Am I Crazy to Buy Parts Used - Like New?
Posted by DamnDude030@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 15 comments
Greetings and hello everyone! I an thinking of getting an upgrade for my PC. My current DDR4/5600x/3080 build is serving fine at this moment, and I thank the lord every day that my PC functions.
Onto the main subject. With how high PC part prices are at the moment, I won't ever know if I should wait for part prices to go down, or just pull the trigger and buy the damned things.
The items I am looking at:
- B850 Aorus Elite
- 9800X3D
- Corsair 32 GB DDR5 RAM
As my title states... is it crazy of me to purchase these parts on Amazon as Used - Like New?
They're all at least $100 lower than their New price tag. But is it worth it to buy these specific parts as Used? How will I check for wear or damage on these parts?
Yellowtoblerone@reddit
Are you not able to go to a micro center, if you're in the US. And if not and your old system is serving you well why would you be upgrading in the worst supply chain shortage price hikes in history?
If you have experience with buying used an dknow how to test, can get your money back like eBay, there's nothing wrong with it. I have gotten tons of good deals like 16gb ddr4 for 25 bucks, multiple 2 to 4tb SSD for 100 to 188 et al.
DamnDude030@reddit (OP)
I am in a US Territory. Trust me. Micro Center would have been my first stop for PC parts, but I am not in the Mainland USA. =(
Yellowtoblerone@reddit
and you're looking to do this when you're not in contiguous US right now? it seems not a prudent thing to do
HayesBrewery@reddit
I don't know about the CPU or mobo, but I absolutely went with used ddr5 for a recent build and have zero regrets.
kpdinferno@reddit
You won’t notice any difference with these upgrade parts unless if you turn OSD on and play with benchmark tests.
You have a good processor so I would look at 5070s first.
I suggested 5070 because of these parts you mentioned, that is the price range of upgrade where you could get for 5070.
I had 5080 on 5800x and the difference was huge, improved quality and performance is noticeable.
Later, I upgraded to 9800x3d and I noticed no difference with same card, lol.
I have seen some ddr4 builds smoked ddr5 builds under 5080’s ranking list.
Just get new 5070 or 5080 if you want a real upgrade.
jhaluska@reddit
Recently released things used is hit or miss. They returned it for a reason, it's not always obvious what that reason is. I much prefer buying slightly older hardware used cause they likely were upgrading and the hardware is more likely fine.
If you have the time and ability to diagnose it, go for it.
VersaceUpholstery@reddit
The only time I’ve bought a like new - used part on Amazon was a MOBO, that came dead on arrival but had someone’s old m.2 attached
Kept the m.2 and sent the MOBO back, and just got a new MOBO lol
People have reported getting obviously opened PC parts even buying new shipped/sold by Amazon.
Amazons always a gamble at this point, but at least returns aren’t an issue. If the deal is good enough I’d take the gamble
number8888@reddit
I’ve done this before for many things even motherboards. Thoroughly test it once you get it and send it back if it doesn’t work. Most things wind you being perfectly fine though.
BillionaireBear@reddit
Purchased 2 used mobos off amazon and they were pristine. With that said, video everything for peace of mind - picking it up off the ground, inspecting the box, opening it, inspecting contents. Used mobos are great savings usually, maybe check B&H or eBay too
Inner-Ear@reddit
I've bought many computer components from Amazon open box/used for my last few builds, including GPU CPU PSU mobo and case. Always inspect and test them right away before the return window closes. Amazon makes it very easy to return open box stuff.
FatalGamer1@reddit
I would never buy a motherboard used. Maybe CPU and RAM but never a motherboard. Don’t buy anything used unless you have the guarantee you can return it.
changen@reddit
Never buy a board used unless you can return it without questions.
People will fuck up their own board's pins, buy the same board on amazon and then return the old board in the new box.
Amazon marks it as like new and you get fucked when you buy it. If you don't mind the shit show and the extra time, then it's fine.
I am ok with buying used CPU and RAM 99% of the time.
psimwork@reddit
This would be my thought as well. If you end up buying a "used-like new" motherboard off of Amazon, you should absolutely video from before touching the Amazon box, ideally matching the first video image to the delivery photo. From there, the video should show taking the box and opening it, and VERIFY that the CPU socket is undamaged (actually, ideal would be videoing the delivery person dropping it off, and then opening the box and inspecting without cutting the video at all).
I haven't personally had a bad experience with Amazon and buying a used item, but your point about the motherboard being damaged is a very good point. Specifically with Amazon or Newegg.
Interestingly, I would have far less of an issue with it buying from Ebay, as Ebay's buyer protection almost always tends to side with the buyer over the seller. It's why, when I sell a motherboard on ebay, I take VERY clear photos of the motherboard CPU socket and the serial number of the board and whatnot, and try to get video of me packaging it up before shipping it out. I will then send those images to the seller when I ship it (the implication being, "this shit is pristine when I send it out - so don't damage it and say that you received it damaged").
simagus@reddit
It's more likely a good buy than not as most of the time someone has literally just opened the box and decided to go with a better purchase (for them) within the returns window.
I'd be careful with the motherboard as I did get one mobo from Amazon that was "as new" that had bent pins in the socket.
Which is why, ever since...
Film everything when you unbox is just a standard rule, especially with third party sellers on Amazon and refurbished items, but do it every time anyway.
It's better to have solid proof you're in the right that not to have solid proof, just in case of any controversy.
Better to have and not need than to need and not have is how I see it.
9okm@reddit
Used - Like New is perfectly safe to try as you still have an easy return in case there's an issue.
I've had about an 80% success with this. Occasionally, accessories are missing, or the product is downright damaged.