A smart way to offset the cost of upgrading your PC is by selling your old hardware. Putting the cash from these sales towards new components can really help with your budget. CPUs, in particular, have a high demand in the second-hand market.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best spots to sell your used CPU, ensuring you get a good deal. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Word of Mouth
One of my favorite ways to sell any PC component is through word of mouth. When dealing with friends or friends-of-friends, transactions tend to be much smoother.
You have a level of trust already established, which can eliminate a lot of the potential hassles or concerns that come with selling to strangers.
Plus, tech-savvy friends may be directly interested or know someone looking to upgrade their own system.
Facebook Marketplace
But what if no one in your circle is looking for a CPU? Well, if that’s the case, then you definitely need to consider Facebook Marketplace. What I like about it is that you don’t always have to list your product (your CPU in this case).
Sometimes, people already list what they want and you can easily sell them your CPU if that’s what they are looking for. Actually, I used this exact method to sell an AMD RX 570 back in the day.
So, if none of your friends is interested in your CPU, I highly recommend you give Facebook Marketplace a shot.
Facebook Groups
Another great way to sell your CPU is again with Facebook, but this time, through Facebook groups. There are plenty of them out there, with many being super active, getting like 10+ posts a day.
But here’s a piece of advice: please don’t spam groups of PC component enthusiasts that aren’t about buying and selling PC parts. You’ll just end up getting reported and probably banned.
If you decide to go with Facebook groups, I highly recommend sticking to those specifically meant for buying and selling computer parts. This approach helps you reach the right audience without stepping on any toes.
Dedicated Subreddits
Most of you are probably hanging out on subreddits since many PC enthusiasts are there. But did you know, that alongside those subreddits where folks discuss the latest hardware, there are places just for buying and selling PC parts?
One super active subreddit is /r/hardwareswap/. Right now, it’s buzzing with around 390K members. And it’s been around for a while, since June 2011, to be exact. They’ve even got a Discord server.
So, if you’re already spending time on subreddits or Discord and you’re looking to sell your CPU quickly, HardwareSwap could be the perfect starting point.
It’s a solid option, especially if the earlier suggestions don’t quite fit your style.
eBay or Craigslist
Lastly, if you’re looking for another way to sell your CPU quickly or just want to up your chances, I highly recommend eBay, Craigslist, or any similar platform in your area. These sites have been go-to’s for a long time, with loads of people finding success in selling as well as buying used CPUs. Putting up your CPU for sale there won’t set you back at all.
The only minor downside I can think of is the flood of messages you might get at the start, especially if you’re listing a good CPU.
But that’s just a sign of how effective these platforms can be in getting your CPU noticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to sell a CPU without the box?
To sell a CPU without its original box, protect it with an anti-static bag, then sandwich it between sturdy cardboard and secure it. Use bubble wrap inside a box for extra safety during shipping.
Is it worth it to sell a used CPU?
Yes, selling a used CPU is definitely worth considering, especially if it’s relatively new. There’s a significant market for used PC components, as many people look to upgrade their systems at a lower cost. These buyers can’t always afford brand-new CPUs, so they turn to the second-hand market for affordable options.
Does anyone buy old CPUs?
Absolutely, many people are interested in buying used CPUs. Some individuals even build their entire computer systems predominantly with used components. This approach is quite popular since it’s more budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Did you find this guide helpful in selling your used CPU? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below sharing which method you chose and the CPU you’re selling.
If you’ve discovered a particular strategy that worked wonders for you, please share that too. Your insights could greatly benefit others looking to make their own sales.
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