Before you race out and replace your faulty or outdated computer with a brand new one, consider buying a used computer.
So long as you do your homework, buying a used computer may save you a good deal of money, while providing you with a machine that will suit your need well. Just as with new, shopping around and being well informed is very important.
Firstly, identify your needs. If you only use a few simple programmes and use the internet, a used computer could be just the ticket.
Here are some tips for getting a good machine that has used computer hardware:
Hard drive
The hard drive is one of the most important pieces of used computer hardware. This acts as basically a filing cabinet for the entire machine, providing storage for programs, documents, pictures and other similar files. Gamers, for example, will need to make sure this piece of used computer hardware is large enough to handle their programs, but someone who only intends to use the computer for reports might not need a machine with a huge storage capacity.
Processor
This piece of hardware is basically the brains behind the operation. The processor speed will be a key factor in how fast a computer runs and what it can handle. The higher the speed: generally the better.
RAM
This bit is the computer's random access memory. The higher the number, the quicker a computer can access its files and programs. A good piece of computer hardware will offer RAM that's at least in the 500s or better.
Video card
While not everyone who buys a used machine will care about the video card, gamers in particular will want this piece of hardware to be of decent quality. Video cards should also have their own onboard RAM.
Finally, there are some other things shoppers should look for in relation to used computers. They include:
Ability to upgrade
Make sure the machine you buy has an ability to upgrade.
Warranties
While not all used computer hardware will come this option, if you can even get a limited one, you can feel fairly confident.
A chance to check out the machine first
Before buying a used computer or even used computer parts, see if you can check them out before paying. This might not always be possible, but when it is, it can save you from a bad purchase.
Buying used computer hardware doesn't have to be a gamble if you take your time, make sure you get what you need and look for locations that offer at the least very limited warranties. Some shops that sell used computer hardware will give you at least a 30-day warranty to cover your purchase. If you can get this on a used computer hardware purchase, you've likely found a decent buy.
MrsQuilter - 16 years ago
Good advice but when you can get a brand new computer, with warranty, for a few hundred dollars, buying a second hand one, whose capacity will soon be outstripped by rapidly changing software, doesn’t make much sense…unless it’s a first computer for a very young child, in which case look at EVERYTHING on the h/d to make sure all dodgy files have been deleted.