What tests to ask for when buying a second hand pc?

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Gil maia

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Aug 23, 2014
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So I found a real gem online:
4770/8gb ram/r9 390/250gb ssd+1tb hdd. all in an ITX package. ALL for 550 euro.
this pc would be for a friend who is skeptical about buying used but I assured her that if the hardware is tested there is no big risks.
So what I want to know is what Tests/ benchmarks/ THINGS in general to ask for to the PC owner?
Please Help.
I'm in a hurry
 
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USAFRet
Does it come with an OS?
Does it come with a valid OS, incl install media, COA, and license key?

Asking the seller to do the tests proves nothing. Unless you personally have eyeballs on it, all bets are off.


And if you do buy this used system, your very first move should be a full wipe and reinstall of the OS.
I know the temptation will be there to just crank it up and start gaming, but this is for your protection as well as theirs.
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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I'd be more interested in the reputation of the seller - the better the reputation, the more likely they're being honest in any listing. A reputable seller, with a return policy - I'd say it's worth the risk and test it out for your friend.

If this is a Craiglist/eBay etc situation, I would be more inclined to test it out yourself before buying than trust somebody else to send you genuine benchmarks etc.

You're mostly looking for the components to be what they're claimed - CPU-Z can help, a relatively 'clean' looking setup, stable temperatures (anything with really high temperatures with no real reason for can be a sign you're in for trouble - if it's dusty etc, have it cleaned off first - you want to know what you're dealing with)
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Does it come with an OS?
Does it come with a valid OS, incl install media, COA, and license key?

Asking the seller to do the tests proves nothing. Unless you personally have eyeballs on it, all bets are off.


And if you do buy this used system, your very first move should be a full wipe and reinstall of the OS.
I know the temptation will be there to just crank it up and start gaming, but this is for your protection as well as theirs.
 
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Gil maia

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It's in OLX and the seller only has this pc for sale. I will ask him for video of the pc running some benchmarks and an hdd health test. I was wondering if there are some other tests for example memory tests worth asking for.
thanks all the same.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Yes, but there is nothing that guarantees what the video shows is the PC parts you will actually get.
 
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Gil maia

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I would do a complete data wipe and clean reinstall, as for the test if I end up buying it I wouldn't be able to test it in person (its on the other side of the country and It would be brought down by a family member who is travelling down. I was thinking about asking for video proof as well as all the benchmarks

 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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USAFRet is totally right. Many a buyer has been left in a bind, with supposed "proof" that system works as expected and handed over hard-earned cash. It really is buyer beware, there are some poor sellers out there.

I hadn't even commented on the OS element, which I assumed was a given, but of course you want to ensure everything is authentic in addition to everything else.

It's very difficult if you can't see the rig, and there's no return or reimbursement potential.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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A LOT of used systems are sold with bogus/pirated/OEM OS installs, leaving the new owner with no way to do a reinstall when needed.
If it doesn't come with what I listed above, $50+ off.
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Sorry, I meant a given in the sense the OP would be checking that out.

I know all too well about the bogus/pirated installs when you buy second-hand. Dealing with one now infact.
The OEM installs, at least there are potential options available........not guaranteed, but potential.

Better to know you've got 100% proof of legit Windows & a valid key available......not quite sure how you can confirm that without seeing the setup first-hand though.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Too many people, in their rush to play with the new baby, immediately crank it up and start installing stuff.
A month or two later, poof, it unactivates itself. And then they come here, asking what to do.

And 'without seeing'...that is one of the big risks buying used from 'some guy'.
 
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