Buying a used computer is a great way to save money, but there are a lot of risks that go along with dipping into the used pool. Here’s how to buy a great used PC without getting shafted.
Find the right source and do your research
Many online sellers offer used PCs or “refurbished” computers that are actually used computers in a thin disguise, although they can come with warranties and may also include accessories. Refurbished computers may also qualify for professional repairs where used computers from other sources may not. You can take a look at these sellers to see what is available and compare prices, but don’t be too quick to make up your mind. Popular options include:
If you aren’t tech-savvy and don’t really know how to look at a computer or judge its specifications, try to find a willing tech friend (bribes of food and money are often welcome) to help you make up your mind.
Remember, a refurbished or used computer isn’t necessarily a good deal. When you find a used option, always compare prices online so you may see 1) how much the new version of the computer costsright nowand 2) how many refurbished options are going for on other platforms.
How old is too old?
It helps to narrow down your search by glancing at the age of the used PC. Age affects many of the important features mentioned below, so it makes for a good blanket factor when filtering out options. But at what age do you put on the brakes?
Generally, aim for a computer that is three years old or newer. A computer that’s more than three years old is likely to be too slow, too worn, and too obsolete to make a good used purchase, no matter how much money you can save.
When computers grow more than a few years old, several problems start to accumulate. First, years of dust have built up in the components and fan system, which threatens future maintenance troubles. And while Moore’s Law may be slowing down but it is still in effect – the amount of storage and the quality of features on computers three years apart is still very noticeable.
For example: A 2012 27-inch iMac came with HD resolution, 8GB of RAM, a 2.9GHz processor on the base model, and a 1TB hard drive.A 2014 modelcomes with Retina 5K resolution, 8GB of RAM, a 3.5GHz processor, and a much faster 1TB fusion drive. Yes, some specs remain the same, but others see significant jumps in quality, and this is only a two-year gap.
Then you should consider battery life for laptops as well. If a laptop is three years old or more, then it’s likely that its battery isn’t what it used to be — and if the laptop was treated poorly, its battery could be very bad indeed. Batteries are, unfortunately, hard to test even if you get some hands-on time with the computer before you buy it. If you’re buying a laptop, be extra careful about battery life and try to budget for a new battery. A laptop that’s several years old is about due for a battery update, anyway. However, some laptops don’t have battery replacement options, and make poor used laptops if they’re a few years old.
The features to look for
What are the most important PC features for your job, gaming, schoolwork, or lifestyle? The answer is different for everyone, but here are features that are good news no matter what you want in your computer.
Testing PCs
If you are buying from an online marketplace like Amazon, you may not be able to test out a computer before you buy. But when possible, it is a very, very good idea. If you’re able to see your used PC in person, take a little testing kit with you that includes cables to the ports you need, a disc for the drive, a flash drive, and anything else you may need. Play around with the computer, inspect and test the ports, download and upload some data. Generally, make sure that everything is in working order and that no hidden surprises waiting for you.
Warning signs of a bad deal
Stay away from things like:
Resetting the computer and clearing data
Ideally, a computer will be fully wiped of all data and reset when you buy it. If you are purchasing from a certified refurbisher, this isn’t usually a problem. But if you are buying from an unverified third party, it’s a good idea to do a full data wipe and reset yourself, even if the system seems like it was already cleared. Buyers should do this because previous owners may have tried installing secret keyloggers or malware as a hacking attempt.
One option is to fully wipe the hard drive (again, even if it looks empty), and we havea guide that can help you with that. Or, if your budget allows, you may want to consider replacing the hard drive altogether and destroying the old hard drive, a safer option that also allows you to upgrade the storage capacity of an older computer.
