# Used computers
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 10, 2001, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026 "2001-05-10T22:22:30Z")
**Posts on this page:** 12
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2001, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/1 "2001-05-10T22:22:30Z")
Ok, my computer is dying, rapidly. So, this weekend I get to computer shop.
I need a decent used computer. I’m going to check out dell’s online refurbished, along with Computer Renaissance in town.
1)What should I look for-I’m looking for something basic that allows internet access and some games, but nothing super fancy.
2)What should I be careful of when it comes down to it? Is there anything that is a definate no-go when it comes to used computers?
1. Hi Opal!
---
### Author:  [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2001, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/2 "2001-05-10T22:54:46Z")
In my experience, retail used computers are overpriced, and lack any sort of quality control. If you know computers pretty well, or have a friend who does, check out your classified ads, especially now that school’s getting out for the summer.
Find a geek, pay him for the effort it’ll take to scope out a system, and get it configured for you. It’ll be less than the markup you pay at Computer Renaissance, and you’ll probably get a better computer out of it.
---
### Author:  [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2001, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/3 "2001-05-10T23:15:28Z")
Don’t forget that computers are modular, up to a point. When you say your comp is dying, what exactly is giving out?
If you can just replace part of it, you might discover that’s a lot cheaper. Sure, it involves opening the case, but that isn’t as bad as a lot of people think it is. Especially if you know an ubergeek that is willing to take your calls, and can bail you out if a problem arises.
Of course, some replacement components are more expensive than a used system. But not many of them.
If you decide to go this route, talk to people that know what they’re doing before you dive in. They’ll be able to tell you how to do the replacement without destroying the parts you want to keep, and which parts to get. It’s good to give some thought to what upgrades you’ll be making in the future, so you don’t buy parts that will be useless when you make changes later on.
---
### Author:  [@vtel57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vtel57)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/4 "2001-05-11T06:06:43Z")
An option overlooked by many when hunting for PC deals is the auction, the live and in person kind, not this crap at ebay. I have run across amazing deals at estate and other type auctions due to the fact that the auction houses rarely know the value of the system they have on the block. Most of the bidders are not too computer literate either, meaning not too much competion in the bidding.
You can look in your local newspaper for auction announcements in the Classified section normally. They will usually have the PCs up and running, but it’s a good idea to either give them a quick check yourself or take your fav PC guru along with you when you go. Stay away from the desk tops models and Compaq, which are not easily upgradable.
My personal preferences for systems consist of the following:
Micro: AMD Athlon or Duron operating at 700Meg minimum.
Motherboard: ASUS
Chipsets: Via
Video Card: Nvidia TNT2
Audio: Creative SB 5.1
CD Burner: Creative 12-10-32
Iomega Zip Drive
Western Digital Hard Drives
Diamond or US Robotics Modems
At least 128Meg RAM for this system…256M would be better.
Well, good luck with your hunt!
Regards…
PS: Saltire! Hello from a Broppfarian… long time no see!
---
### Author:  [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/5 "2001-05-11T06:30:06Z")
Honestly, my only question to you is:
“What is your budget?”
The reason I ask this is, you can find some good computer deals out there at the moment. Some very high quality machines at very good prices.
Some suggestions.
First, I have heard bad things about Computer Renaissance locally. I can’t give you specifics but somewhere in the back of my mind they stick out as scary souls. I think they have left our city.
If you go with a refurbished computer, they usually carry a decent warranty and from a big name they will usually be returns, people just couldn’t afford it. Dell is a pricey but good product.
You can find some good deals at CompUSA. They usually call them “Manager Specials” or you can look for a former floor model.
When it comes to used computers, first and foremost, ask for all the software, all of it, that resides on the system. If they can’t give it to you (say the Windows disks and the other software on the computer) then walk out. I am very particular about this as I used to be a software seller but I also had a friend’s sister who got shammed by a used dealer. Her system completely crashed and she didn’t have the CD to restore her system. The used store basically told her she was S.O.L. and had to buy it; she was virtually in tears as she barely could afford the computer as it was. I called them up and eventually they gave in and got her a 'sposed legal copy of Windows. I still turned them into MS – call me a bad guy but that’s like selling a used car without tires but when test driving it it had tires yet the tires didn’t come with it?
All in all, it really depends on your budget, how reputable the dealer is and what type of technology you want.
---
### Author:  [@Chas.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chas.E)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/6 "2001-05-11T07:10:56Z")
Definitely forget the Computer Rennaissance idea. They’re a bunch of thieves. A while ago, I asked them what they’d give me for a year-old system that averages for $1800 on eBay. They offered me $100. I told them to go to hell.
A few weeks later, there was a newspaper story about the local CR franchise, they would take systems for sale on consignment, sell them, and kept the money. When the old owners inquired about their machines, they denied they ever had the hardware and refused to pay them. The owner was indicted for grand larceny, and the store was closed.
---
### Author:  [@Evnglion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evnglion)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/7 "2001-05-11T12:23:49Z")
I had no idea that Computer Renaissance was a national chain, I thought the only one was here in my town.
If you are looking at used systems, the Refurb. Dell idea you metioned sounds great. They have had exceptional tech support, and their hardware tends to be pretty good. Oh yeah, if you find some computer elsewhere, be sure that you, or a good friend of yours, can format the harddrive. Even if you _think_ that the harddrive has been cleaned out, an operating system always runs better on a freshly formatted harddrive.
---
### Author:  [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/8 "2001-05-11T13:39:18Z")
I’m actually satisfied with Computer Renaissance. They’ve treated me fairly.
That said, I think used computers in general are overpriced. For all my needs, chip speed has never been a big factor – it’s always RAM and drive space. Those prices have dropped so much that unless you’re using a VERY old CPU, as little as $200 might give your machine a second wind.
---
### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/9 "2001-05-11T14:33:28Z")
Find a friend at a failing or cutting back dotcom and you can get increadible deals as they sell off their excess. I’ve gotten some great deals here at work, roughly 30% of the new price for 6 month old machines.
---
### Author:  [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/10 "2001-05-11T15:09:53Z")
prices falling all the time but [tigerdirect.com](http://tigerdirect.com) keeps up with that. e.g. here is one of their latest emails to me:
Gateway Pentium 4 1.4GHz: Now Just $899.99
- Intel Pentium 4 1GHz Processor
- 128MB High-Speed PC 800 RDRAM
- 40GB ATA/66, 5400 rpm Hard Drive
- 16MB AGP Video
- 12X DVD Drive
- 56K V.90 Modem
- 3.5-Inch Floppy Drive
- 2 USB Ports “Up Front”
- 128-Bit Sound Blaster Compatible Audio
- One Serial Port and One Parallel Port
- Three Open PCI Slots
- Gateway’s Best Mid-Tower Case
- Microsoft Windows Me
- Gateway Premium 90-Day Warranty
- Premium Gateway Windows Keyboard
- Gateway Scrolling Internet Mouse
- Gateway “Cow Design” Mousepad
- Award-Winning Gateway 24-Hour Technical Support
---
### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2001, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/11 "2001-05-11T17:55:14Z")
Lsura, give Micro Center a try. They have new systems sans monitor for as little as $400. I believe your local store is at Powers Ferry Plaza, 1221 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30067.
---
### Author:  [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)
#### Post date: [May 12, 2001, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-computers/65026/12 "2001-05-12T01:15:49Z")
Well, guys, thanks for your advice. I made some calls and visits to stores today, and the prices I was quoted for used computers about made my eyes bug out. So I went tonight and bought a new one. It’s the Wal\*Mart standard, but it was cheaper than the used ones that I looked at considering that it had everything but a printer. It’s the basic computer that I was looking for. And the price I was being quoted for repairs on the laptop were almost as much(about $75 less) than the cost of this one.
Now I just have to _grumble_ reset all my favorites. I made my way here quickly enough though. 😛