buying pc parts off of ebay...

us11csalyer · 11/20/2009, 11:17 AM

Anyone that has bought cpu,gpu,ram,ect off of ebay please let me know how it went. What are some red flags? Like is the ones with a photo that is off a website a red flag? I'm really thinking of buying a used 4870 that I found and maybe a quad core...

tracer bullet · 11/20/2009, 10:24 PM

I check for 2 things - pics of actual part (although that still could just be yanked from somewhere else), and feedbacks. If someone doesn't have at least a few dozen (all positive) I go elsewhere.

I've never had an issue. PC parts or anything else. Might just be lucky.

There's also "heatware" that is generally PC related feedbacks as well, usually from people selling things on forums (ie Anandtech). It's not connected to ebay of course but it may open other options.

Bitter · 11/20/2009, 10:56 PM

i've had mixed luck. my current mobo is from ebay, a P4 in another pc is from ebay, some ram in another pc is from ebay. i've gotten bad ram twice actually, once i got my money back AND kept the whole lot which included some good ram and a cpu.

idnc · 11/21/2009, 05:22 PM

Feedback: at least 30 positive, 40 is better. check that the users giving positive feedback also have 30-40 positive - sometimes they have their friends with 1-17 positive comments posting on each others accounts so it looks like they're legit. It's comforting to see a seasoned user with 300+ feedback giving positive marks for the seller.

Actual pictures of the item: as stated previously, these could be pulled from the web, but at least they're better than the "stock" photos. A quick google images search could help weed-out some lazy scammers. Also checking out the pictures from ebay's "completed auctions" for the same item can prove beneficial, although time consuming. The only time I'm trusting of stock images is if the seller is a Power Seller with 1000s of feedbacks.

Paypal Verified User: Paypal has verified the user's information and will then back the transaction up to a certain amount. Paypal (ebay) will handle disputes and has the ability to refund your money (assuming you paid using Paypal). I've had to use them with a couple users on ebay, and things turned out well.

Payment: Avoid sending money. Use online methods that can be refunded/cancelled in the dealings with faceless internet users.

Auction Wording and Return Policy: If you are buying an item whose description states "As-Is", know that you're taking a chance. Check out their return policy. Can you return it? Do you have to pay for return shipping? What if it breaks after a week?

Sometimes you can buy piece of mind by purchasing higher-priced items at local stores, hopefully during sales *Christmas is near*. Then you have a place to take it if it doesn't work. Ebay doesn't really exist...except in your hard drive.

Metal pieces: look for rust, bent heatsinks
Power Connectors: broken plastic?

Sandlotje · 11/21/2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by us11csalyer

Anyone that has bought cpu,gpu,ram,ect off of ebay please let me know how it went. What are some red flags? Like is the ones with a photo that is off a website a red flag? I'm really thinking of buying a used 4870 that I found and maybe a quad core...

The only thing that comes to my mind is "Ya get what you pay for." But I would look for a reason that sounds valid as to why they don't need it anymore.

VT03GTS · 11/22/2009, 01:34 PM

got my processor from ebay. no problems.

wiseoracle · 11/22/2009, 02:14 PM

Make sure they have a DOA policy & Refund. That ensure to you they are not out there to rip you off.

But like others said, feedback is a good indication. I haven't had issues at all.

04eclipse_GT · 11/23/2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiseoracle

Make sure they have a DOA policy & Refund. That ensure to you they are not out there to rip you off.

But like others said, feedback is a good indication. I haven't had issues at all.

Exactly what I would have said. Never buy from a "All Sales Final" auction. You always want the ability to send back a defective item especially if it is used.

11/20/2009, 11:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
us11csalyer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 931	buying pc parts off of ebay... Anyone that has bought cpu,gpu,ram,ect off of ebay please let me know how it went. What are some red flags? Like is the ones with a photo that is off a website a red flag? I'm really thinking of buying a used 4870 that I found and maybe a quad core...

11/21/2009, 05:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
idnc Low Carb Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 38	Feedback: at least 30 positive, 40 is better. check that the users giving positive feedback also have 30-40 positive - sometimes they have their friends with 1-17 positive comments posting on each others accounts so it looks like they're legit. It's comforting to see a seasoned user with 300+ feedback giving positive marks for the seller. Actual pictures of the item: as stated previously, these could be pulled from the web, but at least they're better than the "stock" photos. A quick google images search could help weed-out some lazy scammers. Also checking out the pictures from ebay's "completed auctions" for the same item can prove beneficial, although time consuming. The only time I'm trusting of stock images is if the seller is a Power Seller with 1000s of feedbacks. Paypal Verified User: Paypal has verified the user's information and will then back the transaction up to a certain amount. Paypal (ebay) will handle disputes and has the ability to refund your money (assuming you paid using Paypal). I've had to use them with a couple users on ebay, and things turned out well. Payment: Avoid sending money. Use online methods that can be refunded/cancelled in the dealings with faceless internet users. Auction Wording and Return Policy: If you are buying an item whose description states "As-Is", know that you're taking a chance. Check out their return policy. Can you return it? Do you have to pay for return shipping? What if it breaks after a week? Sometimes you can buy piece of mind by purchasing higher-priced items at local stores, hopefully during sales Christmas is near. Then you have a place to take it if it doesn't work. Ebay doesn't really exist...except in your hard drive. Metal pieces: look for rust, bent heatsinks Power Connectors: broken plastic? Last edited by idnc; 11/21/2009 at 05:28 PM.

11/22/2009, 01:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
VT03GTS Some broke kid.. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Vermont Vehicle: 2003 Eclipse GTS Posts: 482	got my processor from ebay. no problems. __________________

11/20/2009, 10:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
tracer bullet Spring King Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: St. Paul, MN Vehicle: 01 GT PP Posts: 3,392	I check for 2 things - pics of actual part (although that still could just be yanked from somewhere else), and feedbacks. If someone doesn't have at least a few dozen (all positive) I go elsewhere. I've never had an issue. PC parts or anything else. Might just be lucky. There's also "heatware" that is generally PC related feedbacks as well, usually from people selling things on forums (ie Anandtech). It's not connected to ebay of course but it may open other options.

11/20/2009, 10:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bitter am cat Join Date: May 2004 Location: South of Chicago Vehicle: 2007 Camaro Posts: 35,685	i've had mixed luck. my current mobo is from ebay, a P4 in another pc is from ebay, some ram in another pc is from ebay. i've gotten bad ram twice actually, once i got my money back AND kept the whole lot which included some good ram and a cpu.

11/22/2009, 02:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
wiseoracle Super Asian Invasion Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Manhattan, KS Vehicle: Dodge Stratus R/T Posts: 2,355	Make sure they have a DOA policy & Refund. That ensure to you they are not out there to rip you off. But like others said, feedback is a good indication. I haven't had issues at all.