16 Things to Check When Buying a Used Computer

Sometimes a new computer isn’t in our budget. In this case, you will need to know some things to check when buying a used computer.

There are various risks associated with different types of computers.

A laptop, for example, is something that I’d be more cautious about compared to a desktop computer.

Parts are way easier to replace in a desktop machine.

While you can purchase a used computer from a reputable computer store, don’t limit your options to only that.

There can be excellent deals that can be found through friends, family, and even on the internet. But always make sure you can take a good look at it without obligation first.

A used gaming computer can also be a good option for someone in school that needs a computer for schoolwork and gaming at the same time.

What to look out for when buying a used computer

Here is a list that I’ve put together based on my experience. This list is not in any particular order of importance.

1. Check for physical damage

Some types of cracks in the computer casing can be hard to see. So take your time and look carefully.

It’s definitely possible that the computer could have been dropped, or taken a nasty hit if you see a crack.

If you are looking at a laptop, check the screen carefully for scratches. Open and close the laptop screen and make sure the movement is smooth and has no noises throughout the motion.

Check the laptop’s keyboard that all the keys are working.

If the computer looks like it hasn’t been looked after in general, it’s probably a sign to avoid it. After all, you won’t have a shortage of candidates for purchase.

2. Listen to the hard drive

After powering it up, take a listen to the noises being made from the hard drive.

If it sounds like it’s grinding away or if it makes clucking noises, it would probably have to be replaced.

Keep in mind that a 2TB hard drive is going to cost anywhere between $80 to $120.

Nowadays, SSD’s are becoming more of a common choice than ever before. This is due to the advantages they offer and the fact that they are becoming cheaper and far more worthwhile.

So if the computer has an SSD with a reasonable capacity of 1 TB or more, it will be a preferred choice over a mechanical hard drive.

3. Ask if the product keys can be provided

If you install a new h a rd drive, it is always best to perform a fresh Windows install which will require a Windows key to activate it.

If it comes with Microsoft Office or any other paid-for software, ask for those license keys too.

The day can come at any time to perform a reinstall of the operating system, so having those keys are important, otherwise, you might have to pay for a new copy of the operating system or other software applications you may need.

You could, of course, keep an image of the existing installation, but eventually, the day will come when you will need to start fresh.

4. Look at the software that comes with it

It is useful when the computer already has software like Microsoft Office installed.

Adobe Photoshop is another program that costs money that is very commonly needed.

If it comes with paid-for software, have a look at what it would cost to purchase. This will give you some idea about the value that is added to the computer.

Again, ask for the product keys if you find any software that has been installed that you may find useful.

While having an updated antivirus is important, it is not vital to have a paid solution for keeping your computer clean from viruses or other malware.

5. Check the cooling fans

For a desktop computer, check to see if all the fans are spinning up. If they are noisy, it’s not a deal-breaker, they are easy and cheap to replace.

If you are considering a laptop, make sure that the intake passages look clean and that you can hear the fan operating after using it for a few minutes.

If you don’t hear the fan at all, play a high-resolution video for a few minutes. If it still doesn’t spin up, there is a chance that the computer has experienced some form of overheating.

In this case, move on to the next candidate. It’s not worth the risk.

6. Check the Windows version

If you find anything older than Windows 10 installed, pay attention to the Windows version.

If it has anything older than Windows 7 installed, you will have to pay for a license for Windows 10, and perhaps the work to get it installed or upgraded depending on your computer skill level.

It also means that there is a high likelihood that the hardware is really dated and it may not be compatible with Windows 10 anyway.

So if it’s a really old Windows version, it might not be the right purchase for you.

7. Use it for a minimum of 20 minutes

Getting the computer up to operating temperature and sustai ned is a good basic test.

If any hardware malfunctions when it gets up to operating temperature, you have a better chance to pick up on it.

I’ve seen many computers start up fine and after some workload, it goes faulty by either restarting, freezing, or powering itself off. So, getting past the post screen is only the beginning of the test.

You don’t want to end up with a computer that has a fault like this. It could cost quite a bit of money to fix, not to mention the inconvenience.

8. Check the amount of RAM

Although Windows 10 has a minimum specification of 1GB of RAM to operate, you don’t want anything less than 4GB of RAM.

It will make the system sluggish and keep your hard drive working away unnecessarily.

It’s unlikely that you will find a computer with less than 4Gb, but if you do and you are interested in the computer, go and look up how much replacement RAM modules will cost.

Some older RAM modules can be expensive.

A nice amount of RAM to start out with is 8GB. This is enough to keep your computer running well enough with most software applications and Windows 10.

You can type in ‘msinfo32’ (without quotes) into the run box, then press enter to see the hardware specifications.

9. Find out more about the hard drive

Although a hard drive isn’t too expensive, it’s still worth looking into a few specifications.

The hard drive is important seeing as that it holds all of your personal files.

Look at the following points:

Capacity : The size of the drive (in GB or TB). Around 2 TB is ideal.

: The size of the drive (in GB or TB). Around 2 TB is ideal. Age : If the drive is older than 4 years, it could be worthwhile to replace it. Data loss is a big inconvenience, even though you keep everything backed up.

: If the drive is older than 4 years, it could be worthwhile to replace it. Data loss is a big inconvenience, even though you keep everything backed up. Manufacturer: Western Digital is the make I recommend. After testing many brands of hard drives, Western Digital has proven to be the most reliable in my opinion.

The age will give you a rough idea about how long you have until it needs to be replaced.

You can download CrystalDiskInfo to tell you more specifics about the hard drive.

10. Find out how long the owner has owned it

If the current owner had the computer from new, that’s a good sign.

If he/she had it for a couple of months after purchasing/receiving it second hand, I would be cautious.

It could mean that something isn’t well with it, and he/she could be trying to get rid of a problem.

11. Check the overall age of the computer

Find out the age of the computer and if it exceeds five years, consider something else.

The hardware would most likely be at an age where it cannot run the latest version of Windows very well or modern software to get things done.

12. Be conscious of your budget

You probably have a fixed price that you cannot exceed, seeing as a used computer is the most likely option.

Make sure that number is at least 20% lower than the cheapest new model when comparing basic specifications.

Otherwise, it makes no sense buying a used computer.

13. Open the performance monitor

The Performance Monitor in the Task Manager of Windows can tell you a lot.

Pay close attention to the amount of CPU utilization. If it is running extremely high, here are the potential causes:

There are lots of applications set to run on startup.

There may be a virus or malware infection.

The CPU could be underpowered.

Something can be easily done about the first two causes, but the third one would be enough reason to keep looking.

14. Glance over the hardware specs

The processor (CPU) would be the first and most important component to look at first.

The computer will either have an Intel or AMD brand of processor.

Make sure that it’s not over the five-year mark.

When processors get that old, they won’t be able to run Windows 10 nicely and other modern software.

Do some Google searches on the model if you are wanting a laptop. If you see a lot of results coming up about a dead display, or not powering up, forget about that particular model.

15. Check the battery when looking for a laptop

If you are considering a laptop, run it with the charger disconnected to see how long the battery lasts.

If the battery drops quickly, it’s obvious that it will have to be replaced. Price up a battery and factor it into the price.

To give you an indication quickly, play a YouTube video fullscreen for five minutes then check the battery.

If it dropped a few percent ages in that time, you know the battery will have to be replaced.

16. Check capacitors when looking for a desktop

Normal Capacitors Faulty Bulged Capacitors

Open the case and look at the capacitors on the motherboard. The motherboard will be the largest board screwed directly to the case.

When these capacitors bulge, the computer can still be working fine. But know that this motherboard has lived its life and it’s only a matter of time before faults occur.

I recommend reading how to transport a desktop computer in a car if you plan to pick one up from somewhere yourself.

Conclusion

Factors to consider before purchasing a new computer

A brand new computer is a must for many people. However, before rushing out to buy your next computer, you should consider the following factors before purchasing the most suitable computer for your needs. You can read more about it here.

The type of software the computer runs on will be important to consider when buying a new computer. For example, some computers run on Microsoft Windows while others run on Macintosh OS X. Be sure to consider what software you need for work and play so that you can get the best machine for your money.

1. RAM (Memory)

For home users who find themselves browsing social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter every day, having enough memory may not seem like an issue at all. While it’s true that these activities don’t require much in terms of processing power, it’s still a good idea to have a computer with a sizeable memory. This is because the more files and programs you have on your machine, the slower it will run. Even if you don’t browse social media sites, having an over-crowded hard drive can still impact negatively on your search speeds.

2. Storage space

In addition to finding out what type of computer you’re looking for, be sure to find out how much storage space that machine offers. Whether or not this amount suits you depends solely on how many files need storing and whether or not they could be stored in cloud services instead. If you do decide to buy a new computer with less storage space than you feel is required, there are external hard drives available which come in massive sizes and are very cheap.

3. Processing power

The next thing to look out for is the speed of the computer. In this day and age, computers come equipped with different specifications depending on what you’re looking for in a machine. If you need something that can run heavy-duty software, perhaps for film editing or a large media library, a machine with a high processor speed and RAM will be required. On the other hand, if your computer needs aren’t too intensive, rounding out your purchase by buying less powerful components can save you money. Playing games or streaming movies won’t require powerful capabilities, so buying slow but cost-effective processors and graphics cards can make sense in terms of price vs performance.

4. Hard-drive speed

Look also at the hard drive speed when considering purchasing a click here new computer. A faster speed means that the computer will be able to process and record data faster, which can significantly improve performance across the board. If you’re looking at laptops, an SSD option is always best; if possible, you should only get a hard drive with a 7200 RPM spin speed or higher. Having an SSD helps your laptop load games and apps much more rapidly than having only a normal hard drive would.

A lot of people tend to forget about SSDs when they’re building their own PCs, but they’re a very important part of the setup. For laptops especially, make sure that the PC comes with an SSD to improve battery life and performance. You can also install one yourself if you already have a laptop- it’ll only cost about 40 dollars for a 120gb drive.

5. Keyboards

Some computers also offer better-quality keyboards than others do. The difference between $10-per-key keyboards and $100+ keyboards is large enough that it’s worth considering when buying your next computer. While no one needs mechanical keys like those found on high-end gaming keyboards, good quality membrane keys fares much better, even on lower-end laptops.

6. Screens

If you’re looking at computers with screens smaller than 1080p, you should look elsewhere. There’s no sense in buying a 1366×768 laptop when 1920×1080 is available for the same price or lower.

LCD panels are being phased out by more modern alternatives. OLED displays have received more attention lately because of their ability to produce deeper blacks and richer colors than what standard LCD panels can do. If possible, go for an OLED display rather than an LCD one when purchasing a new computer screen.

7. Inputs

Some computer manufacturers disable the touchpad while the user is typing so that they don’t accidentally bump it and mess up whatever they were typing before it happened. This feature may depend on what type of computer you’re buying, but if at all possible it’s best to not purchase a laptop without this feature.

Including peripherals in your purchase is usually cheaper than purchasing them separately later on. If possible, find a PC that already includes a monitor or TV as well as speakers and wireless internet capabilities so that you don’t have to pay extra money for those items. Dual monitor setups can be great for work use.

8. Compatibility

When purchasing a new PC, be sure to check for compatibility with your current setup before making the switch. Some PCs require more power than others, so make sure that the one you are looking at will work with everything else in your home. Be careful not to lose important files when moving them over from an older PC. If you don’t have any USB 3 ports on your motherboard or graphics card then use USB 2 for transferring files- you’ll get the same speed as on USB 3, but keep old files intact and prevent data loss.

9. Overclock

When assembling all these parts into one machine, be sure not to overclock your CPU unless you know what you’re doing! Many people decide to do this as soon as they build a computer, but if you’re not sure about doing that then it’s best to simply avoid it altogether. If your processor gets too hot you’ll end up with a very expensive paperweight.

In the event of something going wrong with any piece of hardware, always check with the manufacturer first before purchasing and installing a replacement part since they might be able to help out for free or at least sell you one at a discounted price.

10. Graphics card

If your new PC has multiple graphics cards installed (e.g NVIDIA SLI or ATI Crossfire) make sure they are both compatible and also use the same driver version so as to not cause problems later on as compatibility issues often arise between drivers for different graphics cards.

11. PSU

Before you purchase all new parts for your new PC make sure they will all work together and that you haven’t missed anything. For example, if you intend to purchase a new graphics card, check the power requirements of both the card as well as the power supply unit (PSU).

In some cases, it may be wise to ask for professional advice from those who have been doing PC builds for years as opposed to purchasing everything yourself because these can often turn out less expensive than buying parts separately and also save time since professionals know exactly what they need and how much of it.

12. Cable management

Never underestimate cable management since getting this wrong could result in a nightmare where airflow is severely restricted resulting in overheating PC components which can make things go wrong. If your new build uses a Micro ATX motherboard, then you’re going to need a Micro ATX case and also a power supply with two separate connectors: one for the motherboard and another for the graphics card. All cases tend to come with fans but these are usually low quality so you can save some money by removing these and installing your own superior ones which will definitely improve airflow.

Remember that as well as buying all of the parts needed for building your next PC, it’s important to choose an operating system (OS) such as Windows or Linux since without this it won’t be able to run anything at all.

As long as you plan ahead and buy everything required in advance along with taking the time to read up on how different components work before assembling them together.

Why go through this on your own? Seek the help of one of our professionals who excels at computer setup in Melbourne.

9 Things to Do Before Using a New Computer

Got a new Windows computer? There are some tasks that you must take care of before you start using your new machine.

The first thing you want to do with a new computer is jump right into using it. But we don’t recommend doing that. There are some tasks that you must take care of before you start using the new PC.

The steps you take now can save you time and effort. In the long run, it'll make your machine safer, faster, and better poised for the future. Complete these Windows customizations before using your new computer.

Microsoft releases periodic updates to Windows 10. Quality updates consist of bugs and security fixes. They get delivered at least once a month and as often as once per week. Feature updates are major upgrades.

To avoid disruption, Microsoft adjusted its release schedule so that the H1 release is a major upgrade while the H2 release is a quality update. Windows Update is available in the Settings app. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click Change active hours to prevent Windows from automatically restarting your PC. View update history categorizes the updates installed on your system. If an update is causing a problem, click Uninstall updates and follow the dialog prompt.

In older versions, you get to defer both feature (up to one year) and quality (up to 30 days) updates. Starting with Windows 10 version 2004, Microsoft removed the Choose when updates are installed option on the Advanced Options page. Regardless of the product edition, you can defer updates for up to 35 days.

If you wish to continue to leverage deferrals, you can use Local Group Policy. You'll find the policy settings in the Windows Update for Business folder. Double-click the policy and configure the schedule as per your needs.

When your device gets any optional updates, you can manage it through View optional updates. That means you no longer need to utilize Device Manager to search for driver updates.

2. Check the Power Plan

You must pay close attention to power management settings to extend battery life and balance resource usage while doing an intensive computing task.

Open the Settings app and navigate to System > Power & sleep. Set the idle time before the screen goes dark and the time before it goes to sleep.

Click the Additional power settings link to open the Power Options page in Control Panel. You can create a custom Windows power plan according to your needs.

If you want to fine-tune it further, click Change advanced power settings. The options on this dialog box provide a great deal of granular control over power-related events. You can tailor them to your hardware and software needs.

3. Battery Health and Calibration

We’re often less informed and least excited about laptop battery health. When you buy a new laptop, it’s necessary to monitor battery health right from the beginning. Over time, the capacity of any battery diminishes.

The battery stops holding its charge and shows fluctuating readings. A flawed discharge estimation is also common. Monitoring the battery health periodically will tell you when to calibrate the battery and take corrective steps.

Visit your laptop's manufacturer website for details on the calibration procedure. If you're just getting started, follow this guide to know some of the best third-party diagnostic tools to analyze laptop battery health.

4. Rename Your PC

The default Windows setup creates a nonsense name for the PC. While it may seem small, you'll see your PC's name in OneDrive, Microsoft services on the web, and elsewhere.

Press Windows Key + X and choose System. From the About page, click Rename this PC and type in a name. Reboot your computer.

5. Create a Recovery Drive

When your PC runs into problems and won’t start, a USB recovery drive can help you troubleshoot and fix those problems. The recovery drive boots your PC into a Windows Recovery Environment, which consists of many helpful utilities.

To create a recovery drive, type “recovery” in the search box and choose the Recovery Drive app from the results pane. Make sure to check Back up system files to the recovery drive.

Once checked, you’ll be able to use Reset this PC and access Windows Recovery Environment tools from the drive. For best results, choose a 16GB USB drive.

6. Uninstall Bloatware and Turn Off Annoyances

Bloatware is an app that comes pre-installed with your PC. They may include trial versions of antivirus, games, or even Microsoft Office. Pre-installed apps consume disk space and litter the Start menu. Here's our guide on easily removing bloatware in Windows 10 and using third-party uninstaller utilities to remove faulty apps.

Turn Off Start Menu Advertising: Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show suggestions occasionally in Start.

Lock Screen Ads: Sometimes, you may see adverts for Microsoft products via Windows Spotlight. Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and set the background to a Picture or Slideshow.

Taskbar Pop-Ups: You might get persistent notifications on product recommendations in the disguise of Windows 10 tips. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and turn off Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.

Also, turn off the Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and when I sign in option.

File Explorer Advertising: You might see ads on File Explorer if you use the free plan of OneDrive. Go to View > Options > Change folder and search options. In the Folder Options window, navigate to the View tab and turn off Show sync provider notifications.

7. Create a Standard User Account with Password

When you configure Windows 10 for the first time, the setup program creates a profile for the administrator account. With it, you can change system-wide settings, run all installed apps, install new hardware, and do pretty much anything on the computer.

Whether you're a newbie or a professional, we always recommend starting with a standard user account. These limited accounts can run apps and change settings that don't affect other users.

An administrator has the ability to add a user account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click Add someone else to this PC.

Walk through the steps and click Add a User Without a Microsoft Account. Specify a user name and password. You'll also be required to choose and answer three security questions. At last, when prompted for the account type, choose Standard User.

8. Create a System Restore Point

The System Restore feature lets you undo any recent changes in hardware or software. It comes useful when a recently updated driver, a faulty device, or apps are causing problems.

Go to Settings > System > About. Click System Protection, and from the window that appears, ensure that the restore point for C: drive is On.

9. Setting Up Windows Security

Many people ignore setting up Windows Security option before using a new computer. As of Windows 10 1809, all the options have moved to Windows Security app. To set up, go to Update & Security > Windows Security.

Virus & Threat Protection

Under Virus and threat protection settings, select Manage settings. From here, you can configure the basic Windows Security settings, such as Cloud-delivered protection or the automatic submission of sample blocks virus and malware in real-time.

Ransomware Protection

Click Manage ransomware protection to prevent suspicious apps from making changes to any files. Turn on Controlled Folder Access and click Protected folders to restrict unauthorized apps from accessing your folders.

App & Browser Control

You can manage how Windows behaves when you download potentially unsafe apps from the web, encounter malicious websites, or configure how the Edge browser should act in unprotected situations (like airport Wi-Fi) to protect data.

The built-in settings include SmartScreen for Edge, installed apps, and files. Also, exploit protection functionality protects your system from getting compromised. It includes DEP, ASLR, and SEHOP settings.

Device Security

Windows 10 comes with built-in virtualization-based security to prevent attacks from malicious code.

10. Setting Up Scheduled Backup Routine

No amount of maintenance guarantees against hard drive failure or theft. Any potential catastrophe could imperil your computer and data. To keep your data safe, take regular backups. Here's our ultimate guide on backups and best practices on hardware and software:

One or two external hard drives (minimum 1TB) and decide whether you'll attach it to your PC (RAIDs) or over the network (NAS). You can partition the drive and use one for system backups and another for data. Choose an app to backup your data automatically on a fixed schedule. Cloud storage services work best to sync your files, but for backup, consider Backblaze, Backblaze B2, Amazon S3, or Glacier.

11. Use Ninite to Install Multiple Apps

Having to download, install, and keep your apps up-to-date is time-consuming and annoying. Ninite lets you automatically install multiple apps in one fell swoop and save time. Check the apps you want and click the Get Your Ninite button.

Run the customized installer. The apps will silently install in the background with default settings.

With Ninite Pro, you can patch and deploy apps right from your browser. Install the lightweight Ninite agent on your machines and get a real-time view with simple point-and-click management of your apps.

Best Time to Buy New Computer

Getting a new computer is an exciting time. Although at first sight, these tips may seem a lot, it’s not tough. Your PC will be safer, faster, and better equipped for your tasks.

It can be expensive to buy a new computer, so it makes sense to time your purchase for when you can secure a bargain. While prices are always subject to change, you can get your favorite computer at a discount with these tips.