Where do you actually buy budget PC parts in 2025 without getting burned? I’m putting together my first 1080p build on a tight budget and I’m confused by all the options: new, used, open-box, refurbished, or even snagging a cheap prebuilt and upgrading it.
If you’ve done this recently, where did you buy from and what made it a good deal? Please include your country/region if it matters.
Things I’m unsure about:
- New vs used vs open-box: which parts are “safe” used (GPUs? CPUs?) and which should I always buy new (PSU? SSDs?)?
- Stores/marketplaces: are places like Micro Center bundles, Best Buy open-box, Amazon Warehouse, Reddit HWSwap, eBay certified refurb, AliExpress, local FB Marketplace/OfferUp still good in 2025? Any red flags to watch for?
- Warranty/returns: what minimum return window or restocking policy do you look for? How do you check if a manufacturer warranty is transferable?
- Testing used parts: what quick tests do you run on day one to catch duds (GPU-Z/OCCT/memtest etc.) and how long do you stress test?
- Timing and stacking: best months or events to buy (back-to-school, Black Friday, GPU launches)? Any price trackers, alert bots, or coupon/cashback stacking tricks that actually work?
- Hidden costs: shipping, sales tax, restocking fees, import duties, missing SATA cables/thermal paste-how do you budget for these?
- Prebuilt tear-downs: is it still worth buying a discounted Dell/HP/Lenovo and adding a GPU/PSU? Which models avoid proprietary cable/BIOS headaches?
- Power draw vs price: for used GPUs, how do you decide when an older high-tier card isn’t worth it because of heat/power/noise or driver support?
I’m aiming for smooth 1080p in esports and medium settings in AAA on around $600-700 (tower only). Would love a simple “where to shop and what to avoid” playbook, plus any “I wish I knew this before buying” tips.