Computers depreciate in value probably faster than anything else out there. When you buy a new computer, it is pretty much out of date in month and a better model is available for the same price (or cheaper) than what you paid for yours. With that in mind, purchasing used computers and parts makes fiscal sense, but the question is how much do you trust used parts?
For the most part, any devices with non-moving components (motherboards, CPU’s, memory, graphics cards, etc.) should last a very long time as long as they are not abused, however their moving component counterparts (hard drives, optical drives, fans, etc.) have a much more ‘finite’ lifespan.
So if you had to do a build where you incorporate used parts, what would you trust and what parts would you absolutely avoid? My opinion is you can trust any used device (so long as you know it is working when you buy it). Stuff goes bad… it happens… it can just as easily happen on something with is 2 years used or just out of the box.
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It’s still pretty much the same as buying new. Buy quality brands and the chances of the part failing are less.
I agree that used components are a good idea, But there may be “driver” dependency issues and you may need the manufacturer and model number so that drivers can be obtain/downloaded.
‘Just wondering: What is your opinion on re-using case-fans and processor-coolers (including fans)?. I know I’m probably a bit tight; but I tend to clean up and re-use both of these types of component if possible. (Provided that I’m building for personal use.) The CPU cooler and fan in the computer I’m publishing this through was originally fitted in another computer which I broke-up before I built this one. I cleaned all the old grease off the heat-sink, cleaned the dust out of the fan, and fitted it. – I’ve had no problems with it since. (About 2 years.)
I also used a secondhand case-fan in a rebuild I did in the past. Although I don’t have that computer any longer it’s still all working fine, case-fan included, AFAIK.
It’s maybe a lot of work for very little saving; but I hate wasting perfectly good components.
(If I build for anyone other than myself then all components are always new and unused.)
If it is still working, I am 100% on board with reusing if you can. This goes for _all_ parts from fans to hard drives. As long as the machine is not a business critical system, re-use anything you find.
i trust any, hope that theres no any viruses