Pro-tip: Dont buy graphics cards from retailers

So I've been doing this for my last few builds. It's cut down significantly on costs since I'm able to get current model graphics cards for sometimes less than half the retail cost.

The tip is to buy cards off classifieds like Craigslist or Kijiji. Ebay may be fruitful sometimes too, but the advantage of online classifieds is that you can ask for a demo from your buyer before you get the card.

I bought a lightly used 5870 back in 2011 for $150 CAD when they were still going for $400. I bought a hardly used R9 280X back in 2013 for $180 CAD when they were going for $380. It's not all good trades though. My buddy bought a problematic 280X this year for $200 - but he didn't ask for a demo.

So if you do this, be sure to ask for a demo of a game. Not just the OS boot. It'll save you some $$$ from your build

 

What do you mean demo of a build? Like ask them to go through and record gameplay? Or ask to try out the card in your own build.

 

With online classifieds you meet up in person to make the trade. So long as the seller is able to demonstrate that the card works with you in-person, you'll have nothing to worry about. I've done it a few times now and it hasn't been a problem each time.

Another way I've gotten a demo before is that I install the card quickly with them and run a game to see if it all checks out.

 

It's not unusual for used electronics to go for a steep discount, but as stated earlier, there's always the chance of getting a bad card, especially if it was made when mining for dogecoin/litecoin was popular.

You could also buy preassembled used pcs for 1/2 their cost in parts, from what I've seen on my local craigslist.

 

you gotta be careful tho, i bought a dodgy xbox 360 back in the day with a problem i wouldnt have found out by demoing

there are scumbags on these kind of things

 

Too bad, really. I've been trying to sell my used FX-8350 for $60 with no takers. Works perfectly too

 

CPUs are trickier, I'd never recommend buying a CPU on classifieds. You might want to look into building a shitty gaming rig with it and seeing if you can turn a ~$100 profit.

 

good point, could easily easily be done on these sites

 

Agreed, my Comp Sci lecturer forwarded us to a mate of his who repairs and builds PC's. Basically the guy hooks you up with individual pieces with a hefty discount (much cheaper than buying it from retailers). I'd say he still makes great profit off the selling of individual components but it's still a lot cheaper than retail stores for customers such as myself as well as being legit and high quality. He has some sort of traders licence so he ships the items in.

 

I already have a shitty rig, nobody buys that either xD

Fx-8350
8GB Quality ram
Decent Asus mobo
128gb ssd

Didn't put exact details because I'm not actually selling it, but that's what I'm trying to get rid of.