overhead (left) in the card. The last part doesn't do so well for 'factory' OC models.

Beyond that, just not a lot of advice to give. Buy from a good friend if you can. Pony up the cash for a new one to be sure?

I would not purchase a used graphics card outside extreme need alongside a VERY compelling price.

What about trying to build a, for example, $300 gaming PC? I know that $300 is a very limiting price point for new parts, but I know that with used parts it could be doable. Hindsight, I should have asked this more so along the lines of if someone wanted to build an ultra low-budget gaming PC.

 

[Wuwu]

I buy it, if it's to standard, leave good feedback, if it's not, send it back.. always use Ebay and Paypal as a finance option.

Only ever had 1 GPU be DOA and that was a GTX 1080.

After photo evidence to the seller and keeping email copies (Ebay does this automatically if you select the tick box) you are covered.

 

[USAFRet]

There are many many many pitfalls.

You can ask for all the test screenshots you want. But if what comes in the box is not that exact part...you're screwed.
Or even just a box of rocks, and then the seller disappears.

People will say "Well, you can just get your money back from fleabay".
But if your budget is only $300, you don't have a lot of buffer to wait around for a 'maybe refund'.


This is like wanting to buy a $1000 car, and knowing little about cars.
You will end up in tears.

 

[punkncat]

What about trying to build a, for example, $300 gaming PC? I know that $300 is a very limiting price point for new parts, but I know that with used parts it could be doable. Hindsight, I should have asked this more so along the lines of if someone wanted to build an ultra low-budget gaming PC.

In a case like this, I have to quote a Godsmack song I like.

"Decisions made from desperation, no way to go"

 

[Order 66]

In a case like this, I have to quote a Godsmack song I like.

"Decisions made from desperation, no way to go"

Yes, but I was in this situation last year, I was attempting to game on my old school laptop with a Celeron and HD graphics, and at the time, I only had $300 to spend. I ended up getting an older HP OEM prebuilt out of necessity since the laptop didn't even have enough storage space to install the games I wanted to play even if it was capable of running them. If I had known that buying used could have been a viable option, I would have at least had a standard PSU and case for which to use for future upgrades.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, but I was in this situation last year, I was attempting to game on my old school laptop with a Celeron and HD graphics, and at the time, I only had $300 to spend. I ended up getting an older HP OEM prebuilt out of necessity since the laptop didn't even have enough storage space to install the games I wanted to play even if it was capable of running them. If I had known that buying used could have been a viable option, I would have at least had a standard PSU and case for which to use for future upgrades.

And HP/Dell prebuilts often do not have standard ATX parts.
Meaning FAR more hassle to try to slide in a real PSU, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Order 66]

And HP/Dell prebuilts often do not have standard ATX parts.
Meaning FAR more hassle to try to slide in a real PSU, etc, etc, etc.

I know, that is why I wish I hadn't been so scared of buying used.

 

[USAFRet]

I know, that is why I wish I hadn't been so scared of buying used.

And if you don't know what you're doing, "used" can be worse...😉

 

[stonecarver]

Buying used is a crap shot like already said who knows the history of GPU, mining card. A passed around card that user knew it's not there's and it ends up in a car floorboard sliding in sand a dirt for a few months till you see it pop up on the used market and I kid you not the seller just picks up the card off the floor and takes a picture sitting in the car and says works great. RED FLAG

If I see a GPU used and seller flips a pic while there in the car is a no go for me.

If seller takes a while responding back to you RED FLAG , yes we all work but when they do get back to you, that you might want to buy there GPU and seller goes dark while your asking questions NOPE

Don't meet in a gas station because seller says for safety. I get that part but gas stations RED FLAG.

I have a personal hate for sales the say " need it gone now"

Never buy from a seller saying low price because I'm leaving town tonight. RED FLAG

I will not buy a used GPU unless seller puts there money where there mouth is and shows me in person card works.

Don't ever show seller your excited to buy card, If you do they own the outcome of the sale.

I have bought many many used GPU , all still work. Never gotten hosed by a con.

I will admit when I was younger it was harder to do the used market, If you look young believe me they will try to rip you off. I started buying Amplifiers used years ago and cut my teeth there.
There are cons and a$$hole everywhere.

I have a pissed off look to me or leave that alone now that I'm older. That helps a lot now dealing with jerks and rip-offs.

Look at the card if it looks ruff that means it was not handled good.

Look at sellers offerup/ craigs list how long ago there account was opened.

I you see a RTX 3090 on offerup and account was just made yesterday NOPE

If you buy in person have them prove it works.
If you buy off line make sure there is a return policy.


Will you some day get ripped off ---------YES----------- This is the real life.

 

[beyondlogic]

things I look for I know the USA don't like the warranty removed stickers but i use it as a somewhat guide if I see that sticker removed it usually means its been opened and tampered with which is a big no no. for me.

i also look in pawn shops in uk it be like cex im not sure what the equivilent is but most have a few days policy for returns.

other things to look for in photos is the treatment of the heatsink and rear io i tend to look for rust or gunk build up as that tells me 2 things

1. they didnt look after it
2. the rust would indicate it was in a damp room or previous water damage.

also a video of it working or a photo of a time stamp of it working. with hw monitor showing the gpu is the gpu they are selling.

type of gpu your after and budget just curious.