Guide · Buying used tech
Used graphics cards and PC parts: what to test
Checklist for buying a used graphics card, processor, memory, drive or power supply in Kenya: how to spot wear, what to ask the seller and how to test on arrival.
PC parts rarely show wear in photos. Ask the right questions, and run a stress test before you confirm receipt.
What to look for in the listing
- The exact model and, for a graphics card, photos of the fans, the ports and the connector edge.
- How long the part was used and for what. Heavy continuous use, such as around-the-clock workloads, wears parts faster.
- Whether the original box, cables and bracket are included.
- Whether the part has been repaired, re-pasted, flashed or modified.
Tests when it arrives
- Graphics card: inspect for dust, bent pins or burn marks, install it, then run a graphics stress test for 15 to 20 minutes and watch for crashes, artefacts or heat above what the card should reach.
- Memory: run a memory test for at least one full pass.
- Drives: read the drive health report and check reallocated or pending sectors.
- Power supply: only buy used power supplies from sellers who can say how old it is. Check it holds a stable load and does not smell burnt.
- Processor: check for bent pins or damage on the socket side and make sure it reports the right model and speed.
How checking works on Bids Kenya
You cannot hold the item before you bid, so use what you can: the photos, the condition description and the seller’s answers. Once you win, you can ask the seller for extra photos or a short video before you pay the balance.
You pay the balance to Bids Kenya, not to the seller. After the item arrives, test it before you tap “I have received the item”. The seller is paid only after you confirm, and if something is wrong you can report a problem from your order first.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a used power supply?
It carries more risk than most parts because a failure can damage other components. Prefer a known age, and use a trusted unit if you are building a machine that matters.
What does “used for mining” mean?
It means the card ran at high load for long periods. It is not automatically bad, but you should ask, test it and price it accordingly.
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