Would you buy a used computer on ebay?

JosieD · 07-09-2022, 06:00 AM

My computer is very old and can no longer adequately play WoW. It gets very choppy, freezes at times or is not playable. I am leveling a character with my husband and just signed up for a 6 month subscription.

My brother is suggesting we buy the parts and build a computer.

My b-i-l is suggesting I purchase a 2 year old gaming computer from ebay. He sent me a list of 3 that all looked very nice. He said at a minimum they are all 250% better than what I have now.

Primary functions I use my computer for: browsing the internet (ebay, BO, articles, etc.) Paying bills, and playing WoW.

Thank you.

glen87 · 07-09-2022, 06:36 AM

mattglet · 07-09-2022, 06:39 AM

You can, and should do it. If you're at all worried, format the hard drive first and reinstall windows... Bob's your uncle.

The main things that will hold you back from a WoW standpoint is the video card and the RAM.

corndog · 07-09-2022, 06:53 AM

I have owned two HP desktop PCs including my current one since about 2008.
The first suffered a lightning strike in 2014 and I have had this one since then.

Both purchased used off of Ebay.
No issues with either.

If you buy from a refurbisher you will get a good computer.
That is there full time business.

jcardstore · 07-09-2022, 07:11 AM

Yes but wipe or get a new hard drive.

Hallco · 07-09-2022, 09:46 AM

My current desktop is a refurbished model I found on Newegg.com. No issues. If I am not building one from scratch(and I have no reason to do that at this point), and need to replace it, I would definitely buy from them again. For what you are needing, don't spend a ton, but since you mentioned gaming, you will need to find one that has enough internal support for that activity.

discodanman45 · 07-09-2022, 10:31 AM

Lots of video cards and gaming systems are hitting eBay because of the fall of crypto mining. You might be able to get a good system, but it may have been abused running 24/7. I used to build systems, but it is just as cheap these days to buy pre-built. I used iBuyPower to purchase my last system and upgraded it myself. They have a few systems under $1000 with free shipping that I would get over a used system.

rudyjustinfarrell · 07-09-2022, 10:38 AM

Only if the ebay seller ID was HBiden69

asujbl · 07-09-2022, 12:36 PM

I would not

mike1498 · 07-09-2022, 12:37 PM

I do this all the time. It’s great. But i buy laptops

preakness · 07-09-2022, 12:56 PM

Internet is just a trendy fad

jplarson · 07-09-2022, 01:13 PM

I've purchased several computers from eBay, but all of the vintage variety (pre-2000).

For one you want to use as a daily driver, I'd probably look at Newegg, microcenter, tigerdirect, or something like a Dell direct refurb. Slickdeals.net is good to check from time to time for crowdsourced deals.

I'd stay far away from components potentially used in crypto mining rigs. Recent-ish graphics cards and used SSDs is a pass for me.

JosieD · 07-10-2022, 07:14 AM

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate them.

fordman · 07-10-2022, 09:11 AM

ebay is a great place to get Dell Optiplex computers. The Optiplex computers are usually one's used in offices, hospitals or other places that dont use the hard drive to store anything. Those computers are basically networked and all information is kept on a server elsewhere. They're usually 99.9% smoke free and basically only used for work purposes. Usually small size as well. They're replaced only because they have been leased. The lease agent doent want them back so they bulk unload them to ebay sellers. You can get a decent 2yr old computer for 20% of the new price. Most have been wiped clean and come with a corporate version of windows 10, which includes all future updates.

Fordman

asujbl · 07-10-2022, 01:22 PM

Serious question… and I never want to spend other peoples money…

But aren’t laptops like TV’s at this point? Cheap as hell relatively speaking. Why buy a used one?

I honestly haven’t looked since I have a work one

But I can go to Costco and buy a 80 inch TV for like $1,500 these days… aren’t computers the same?

mmbtvs · 07-10-2022, 02:31 PM

Ebay is not the only place to buy a discounted used computer. I bought my current one from Best Buy used, and I have been very pleased with it. The only thing that I've had to do is replace the video card a couple of years after I bought it, and that was just to upgrade it enough to play Fractured but whole.

coltsnsox07 · 07-10-2022, 03:12 PM

I'm not sure aboout all this, this is how I picture a used computer from ebay..
http://

mattglet · 07-10-2022, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordman

ebay is a great place to get Dell Optiplex computers. The Optiplex computers are usually one's used in offices, hospitals or other places that dont use the hard drive to store anything. Those computers are basically networked and all information is kept on a server elsewhere. They're usually 99.9% smoke free and basically only used for work purposes. Usually small size as well. They're replaced only because they have been leased. The lease agent doent want them back so they bulk unload them to ebay sellers. You can get a decent 2yr old computer for 20% of the new price. Most have been wiped clean and come with a corporate version of windows 10, which includes all future updates.

Fordman

This is a great point, and one that I completely forgot about.

jcardstore · 07-10-2022, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asujbl

Serious question… and I never want to spend other peoples money…

But aren’t laptops like TV’s at this point? Cheap as hell relatively speaking. Why buy a used one?

I honestly haven’t looked since I have a work one

But I can go to Costco and buy a 80 inch TV for like $1,500 these days… aren’t computers the same?

Laptop yes, desktop, no.

jplarson · 07-11-2022, 11:04 AM

I just bought this one for just over $50 shipped. Compaq Deskpro EN 6300. I have several Pentium III's, a Celeron, and an AMD K6-II based machines, this'll be the first Pentium II added to the collection. I'm hoping the onboard NIC is still good so I can populate the two slots with a VGA card and maybe a SoundBlaster audio card. Might go with a 4-port USB 2.0 card assuming the slots are PCI and not ISA. Also need to dig up a spare IDE CD-ROM.

The only major issue with it is that the seller installed a copy of WinXP on it. Gonna need to chuck that and go with a multi-boot system with Win 95 or Win 98SE (depends how I do sourcing drivers), Win 2K, and Ubuntu (for the GRUB)

callou2131 · 07-11-2022, 11:28 AM

amazon has an early primeday laptop right now for like $239 https://www.amazon.com/Processor-Gra...537_dt_sl15_6b

not sure if its for gaming etc. as i dont know jack about computers

jplarson · 07-11-2022, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callou2131

amazon has an early primeday laptop right now for like $239 https://www.amazon.com/Processor-Gra...537_dt_sl15_6b

The processor in it is an Intel Celeron N3450 which was first released in 2016 (old). 1.1 GHz which can boost to 2.2 GHz (slow). 8 GB of RAM which is shared with the Intel HD 500 onboard graphics card. Benchmark sites noted the graphics card wouldn't run modern games (modern as of 2016) smoothly even at lowest settings.

Laptop is a good power saving option that is decent for educational use or for general internet/email/BO posting use.

fordman · 07-11-2022, 12:58 PM

Decent Deal from Amazon Warehouse HP 15.6" Laptop . $353.00 plus free shipping!

Amazon Warehouse has decent deals on a lot of stuff. This laptop is new and not a return. I just might buy one for myself. The only thing holding me back is the hard drive because I prefer solid state to RPM drives.

IF you do buy a laptop, I would suggest a separate blue tooth mouse. I hate the mouse pads on laptops (just personal preference).

Fordman

mattglet · 07-11-2022, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplarson

I just bought this one for just over $50 shipped. Compaq Deskpro EN 6300. I have several Pentium III's, a Celeron, and an AMD K6-II based machines, this'll be the first Pentium II added to the collection. I'm hoping the onboard NIC is still good so I can populate the two slots with a VGA card and maybe a SoundBlaster audio card. Might go with a 4-port USB 2.0 card assuming the slots are PCI and not ISA. Also need to dig up a spare IDE CD-ROM.

The only major issue with it is that the seller installed a copy of WinXP on it. Gonna need to chuck that and go with a multi-boot system with Win 95 or Win 98SE (depends how I do sourcing drivers), Win 2K, and Ubuntu (for the GRUB)

But... why?

bradical · 07-11-2022, 02:31 PM

I used to buy Apple I and IIe on eBay trying to find a Woz or Jobs signed or hand numbered motherboard version.

There are 1000s out there and they fetch crazy prices.

View Poll Results: Would you buy a computer off of ebay
Yes	12	24.00%
No	24	48.00%
Just buy a new one from the store	14	28.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll

07-09-2022, 06:00 AM	#1
JosieD Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 34,371	Would you buy a used computer on ebay? My computer is very old and can no longer adequately play WoW. It gets very choppy, freezes at times or is not playable. I am leveling a character with my husband and just signed up for a 6 month subscription. My brother is suggesting we buy the parts and build a computer. My b-i-l is suggesting I purchase a 2 year old gaming computer from ebay. He sent me a list of 3 that all looked very nice. He said at a minimum they are all 250% better than what I have now. Primary functions I use my computer for: browsing the internet (ebay, BO, articles, etc.) Paying bills, and playing WoW. Thank you. __________________ #TEAMConnor #TeamLeoneez Day of Breakfast successful! Thank you! instagram: @oldschoolboxbreaks

07-09-2022, 06:36 AM	#2
glen87 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: VERMONT Posts: 74,284 glen87 glen87	__________________ collecting James Madison University players of all sports JMU cards: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmucards/ other cards: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glen87/albums

07-09-2022, 06:39 AM	#3
mattglet Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 4,371	You can, and should do it. If you're at all worried, format the hard drive first and reinstall windows... Bob's your uncle. The main things that will hold you back from a WoW standpoint is the video card and the RAM. __________________ Creator of ListingAlarm - get instantly notified when a card you're looking for is listed on eBay! https://www.listingalarm.com Collecting Riley Pint - www.RileyPint.com Total owned: 77%, 1/1s: 71

07-09-2022, 06:53 AM	#4
corndog BODA Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: From a table in McDonalds, with lovely fake flowers on it. Posts: 18,466	I have owned two HP desktop PCs including my current one since about 2008. The first suffered a lightning strike in 2014 and I have had this one since then. Both purchased used off of Ebay. No issues with either. If you buy from a refurbisher you will get a good computer. That is there full time business. __________________ He has no rival, He has no equal.

07-09-2022, 07:11 AM	#5
jcardstore Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 22,143 Jcardstore	Yes but wipe or get a new hard drive. __________________ Just moonwalking through hell on my last brain cell

07-09-2022, 09:46 AM	#6
Hallco Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 7,777 hallco	My current desktop is a refurbished model I found on Newegg.com. No issues. If I am not building one from scratch(and I have no reason to do that at this point), and need to replace it, I would definitely buy from them again. For what you are needing, don't spend a ton, but since you mentioned gaming, you will need to find one that has enough internal support for that activity.

07-09-2022, 10:31 AM	#7
discodanman45 Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: CA Posts: 9,906 danch27	Lots of video cards and gaming systems are hitting eBay because of the fall of crypto mining. You might be able to get a good system, but it may have been abused running 24/7. I used to build systems, but it is just as cheap these days to buy pre-built. I used iBuyPower to purchase my last system and upgraded it myself. They have a few systems under $1000 with free shipping that I would get over a used system. __________________ Always looking for rarer Rik Smits cards and cards from the 2014-15 Spectra Global Icons set. Send me a message!

07-09-2022, 10:38 AM	#8
rudyjustinfarrell Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 12,709 rudyjustinfarrell	Only if the ebay seller ID was HBiden69 __________________ Always willing to talk shop or B/S/T.

07-09-2022, 12:36 PM	#9
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,914 ohiosundevils	I would not __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-09-2022, 12:37 PM	#10
mike1498 Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Baltimore Posts: 7,451 college_beer_money	I do this all the time. It’s great. But i buy laptops

07-09-2022, 12:56 PM	#11
preakness Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: In Johnny Ryno's soul Posts: 21,077	Internet is just a trendy fad

07-09-2022, 01:13 PM	#12
jplarson Banned Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 15,578	I've purchased several computers from eBay, but all of the vintage variety (pre-2000). For one you want to use as a daily driver, I'd probably look at Newegg, microcenter, tigerdirect, or something like a Dell direct refurb. Slickdeals.net is good to check from time to time for crowdsourced deals. I'd stay far away from components potentially used in crypto mining rigs. Recent-ish graphics cards and used SSDs is a pass for me.

07-10-2022, 07:14 AM	#13
JosieD Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 34,371	Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate them. __________________ #TEAMConnor #TeamLeoneez Day of Breakfast successful! Thank you! instagram: @oldschoolboxbreaks

07-10-2022, 09:11 AM	#14
fordman Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 614	ebay is a great place to get Dell Optiplex computers. The Optiplex computers are usually one's used in offices, hospitals or other places that dont use the hard drive to store anything. Those computers are basically networked and all information is kept on a server elsewhere. They're usually 99.9% smoke free and basically only used for work purposes. Usually small size as well. They're replaced only because they have been leased. The lease agent doent want them back so they bulk unload them to ebay sellers. You can get a decent 2yr old computer for 20% of the new price. Most have been wiped clean and come with a corporate version of windows 10, which includes all future updates. Fordman

07-10-2022, 01:22 PM	#15
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,914 ohiosundevils	Serious question… and I never want to spend other peoples money… But aren’t laptops like TV’s at this point? Cheap as hell relatively speaking. Why buy a used one? I honestly haven’t looked since I have a work one But I can go to Costco and buy a 80 inch TV for like $1,500 these days… aren’t computers the same? __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-10-2022, 02:31 PM	#16
mmbtvs unregistered Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,557	Ebay is not the only place to buy a discounted used computer. I bought my current one from Best Buy used, and I have been very pleased with it. The only thing that I've had to do is replace the video card a couple of years after I bought it, and that was just to upgrade it enough to play Fractured but whole. __________________ -"Close your eyes and remember this. It won't be back again, it's almost gone. Even times that don't seem like much will be your only crutch when you're alone. Time moves slow when you're seventeen and then it picks up steam at twenty-one."

07-10-2022, 03:12 PM	#17
coltsnsox07 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 22,362	I'm not sure aboout all this, this is how I picture a used computer from ebay.. http://

07-11-2022, 11:04 AM	#20
jplarson Banned Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 15,578	I just bought this one for just over $50 shipped. Compaq Deskpro EN 6300. I have several Pentium III's, a Celeron, and an AMD K6-II based machines, this'll be the first Pentium II added to the collection. I'm hoping the onboard NIC is still good so I can populate the two slots with a VGA card and maybe a SoundBlaster audio card. Might go with a 4-port USB 2.0 card assuming the slots are PCI and not ISA. Also need to dig up a spare IDE CD-ROM. The only major issue with it is that the seller installed a copy of WinXP on it. Gonna need to chuck that and go with a multi-boot system with Win 95 or Win 98SE (depends how I do sourcing drivers), Win 2K, and Ubuntu (for the GRUB)

07-11-2022, 11:28 AM	#21
callou2131 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Centreville, Md Posts: 8,485	amazon has an early primeday laptop right now for like $239 https://www.amazon.com/Processor-Gra...537_dt_sl15_6b not sure if its for gaming etc. as i dont know jack about computers __________________ Sent using US Airways Wifi

07-11-2022, 12:58 PM	#23
fordman Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 614	Decent Deal from Amazon Warehouse HP 15.6" Laptop . $353.00 plus free shipping! Amazon Warehouse has decent deals on a lot of stuff. This laptop is new and not a return. I just might buy one for myself. The only thing holding me back is the hard drive because I prefer solid state to RPM drives. IF you do buy a laptop, I would suggest a separate blue tooth mouse. I hate the mouse pads on laptops (just personal preference). Fordman Last edited by fordman; 07-11-2022 at 01:01 PM.

07-11-2022, 02:31 PM	#25
bradical Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 8,412	I used to buy Apple I and IIe on eBay trying to find a Woz or Jobs signed or hand numbered motherboard version. There are 1000s out there and they fetch crazy prices. __________________ :turkey: :turkey: :turkey: