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Graphics card prices have spiked in recent years, driven by tech trends like cryptocurrency mining and AI. To save money, some people have turned to the used market in hopes of buying a new GPU for a bargain. Before you do too, it's worth understanding that there are some PC parts you should never buy used. We say a GPU is one of them, particularly depending on its age and condition.
Your old GPU might be good enough for now, too. There are apps that can help speed up an aging graphics card. If you're worried that you're seeing signs that your GPU is failing, check to make sure it's not just running slow.
If you do decide to buy, make sure to read rankings of major GPUs from worst to best. A little extra research can make a big difference.
Read more: 9 Of The Weirdest Gadgets Made In The '80s
A used GPU may not cost much less than a new one
GPU prices have been dramatically fluctuating in the new and used markets, especially as demand outstrips supply. Reviews of eBay listings from last year indicate that, depending on when you're shopping, the price for a used GPU can be barely less than that of a new one.
Reddit discussions indicate this isn't just a recent issue. In a post on Reddit's r/buildapc community from four years ago, one user claimed the typical used price for a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti was, at the time, only about $40 less than the price of a new unit. Although this is just one anecdote, it reflects what people saw at the time.
You might still assume that saving some money is better than saving none, but not always. That extra $40 difference in the Reddit discussion meant getting a new product with a warranty. That is a degree of valuable protection and peace of mind you often can't get when you purchase a used GPU.
You don't know exactly what you're getting with a used GPU
Previous owners can have a major impact on a used GPU's future performance. For example, some people use GPUs for cryptocurrency mining, which puts a lot of stress on the cards by running them at high power for long periods of time. The jury's out on the full extent to which cryptocurrency mining affects a GPU's performance, but we do know that it can cause problems in some cases, particularly if the previous owner modified the card.
Keep in mind that a GPU is also a complex piece of machinery, and its components can wear down over time. At the very least, you may need to clean or replace parts, like the cooling fan blades, to make it work properly. Depending on the age of a used GPU and how well it was maintained in the past, you might also have to replace thermal pads or power cables. This can add to the total cost of a unit that, once again, may not actually be priced much less than a new GPU in the first place.
Naturally, if you're considering buying any used tech online, you should research the seller to confirm you're buying from someone with a positive reputation. Even then, a seller can make claims about a GPU's condition that are hard to verify.
You need to test a used GPU to know if it performs well
Buying a new GPU comes with some peace of mind. As with any new tech item, you can generally expect it to work as advertised. If it doesn't, the cause is likely a defect or some other factor covered by the warranty.
You can't be so sure a used GPU will serve your needs. If you buy one, make sure to run tests that will help make sure you'll get the most out of your PC. That can include playing a variety of games that stress the unit.
Should you find a problem, you can usually return a new GPU to the store for a refund. Used GPUs, however, depend heavily on the return and refund policy of the platform through which you bought the unit. Of course, if you bought it on an online auction site, or in some other way that involves buying directly from an individual seller, you may be out of luck.
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