Used PC Buying Guide
Used computers offer all the features of a new computer at a fraction of the cost. If you need a PC (personal computer or desktop) for simple tasks like net surfing, creating documents, editing images, and downloading music, you may find a second hand or used PC comfortably meets your daily computer needs.
You can choose individual components to assemble into the used PC, just like you can with a new computer. A well-maintained used PC performs almost as well as a new one and costs less than half the price. You can even purchase a used PC for as little as $100.These handy tips will help you to select a trouble free and long lasting used PC.
Assess Your Needs
Before you make any computer purchase, think about your primary PC needs. If you want to use the PC for gaming, you will need a powerful graphics card, large RAM, and sufficient computing power. If you want to use the computer for routine net surfing, a moderately powerful PC will do. If you want to watch movies and write DVDs, you need a used PC with a DVD writer and not just DVD or CD player.
Prepare a Component List
Keep a component checklist ready that contains the following used PC essentials: Monitor, Processor, Motherboard, DVD Writer, Hard Disk, Keyboard, Mouse, RAM (Random Access Memory), SMPS (power supply), and ATX Cabinet, to avoid missing out on any essential PC items at the time of purchase. You may want other PC accessories like a printer, speakers, Bluetooth, or a web cam.
Display and RAM – the Critical PC Components
If you need a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor, you should purchase a new monitor as used LCDs may give you fuzzy pictures or unwanted lines. Used conventional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors last long, are hassle free, and provide good savings. Check the monitor before purchase for any colored patches or grainy pictures.
Ensure the RAM, usually the most troublesome PC component, is still under warranty, and if not, consider obtaining a 6 to 12 months warranty on it by paying slightly more. A used Pentium 4 PC requires DDR1 RAM whereas the latest PCs run on the newer DDR2 RAM. It is better to buy just one 512 MB or 1 GB RAM instead of two equivalent RAMs. If there are already two RAM in your used PC, ensure that both have the same speed i.e. either 266,333 or 400 MHZ, to avoid RAM compatibility problems later.
The Other Parts of a Used PC
The CD/DVD Drive is the most frequently used component of any PC, either for movies, music, burning, or installing software, and consequently, its laser mechanism could be dysfunctional or damaged. It may even cause errors while accessing the CD/DVD. To prevent this, fully test the CD/DVD drive’s functionality by running any software CD, preferably an installation CD. For CD/DVD writers, try burning (writing) a blank CD/DVD.
Generally, a used Hard Disk works without issues for years together. Ensure the hard disk is devoid of any bad clusters and its entire memory (hard disk space) is available. For work related purposes an 80 GB hard disk is usually adequate, but if more space is required, for storing games or graphics heavy software like Photoshop, consider a bigger sized hard disk.
Ensure there are at least two working USB ports on your used PC, as you need USB ports often. A PC, old or new, isn’t of much use without a LAN input for net connection, so make sure the used PC has one.
Last Minute Checks
Ask the PC vendor to install the required operating system (OS) before you hand over the cash. This is important because you can detect any problems quickly during the installation, rather than after the purchase.
A used PC represents a cost-effective solution for your routine computer needs. Remember these practical tips while shopping for a used PC and save some useful cash.
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