Computer manufacturers are typically quick to phase out an older part of a product once it becomes obsolete. This leaves anyone who is trying to find used computer parts for an older device in a tight spot.
At the same time, you may have newer computer equipment in need of repair. Maybe the computer is no longer under warranty or you bought it secondhand. Suddenly, you find yourself in search of an affordable, used replacement part.
Luckily, there are some terrific online shops that offer used or refurbished computer parts—and they may just save you a few bucks.
1. eBay
You're probably already familiar with eBay, the ultimate online flea market and one of the best sources for used and new computer parts. Finding any popular component made within the last two decades is fairly simple, and finding parts older than that is also quite possible.
Navigate to the computer area by clicking it under Electronics from the top. Select Computer Components and Parts, and then browse by category, brand, price, and other criteria.
Once you narrow down the category and subcategory for your search, scroll down on the left side under Condition, and select Used to see only those products. Another option is to simply type the product name or model in the search bar and see what shows up.
If you're in search of parts for building a server or your own PC, eBay is also a solid place to shop for the pieces you need. Plus, it's fairly easy to find used computer parts from U.S. sellers.
Other platforms, such as Alibaba, work mostly with Chinese retailers, so the shipping takes longer and may cost more. With some luck, you could get free shipping or negotiate a better deal with the seller on eBay.
2. Amazon
If you already shop on Amazon like millions of others, then looking for those used computer parts you need is just a click away. You can navigate to the computer accessories section just like on eBay.
Head to the computer area in the Electronics department. Look for PC components and parts, or hard drives and cooling modules. Just be sure that you scroll down the left side under Condition and click Used.
After you select a product, click the Used & New link at the bottom of the item description to view all the buying options. This will give you a list of prices, tax and shipping fees, seller information, and other details to ensure you get the best deal.
Amazon's search feature is another effective way to find your product rather than browsing through hundreds of different used PC parts. If you check the left side of the screen, you'll see a huge variety of filtering options. Simply browse by processor type, RAM size, operating system, or other criteria to narrow down your options.
Aside from the large selection of used computer parts and components, Amazon may offer free shipping on certain products.
3. BMI Surplus
BMI Surplus sells new and used scientific and office equipment, as well as computer parts in every category you can think of. Simply click Computer-Office Equipment, and then select Computer Parts.
To narrow down your options, sort the products by price or popularity. You can also type the product name, model, or brand into the search box located at the top of the homepage.
BMI Surplus may not be all about computers, but it has a pretty good selection of used PC components. You'll also find a wide range of new and refurbished PC parts at reasonable prices.
What sets this online shop apart is that the guarantee offered for its products. According to its policy, you will receive the goods as pictured and described in the listing. Online marketplaces, such as eBay, sometimes cannot offer this guarantee because they work with thousands of sellers, including private persons selling their old stuff.
4. Alibaba.com
As one of the largest online marketplaces, Alibaba features thousands of new and used computer parts for every budget. Go to All Categories, select Consumer Electronics/Home Appliances, and then click Computer Hardware and Software.
Head over to the left side of the page and select Used under Product Status for secondhand PC parts. Next, browse by product type, supplier type, price, minimum order, after-sales service, and other search criteria.
The downside is that most sellers are located in China, so you might have to wait a few weeks to receive your order. However, buyers have the option to select the supplier's country or region and purchase from national vendors, such as Bluebonnet Trading LLC, Sourcery Limited, or Prime Mover Trading.
The prices are significantly lower compared to a regular store, but some sellers may require a minimum order value. And, if you prefer to hang onto your older and unused computer items, check out a few things you can do with an old monitor.
5. DreamHardware.com
If, for some reason, you still can't find the computer parts you're looking for after checking the stores listed above, head over to DreamHardware.com. This online shop specializes in discontinued, obsolete, legacy, and hard-to-find computer components.
You can quickly find motherboards, hard drives, memory, CPUs, sound cards, video cards, and more with just a few clicks. Use the search bar or select Products from the top navigation bar.
Select the type of product you're interested in and then scroll down to Condition on the left. Click Used or Refurbished and browse by price, brand, or vendor. Some products are available for as low as $1.
DreamHardware.com has been in business for many years, offering a large inventory of used computer parts that may not be available elsewhere. It might just become your go-to online shop for second-hand PC parts and accessories.
Get a Good Deal on Used Computer Parts
With the advent of online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, finding old computer parts is no longer challenging. All it takes is a little research.
Check out each platform, compare prices, and read customer reviews. If you're buying from a private seller, try to negotiate the price. For larger orders, head over to Alibaba or contact the seller to see if it's possible to get a discount.
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