I live in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and I'm planning to upgrade my PC for local AI workloads and DaVinci Resolve. I currently have 16 GB of Kingston DDR4-2666 memory in a 2×8 GB kit, an EVGA 600W 80 Plus W1 power supply, and an RTX 4060 with 8 GB of VRAM. I'd like to keep using my existing DDR4 memory and find a CPU-and-motherboard combination for roughly $350–$360, preferably an AM4 setup with a suitable cooler. I'm also considering upgrading to an NVIDIA card with 16 GB of VRAM. Local prices seem very high even when stores include a one-year warranty, so I'm looking into importing components through a 4×4 courier service such as Amazon's delivery options or another alternative. What stores, marketplaces, or purchasing methods offer the best price-to-performance while keeping import costs and reliability in mind?
2 Answers
With current shortages and local markups, genuinely cheap new hardware can be difficult to find. Used-market listings through Facebook Marketplace or similar local services may offer better prices, while eBay is another option for comparing prices. For second-hand parts, ask for photos of the serial numbers and test results, and be especially careful with GPUs that may have been used for mining.
Before ordering from abroad, compare the complete landed cost rather than just the listing price. Include international shipping, the courier’s 4×4 fees, Ecuadorian import taxes or limits, and possible warranty complications. A local part with a real warranty can sometimes be worthwhile if the difference is small, while expensive GPUs may be riskier to import without reliable insurance and return support.
That’s my main concern with eBay and courier services. I’ll need to compare the final price after import duties instead of assuming the lower online price is automatically better.