12 Places to Buy Used Computer Parts Online

by Jerry JuaBuying
Dec 9, 2020
12 Places To Buy Used Computer Parts Online

Buying used computer parts requires a strategy, particularly if you are a first-timer. You should have an idea of the exact parts you are looking for by writing a spec list.

Checking several sites before making a decision is a step in the right direction. If you are not sure which sites sell used parts, worry not.

The following comprehensive list that we have thoroughly researched will help you decide where to buy used components parts online.

List of places to buy online 

1. Newegg 

This is the best place to buy used computer parts. It has many types that are in good condition. For those that are not available, add them to the wish list. Newegg will email you at the earliest when they are available.

They will also let you know about their upcoming sales. Their clearance sales are the best as you get good deals. They ship out orders fast, and their customer service is excellent. You can get more help or ideas from their active forum and YouTube channels. They accept returns on items if they have issues.

2. SheepBuy 

Purchase your used computer parts through this new marketplace. You will find a variety of used parts on what sellers have to offer. All you have to do is log in via Google or Facebook or with your email before making a purchase. Navigating the site is easy. There are filters for location, price, and type of item you require. SheepBuy is an online marketplace intended for any seller to post their items, and all transactions are between buyers and sellers only. There are no buying and selling commissions, so you’ll find your component at the best price possible. Using Paypal for payments gives you financial protection in case something goes awry.

3. Amazon 

Amazon’s popularity makes it the best place to buy pc parts. The easiest way to shop for them is to use the search bar. The filters on the screen’s left side will help you see your selections fast.

Once you select a component of interest, check the buying options at the bottom of the product description. Use the “Used and New” link. Having Amazon Prime helps you make purchases at better prices with free shipping. As a Prime member, you also receive your components faster than you would from most sites.

The refund policy is great. Amazon accepts returns for up to one month if you receive broken parts or if they are not to your satisfaction. However, Amazon has a sales tax that you need to bear in mind when calculating your total purchase cost.

4. eBay

eBay is another place where to buy used pc parts. You also find old and obsolete components here. It has good deals most times. Identify what you need by navigating to the Electronics section.

Then browse for the components you need by clicking the relevant subcategories. Complete your search by clicking on “Condition” and choosing the “Used” option. Narrow down your search to the year and price of the computer you want to buy.

However, when buying from eBay, ensure the pictures are the exact ones for the computer parts you want to buy and not stock photos. You may end up receiving what you had not purchased. Also, avoid deals that are too good to be true.

5. Swappa 

This marketplace accommodates used technology items. You can buy used pc parts for which you will pay a fee as part of the final price. The fee is in the range of $5-$35, depending on the selling price.

Swappa allows only functioning items. The support team checks the listings before approving them. They also verify the serial numbers. The shipping costs are part of the final price. Payment is via Paypal to ensure buyer protection.

6. Facebook Marketplace 

Facebook marketplace is ever-expanding its user base. This makes it an ideal place to look for the used computer parts you desire. As an offshoot of Facebook Groups, a lot of selling and buying takes place.

You can find sellers within your local area, or you can widen your search by adjusting the location. Filters enable you to identify your used pc parts, price, or location. Choose a payment method that is agreeable to you both.

It pays to be extra cautious, as you do not have buyer protection. If sellers offer particularly cheap used computer parts, avoid them, as they could be scammers. There is no rating of sellers, so you cannot read reviews before buying. You can only use your Facebook personal account to buy.

7. Gumtree 

This classified site is similar to Facebook though you do not need to have an account to buy. Browse for the specific category or enter the name of the used computer part in the search bar. You must state the location for the search by keying in “used computer parts near me”.

Gumtree offers buyer protection. Report any suspicious activity immediately. If it is serious, the offender is prevented from accessing the site forever.

8. Craigslist

This common site requires being on high alert. Approach it with caution because there are no regulations to safeguard your buying experience. Identify the used computer equipment you desire by typing it in the search bar.

You will find sellers in your location. Ensure you exercise due diligence because there is no buyer protection. Meet in a safe place, go with one or two other people, and only pay if you are satisfied with the item. You are also likely to get free computer parts listed on this site.

9. Dreamhardware.com

It is where to buy old computer parts. The site also offers used computer parts from discontinued or obsolete computers. It has a large inventory, from motherboards and memory to sound cards and hard drives.

Use the search bar to identify what you need effortlessly, or use the “Products” button to browse for the specific computer part you are looking for. You can filter appropriately as per your needs. Remember to click on “Condition” towards the left. Then select “Used” products.

10. Close5

Close5 is a site as well as a mobile application for locals to buy and sell their items. It is an online marketplace like Facebook Marketplace. Once you find the used computer parts you want, let the seller know through the app. Arrangements follow for the physical meeting where you check the item before making a payment.

11. Reddit

Find used or old pc parts for sale on this forum by identifying the relevant subreddit. Examples of subreddits are the “Hardwareswap” and “Computerbazaar”. Most people shy away from this platform but others acknowledge that you can get the used parts you require.

What makes Reddit attractive and reliable is the layers of verification that are in place to safeguard the buyer and the seller. To buy or sell, you must have an account that is more than 50 days old. Alternatively, your comments should have earned you not less than 100 points.

This means you cannot sign up for a new account and make a purchase immediately. It is therefore not ideal for you if you are in a hurry to purchase the used parts yet have no Reddit account.

12. BMI Surplus

This is largely a used computer parts store. It sells an array of assorted used computer parts. You can directly access them when you do a Google search.

Use filters on the used parts page to identify what you want quickly. The filters help you sort the components according to the latest, popularity, and price. The results you get show photos, codes, short descriptions, and prices of the items.

Alternatively, you can search by brand number, manufacturer, and item name. If you have a particular keyword, write it in the search box to get refined options. To request more information about a product, use the “Ask a Question” option.

Tips for buying used computer parts 

  • It is important to shop around. It helps you compare prices before making a decision. Check several online sites first before settling on what pleases you the most.
  • Do not be in a rush to buy the components from the first site you find them.
  • Read about the site and reviews of the site if you are not familiar with it. 
  • Ensure the seller has a reliable rating and positive reviews. For Facebook and Craigslist, check the seller’s profile.
  • Find out from the seller why they are selling. This conversation reveals a lot about the seller and enables you to gauge if they are genuine or not. 
  • Asking many questions can help you detect a scammer.
  • Analyze the photos, which should be of high quality. 
  • The seller should provide proof that the used parts work. For instance, before buying a CPU, ask for a video showing it running.
  • Find out if the site has a buyer protection policy.
  • Check the refund policy, if any.
  • Familiarize yourself with the shipping fees. How long does shipping take?
  • Buying computer parts in bundles will grant you the best deals. You save money and can negotiate better when you buy several parts from a single buyer. 

For an in-depth guide to buying used computers and computer parts, check out this article.

Is it a good idea to buy used computer parts? 

You stand to gain the following benefits when you buy used computer parts: 

  • Great for the wallet as you can save money.
  • Good to the environment as you salvage computer parts.
  • It is cheap if you are building your PC.
  • More powerful parts for cheap.
  • Manufacturers phase out older computer parts when they become obsolete. In their place, they produce newer ones. This means the only place you can get a cheap replacement for the components you need is from those who sell used ones as they also recycle surplus computer parts.

Recommended used computer parts to buy 

  • CPUs (should be non-mining), coolers, processors, cases certain memories like RAM, flash disks, and SSDs. 
  • Be cautious if you have to buy the following as pre-owned: motherboards or GPUs. Let the seller provide a video showing that the MBD works before making a decision. If the GPU was ever overclocked or if it was for mining, do not buy.
  • Never buy used power supplies, PSUs, and HDDs. Avoid buying parts that undergo performance degradation because of typical use. 

Conclusion 

It is not an easy task to find the appropriate computer parts to buy online. The sites outlined above will make your search better. You should be able to find the computer parts you require, whether they are old, obsolete, or used. In the end, you will get them at agreeable prices. 

If you have some old computers or computer parts that you’d like to sell, consider listing them on Sheepbuy. Sellers on the platform aren’t charged a commission on sales, and if you sign up to our free basic tier, you can have up to three active listings at any given time, free of charge. If you’re planning to sell a higher volume, consider one of our paid tiers. Find out more about our packages here.