I'm planning to build my first PC and want to save some cash. I'm based in Dubai, and I definitely plan to buy a used GPU, but I'm wondering what other parts I can safely purchase used. I've heard that an AM5 motherboard and CPU are good choices for future-proofing and upgrades. Can anyone give me advice on which parts are reliable to buy used and where I should look for them? I'm aiming for around a 75th percentile PC performance. Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
Used AM5 CPUs can actually be great! They don't have pins that can bend, and a lot of people upgrading to 3D chips might sell their 7600 or 7700. eBay can have good deals if you find reputable sellers.
Thanks for the tip! I just spotted a used 7600X for $136 and it looks solid—better than the 7600X3D, right?
AM5 is a bit too new for used parts, in my opinion. You might have better luck with AM4, which should be cheaper if you look for used options.
Should I skip used CPUs altogether then and focus on RAM since it's so pricey right now?
Honestly, I'd only go for a used CPU and GPU. Those seem like the best parts to snag secondhand.
That was my thinking too, but with AM5 CPUs not being common used, do you think RAM is a decent option considering the current high prices?
RAM and CPUs are typically safe bets for used parts. Most work reliably unless they're faulty from the start, and RAM can even be checked for errors. GPUs can be used too—just be aware that if they come from mining setups, they may need to be repasted. SSDs and NVMe drives are generally okay as long as you wipe them first and check their SMART status. However, I'd steer clear of used motherboards and PSUs.
I thought about getting a used CPU too, but I heard AM5 CPUs aren't recommended used much. Guess I'll stick to used GPU and RAM. Storage is still a bit tricky though.
eBay isn't ideal in Dubai though. Dubizzle seems to be where most people sell secondhand stuff. I saw a 3070Ti for $164 there, which seems sketchy, but a 3060Ti for $190 sounds legit.