Should you buy a used graphics card?

[Admin]

Should you buy a used graphics card? Cryptomining is largely dead, but AI-induced shortages have caused GPU prices to shoot up. If you're looking for a good deal on a used card, here's our guide for things to consider and what to expect.

Should you buy a used graphics card? : Read more

 

[Alvar "Miles" Udell]

In 2025 I'd say "No, unless you know and trust the seller", same with selling anything that's not cash and carry (Facebook marketplace, for instance).

On the buying front you don't know how it was used, so it could work fine for a couple of days then self destruct, much more of a potential problem post Crypto mining as well as just the power consumption and heat production of modern cards placing more stress on it. You can buy third party warranties, like Square Trade, but the extra cost will often eat up much to all the savings vs a brand new card.

Also I don't think I saw this mentioned in the article but forward support and features are something to be looked at. RX 6000 and RTX 2000 series are getting up there in age, the last thing you want is to spend hundreds on a GPU that may then be moved to legacy support. And with features something like lacking support for newer DLSS models will hamper its potential long term usability.

On the selling front the first thing you have to think of is of you would be better to keep it as a backup card, especially given the quality control issues of new cards, as well as just the random 2% or so chance of a component failure. Next is commission and chance of a scam on ebay, since they can have a faulty card of the same model and switch it with the working one you sold. It's word against word and like the article says they lean towards the buyer in those cases.

So yeah, I'd your friend or coworker needs a new GPU or is selling one it's probably completely fine, otherwise I say keep your old one as a backup and bite the bullet and go new.

Or subscribe to GeForce Now.

 

[ezst036]

I've bought used graphics cards. Never had a problem.

I will usually stay away from the hot ticket item that's prone to shenanigans though.

Even bought a former mining card knowing that that's what it was. Card ran just fine for years, and still have it, it only needed a BIOS flash back to stock ROM.

My only advice would be to stay away from specific scalper targets, and just ask a few simple questions after winning an auction but prior to payment. Non-responsive sellers is a good initial tipoff. They don't want to put stuff in writing if they are scamming.

 

[Eximo]

I look for timestamped photos, original box, and a stated reason for selling. Hasn't let me down the few times I have gone for a used card. Generally, the people that keep the box are doing the upgrade to the latest card thing and reselling their card to help pay for the new one.

Details in the photos they do take also matter. If you see lots of gaming stuff in the background, a good sign they used a card for gaming only. Cigarettes and vape stuff around will let you know in advance if you are going to need to do a heavy cleaning of the card.

 

[3ogdy]

Eh, I'd rather buy a slower card that's brand new and does what I need than risk buying a heavily used GPU, that worked under constant stress mining for bitcoin for the past couple of years.
Number one criteria will be price. It has to be under my max and do the basic stuff I need out of it.

 

[Jabberwocky79]

I considered buying a used GPU recently, but I just could not bring myself to pay more than 50% more than the original MSRP for a used GPU that could be 2+ years old already. I'm glad I didn't go that route.

I'm sure it's viable for some people, but man, a person realllly needs to be GPU savvy to keep from overpaying for a subpar performing purchase. I feel like the used market is an absolute minefield right now.

 

[logainofhades]

I would buy used, if I knew the seller, it had some form of buyer protection, like Ebay does, or if I was getting it open box at Microcenter.

 

[dimar]

I've been selling my graphics cards and PC parts since 90s. But personally I'd be a little hesitant to buy 2nd hand.

 

[nitrium]

I always put my old GPU into the MCPC and use it for MadVR upscaling and occasional couch gaming of older games. Since I only upgrade every 5 years or so, the GPU currently in the MCPC is up to 10 years old and probably of no use (or value) to anyone. I do keep a few of these very old boards in case of a GPU failure in either machine as an emergency backup though.

 

[Jabberwocky79]

I always put my old GPU into the MCPC and use it for MadVR upscaling and occasional couch gaming of older games. Since I only upgrade every 5 years or so, the GPU currently in the MCPC is up to 10 years old and probably of no use (or value) to anyone. I do keep a few of these very old boards in case of a GPU failure in either machine as an emergency backup though.

Same here 👍

By the time I replace a GPU it typically isn't worth the hassle of trying to sell it.

 

[JarredWaltonGPU]

I will say, I've bought a few used graphics cards over the years and they've been fine. RTX 30- and 20-series would scare me more these days, considering cryptomining potential. If they're 1/3 the original cost, though, and you have some form of protection (e.g. eBay), you'll probably be okay if you look for any questionable stuff up front (like severe dust buildup, or someone selling 10+ units).

If I were trying to sell, I'd use Facebook and an in-person, cash-only meetup first. At a place where you're not likely to get mugged. LOL. I don't care to sell anything on eBay anymore, after several bad experiences where clear scammers got away with some stuff that cost over $200.

One didn't use my return shipping label after claiming the part I shipped was defective, instead shipping to a local grocery store. My ten pound item (an older laptop) turned into an 8 ounce item that showed "delivered" to my Zip code. I didn't even get a tracking number until I complained to eBay, and when I looked it up I found out it was shipped to Hay's Market — which isn't an official shipping center. No one there saw it, probably because it was opened and found empty and so they tossed it. I wasted hours and hours with eBay support, and while things did eventually get rectified, "as a special favor to someone who has used eBay for 20 years," I'm done with that 💩.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... goodbye, eBay. I buy toys and stuff for my kids there, but if it's worth more than $100, I'm not selling it on eBay.

 

[valthuer]

Used market, is basically the reason i managed to sell my 4090, for 1,500 euros (roughly 1,700$).

So, yeah, people should definitely buy used graphics cards.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I’ve bought used cards over the years and been ok. Preferably buy new, but if going used make sure it’s a platform such as eBay with some kind of buyer protection. Also be flexible. Maybe you want an rx 7800xt for example, but don’t forget to look at other cards like the 6800, 6800 xt, the rtx 3080 or 4070 etc. in other words don’t lock yourself to one card, but read reviews and get an idea of ballpark performance and that gives you more options when shopping.

 

[newtechldtech]

I always buy used PC parts ... but with two conditions ,

First , hand to hand and not by post. and second , seeing it installed and working in his PC .

Does not matter if I Know him or not , and some times I drive 4 hours to get it.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I’ve bought used cards over the years and been ok. Preferably buy new, but if going used make sure it’s a platform such as eBay with some kind of buyer protection. Also be flexible. Maybe you want an rx 7800xt for example, but don’t forget to look at other cards like the 6800, 6800 xt, the rtx 3080 or 4070 etc. in other words don’t lock yourself to one card, but read reviews and get an idea of ballpark performance and that gives you more options when shopping.

And that's why I always check Amazon first if I want new previous tech. For example, Amazon is directly selling a 7800XT for $499, brand new. That's why I always stay clear of used stuff.

 

[evilpaul]

View: https://youtu.be/1T0npiqjEWQ?si=xG0X5Kj0_72dmMcA

It's an old topic. Don't buy cards that have known long term problems. GPUs with VRAM on the back and just a backplate are likely worn out.

 

[Phaaze88]

I can't do it - too paranoid. If it's from someone I know, then MAYBE.

 

[DookieDraws]

In mid-June of 2023, I was looking to complete my custom PC build with a GPU. The one I wanted was an ASUS TUF 4070 Ti, but it was hard to find in stock at the time, or way overpriced when I found one. I kept checking around and finally found one on Newegg for $700. An open box that was sold and shipped by Newegg. This was also around the time of hearing of some of the horror stories about Newegg, but I've ordered thousands of dollars' worth of stuff from them and have never had an issue. The description on their page for the GPU had a No-Return policy, which made things more concerning, but I wanted to finish my build. They said if it was defective that I could return it, and that it should still have its warranty if it hadn't previously been registered. So, I decided to roll the dice. To my surprise, the GPU was actually brand new and still sealed in the electrostatic bag. It also had the plastic protective film covering the entire GPU and fans. The only thing is that it did not come in a retail box or include any accessories at all, not even a half-eaten ham sandwich!

I went and registered it on ASUS' website, and it still had its warranty, which expires sometime next year. The GPU has been running flawlessly the entire time I've had it. Not a single issue. Not gonna lie, I was nervous as hell a few hours after I clicked that Buy button! If I order something used, it will have to be shipped and sold by that particular e-tailer and not from some 3rd-party seller.

The plain white box it came in but was shipped inside a Newegg box.

 

[RockLoi]

The thing about reusing your old GPU is that you're still going to be getting better experience streaming your new one to other screens in the house (unless your network is poor). Similarly I'd be happier with a well-maintained miner than a GPU that's been in a grotty bedroom.

I understand some people are risk-averse, but I just think it's sad when perfectly good items end up sitting around at houses as backups of backups. I always sell my old PCs/components at good value, getting someone a gaming PC who would typically be priced out of it is can be really encouraging.

 

[KyaraM]

My best friend was looking for a new GPU the other day, since his 2070 SUPER is getting a bit long in the tooth, and he wanted to build a new system anyways. He found a seller offering a 3080 for 450€ on what was previously eBAY Marketplace here in Germany. The seller was living only ten minutes away, selling the original box with the card, giving an upgrade as the reason for selling, offering benchmarking etc. So I adviced him to do what others here put forward already - ask the seller if he is fine with my friend coming over for the benchmarking and stress testing etc. He ended up buying the card for 400, there were no abnormalities and the card is in good condition, temperatures are good, too. It has been working well so far. And that's more or less the only way I would advice people handling this, honestly. Check the card and conditions it was used in for yourself if possible.

 

[Aeacus]

I, personally, am not rich enough to buy used hardware. Thus, i only buy brand new stuff.

With hardware, one has 2 choices;

1, Buy from questionable source, no-name hardware and play the lottery that you MIGHT get decent piece of hardware for paying peanuts.
Buying used always has it's risks and getting working hardware is 50:50 chance. Either it works and you scored a great deal (hence why people buy used hardware in the 1st place, to get great deals), or it doesn't work (or works partly) and you have a nice paperweight. Not to mention money wasted + your own time and effort troubleshooting it.

2. Buy from reputable source, brand name, brand new hardware, get warranty, be assured it works, while paying proper price for it.


Since used hardware is sold "as is", there is 0 expectation for it to work like brand new hardware. Nor is there any warranty with used hardware.
Due to this, for myself, the price of used hardware is instant 50% off from MSRP. And i don't care if the GPU is "open box", "almost new" etc. If there is no warranty with GPU, 50% off from MSRP.

As for my own old hardware, i haven't actually sold anything. I've kept most of it around (since i have more than 1 desktop PC) and i can use it in my other PCs or keep it as redundancy. Though, i have donated some of my unused PC hardware to the charity (one PC case + several case fans). And when time comes, i may donate more. But storage drives i have, will be seeing full/deep format + shredder.

 

[stonecarver]

I have no issue buying used video cards. As I type this sitting on my bench there are 14 used video card all 100% working and these are to me spare parts.

Yes it's buyer beware always on high alert but I have not got burned on one card yet.

You also meet cool people when you go to buy the cards that some have become friends.

You can sniff out the junk sales when you talk to the seller and that's part of the any sale be it a used GPU or used car.

If we are talking a RTX 4090 used off facebook um not a chance I avoid those like the plague.