The Upgrade Bug and The Ebay Cash Cow
I got the upgrade bug about a month ago. It all started when I wanted to upgrade an old P4 520 I had to a newer Pentium D cpu. One of the other HL members told me he had a Pentium D I could have, but I soon realized that the motherboard I was using wasn't compatible with the Pentium D. So I decided to do what I have done in the past, sell my old parts on Ebay, and use the money to buy new parts. So I sold my old motherboard, CPU and RAM on Ebay and was able to buy a new motherboard and RAM that was compatible with my new Pentium D. When all was said and done I had a little money left over so I bought another CPU to upgrade My HTPC, and then I sold a few more things on Ebay I had laying around, next thing I know I am upgrading my server as well. Next I am going to start upgrading my Main computer from it's aging AMD x2 4400+. Between parts given or sold to me by other HL members and old parts sold on Ebay, in the end I will be able to upgrade 4 of my computers.
This hasn't been all take on my part either. I have also given away a few parts that other HL members have needed as well. So in the end I have been able to get rid of parts I don't need and turn them into parts I do need, and also help out others, while others have helped me out. So when you're ready to breathe new life into an aging computer reach out to some of the other members, you never know what someone else might have sitting around. Who knows you just might have something they need as well.
Ebay is also a great outlet for computer parts as well. I have been very surprised and often times shocked at the prices I have gotten for some of my parts. Upgrading your computer can get very expensive fast. It makes the hit to your wallet just a little bit easier if you can offset the cost by selling your old parts. You do have to be careful when selling or buy on Ebay. So if you go this route proceeded with caution.
I have been putting off upgrading my computers due to lack of funds, and time to deal with it. Now that I have the bug it’s like an addiction, and I just can’t stop. I find myself spending hours looking on Newegg and other e-tailer sites, pricing parts. Then I am going on Ebay and checking my current sales status, and trying to predict what I will get for the parts I am selling. Then add my constant trips to the post office, it’s become like a second job. I forget how much time actually goes into upgrading computers. Takes a lot of research, price comparing to make sure you get the right parts for the best price.
In the end it will all be worth it, or so I hope. Between part swapping between computers, trading with other people, buying new parts and selling or giving away my old parts, I will have 4 refreshed systems that should last me the next couple of years.
Total Comments 4
Comments
 |  Yeah, I've been getting really into this lately too. 90% of the fun I have on my computer is from tweaking it and just swapping out parts, and so I've gone from an 8800 to dual 7600's to dual 1800xt's, and it's hasn't been too bad on the wallet (the $1000 car repair was... but yeah). I've never tried selling on ebay though... i've been mostly buying and selling on forums, both here and over at the Anandtech FS/T forums... but not everything gets sold there. Might have to try out ebay soon, myself. |
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| |  I can definitely relate on this one. I'm actually going through the same type of upgrade process (and have been, for the better part of the year). It seems the funds are just never available and when they are, something comes up. Such is life I suppose. I was also shocked after I read this months Max PC when it came in the mail. Gordon Mah Ung's upgrade article had some information on what past-generation graphics cards are going for on ebay. $300 for a 7800GTX!? I went and looked on ebay after reading through and I was really surprised to see what price old hardware is fetching. If you take the time, you really can make your next upgrade (and in your case, your next 4 upgrades) super cheap. |
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| |  You have to be very careful, but Ebay can be an outstanding resource for upgrading your system.....sometimes you can sell older parts for a premium, and get newer parts at a discount....just remember that those deals that seem too good to be true, usually are. |
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| | I really love eBay for selling legacy parts. It's amazing how many out there feel so constrained with their set up and mentally forced to upgrade within their current limitations. You know, vise getting out of the limitations. So they pay for it...dearly IMO. It really feels like you're taking advantage, but not our fault as a seller after all. Take that 945 Pentium D. Another one about a week earlier started a bidding bonanza. It sat at $54 until the last couple hours. When the sniping had settled, it sold for $148 + $15 shipping. For a proc that's on par with a 2160 Allendale you can buy for $60, you almost feel like advising them to get a new board. But look at what's out there in those past eras. 7800GT's finally lowered from a nutty $80-100 average to $20 plus shipping. nForce4 boards are again finally realistically priced. Sell an SLI AMD 939 system by part, and it's not a whole lot. Sell it as a system, and watch the frenzy rise! Where separate it might pull $100, it's well double that when all inclusive. I wouldn't buy though in hardware myself. Not so much anymore. Seems the prices are higher for current hardware than you can get at respectable retailers. I like seeing large lot/bulk sales like Panaflo fans and such. There's also audio dealers out there offering good products on the cheap. It's just weeding out the riff-raff though and finding those good dealers that aren't a risk. There's still some deals to be had if persistent. A Zalman HD160XT case just sold Friday for $370 and free shipping. I missed it by not paying attention :( |
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Recent Blog Entries by Hitman
- The Upgrade Bug and The Ebay Cash Cow (May 13th, 2008)
- I Give Up (December 11th, 2007)
