6 things to consider before buying a used graphics card

Who does not love a great deal? Particularly if it is on one thing principally new or little used. We have been lacking out on such offers on graphics playing cards for the previous few years, because of a mixture of provide shortages, logistical woes, and skyrocketing demand for cryptocurrency, however there’s excellent news finally! The GPU market has taken successful, which implies model new retail Nvidia and AMD graphics playing cards are cheaper than ever. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless costly, and GPU miners harm by the collapse of crypto trying to sell their equipment with important reductions. That is why we now flip our consideration to the used graphics card market.

There are offers to be discovered with used GPUs, however there are additionally dangers. And is it a great time to buy? From present market situations to what you need to be searching for within the graphics card itself, we’ll cowl a very powerful issues it’s worthwhile to know earlier than shopping for a used GPU. When you favor to keep away from all of the potential complications related to buying a used graphics card, The best GPUs for PC gaming It might additionally provide help to discover the perfect new playing cards on your wants.

1) Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4000 and AMD’s Radeon RDNA 3 – coming quickly?

One of many causes current-gen GPU costs are falling so quick is as a result of Nvidia and AMD are launching so quickly. subsequent era GPUs. No official launch date has been launched to this point, so whereas AMD says it is new, it is laborious to pinpoint precisely after we’re seeing one thing new. Radeon GPUs powered by RDNA 3 to be released in Q4 (October to December). Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4000 sequence can be closely rumored to launch this 12 months.

No matter whether or not Nvidia or AMD hits first, count on the most important, worst next-gen GPUs to debut, just like the GeForce RTX 4090 and 4080. We’re extra prone to see extra inexpensive graphics playing cards just like the RTX 4070 and beneath. , subsequent 12 months

What does that imply in the event you’re contemplating shopping for a used GPU? Used costs will proceed to drop and should drop much more sharply when the subsequent era graphics playing cards are introduced. Even when you do not have plans to purchase an RTX 4090, its mere existence means you may in all probability get less expensive costs for a used GeForce RTX 30 or Radeon 6000 sequence GPU.

2) Mining GPUs coming to market

Many of the used graphics playing cards at present coming into the used market have been used for crypto mining. With the latest drop in cryptocurrency profitability, there was an enormous improve of their providing on the market. Some might be disclosed by the vendor, however many is not going to.

Do you have to fear? We cowl the main points in additional element in our information. whether you should buy a used mining GPU. However (spoiler alert) you may in all probability be tremendous, and here is why:

1. Some could also be GPUs bought in the previous few months earlier than the “crash”, so they could nonetheless be near new.
2. Most hardcore cryptocurrency miners will overclock their graphics playing cards and restrict energy, and good homeowners will even regulate temperatures.
3. GPUs have traditionally not proven any important degradation or long-term points from mining. In some instances, you are able to do extra injury by overclocking to play video games.

Having stated that, a very powerful factor is to ask the vendor some pertinent questions. If they are saying a used GPU is used for mining, ask them what sort of atmosphere the system is in. Was it at all times scorching? Was there good air flow, airflow and dirt management? Has it been dealt with fastidiously? What voltage and clock charge changes did they make? The solutions provides you with good steering. When you’re not snug shopping for a used mining GPU, that is tremendous both. Simply hold going. The market is at present filled with choices, together with reductions on new graphics playing cards.

3) Watch out for GPUs with GDDR6X reminiscence

Above we coated how good it’s to purchase a used mining GPU general, however there are some crucial technical particulars that you need to pay a bit extra consideration to. Some high-end Nvidia RTX 30 sequence graphics playing cards use scorching and highly effective GDDR6X VRAM. Mining is especially taxing by mining given how reminiscence intensive it’s, and a few fashions that come from the manufacturing unit with dangerous thermal pads will expertise warmth points. A extra apparent concern for Nvidia’s personal Founders Version playing cards.

Thiago Trevisan/IDG

GPUs utilizing GDDR6X embrace the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, 3080, 3080 Ti, and 3090. The dreaded RTX 3090 Ti It has an improved VRAM design and is much less prone to be affected by these points. Alternatively, AMD’s competing Radeon choices use typical GDDR6 (no X) reminiscence, so you do not have to fret about these.

A very powerful factor to notice (by far) is the large man right here, GeForce RTX 3090. An inexperienced crypto miner unaware of VRAM points might have run his RTX 3090 continuously and the reminiscence is consistently thermally degraded to a 110C cutoff temperature. GDDR6X reminiscence temperatures on wholesome GPUs ought to ideally run beneath 100C. (Truly, 94C or beneath good airflow environment even higher)

Some customized RTX 3090s had good out-of-the-box thermal pads, however some did not – even on graphics playing cards from the identical model of the identical mannequin. I’ve examined lower-end 3090s with nice temperatures, and a few high-end fashions that suck due to their dangerous inventory thermal pads, and vice versa. Ask the vendor about this. Some avid gamers could also be unaware of VRAM points if they are not mining with their graphics playing cards, and that is in all probability okay, but it surely’s at all times good to ask earlier than shopping for.

4) Stress check the GPU

When you have a pleasant vendor, you may ask them for 3DMark scores to confirm efficiency, and even have them run the GPU for some time in Heaven Benchmark. It will inform you if the GPU is secure and performing no less than to spec.

When you purchased the GPU from a retailer open field or a used market with a great return coverage, corresponding to eBay, check it your self. Our information benchmark your graphics card might help. Be sure there are not any visible artifacts or different irregular habits that might crash it utilizing the benchmark software program referenced above, and take a look at taking part in a mixture of fast-paced and visually intense video games. When you have a used graphics card make When you run into issues, you will have a return coverage to use to those locations.

When you purchase a used graphics card instantly from the earlier proprietor from websites like Craigslist or Fb Market, it could be tougher to get a refund. If doable, it is best to ask them to offer benchmark outcomes earlier than promoting and allow you to find out about potential points.

5) Bodily situations are necessary

The eyeball check is your greatest pal. Does one thing look damaged or broken within the image of the used graphics card? It might have real-life penalties. GPU fan blade with lacking tip, to seem harmless sufficient, however oscillating when turning is prone to trigger a number of vibration and cooling points.

Thiago Trevisan/IDG

Did the seller activate the GPU or apply new thermal pads? Whereas new pads can theoretically improve temperatures, inexperienced customers making an attempt to exchange them may presumably injury the GPU itself if they are not cautious.

If the GPU appears clear, undamaged, and the vendor’s unique field is in good situation, these can all be nice indicators.

Nonetheless, do not overlook some particular instances the place it can save you some huge cash. Generally a GPU may be simply cosmetically broken with out efficiency points and so in the event you do not thoughts a number of scratches on the coating it can save you some huge cash. You can even save more cash in the event you purchase one thing you already know you may repair (for instance, fan blades in the event you’re helpful and know what you are doing). Basically, nevertheless, a clear, well-maintained GPU is normally preferrred.

6) Select your supply correctly

Not all used GPUs are offered the identical. There may be large financial variations and security web protections relying on the place you go.

First, one of many safer methods to get a less expensive “used” graphic is to search for open field provides from bodily retailers. When you’re fortunate sufficient to stay close to a Micro Hub, you may bodily examine the GPU, underwrite it, and return it if it isn’t working correctly. You may lower your expenses in comparison with a brand new GPU, however it will probably nonetheless be a bit dearer than different locations. You may typically discover comparable open-box merchandise at retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and extra. If you cannot examine beforehand, be sure you’re coated by a strong return coverage.

Then there are numerous on-line marketplaces like eBay. These can typically have good return insurance policies, product photographs, and vendor suggestions, so you will have a greater likelihood of getting one thing good. Chances are you’ll pay extra attributable to price buildings, however you continue to save on a brand new one.

The most cost effective method might be direct person-to-person promoting and is usually present in locations like Fb Market and Craigslist. You may normally get the most cost effective costs on used GPUs this manner, however there are lots of precautions to be taken on your personal security, corresponding to assembly in a public place. The excellent news is that you may normally bodily examine the graphics card, however it could be more durable to get your a refund if one thing goes unsuitable later. Good value, however the purchaser ought to use it extra fastidiously.

Sure GPU manufacturers might also have warranties that apply to a second proprietor, with some limitations, corresponding to EVGA. Your mileage will differ right here, so you should definitely analysis the model you are shopping for from as a result of they’re all completely different.

Shopping for a used GPU: It isn’t that dangerous!

GPUs can final for years if taken care of, and GPU costs have skyrocketed over the previous few years. However ultimately, the tide turns. On the finish of the day, there may be large value financial savings in case you are educated when shopping for a used graphics card. When you take precaution, you may typically get rather a lot, particularly in a all of the sudden softening market the place sellers are wanting to do away with their models. Do not forget to take a look at our abstract. The best graphics cards for PC games so whether or not you are shopping for new or used, you are armed with the data you want.