Buy new or used graphics cards

[exar333]

yeah... don't even bother trying to get a 58xx card. there's a good chance they've been run ragged and on their last leg with expired/nontransferable warranty.

Or do your research and buy a card that WILL have a warranty. I have a awesome 5870 sitting in my rig today from XFX with a double-lifetime warranty. When (not if) I sell this card this year, the buyer will get a solid card with a transferrable warranty.

Warranties follow the reseller's policy, NOT the GPU company/product model.

 

[exar333]

OP, get the best deal you can find (new or used). Buying used from Ebay might be a little more 'risky' than from a trusted seller on the forums, but still could be a good deal. Sometimes low-mid range cards with a great rebate offer can be better than an older, higher-tier card found used.

I would bet you could probably get a good deal on a used GTX580/6950/6970/5870 that someone wants to sell to step-up to 1 or 2 7970s. Take advantage if you can.

 

[gramboh]

I don't think you can do Tri-SLI with a 260 can you? Might have to check your expectation on the 260 resale price. I was only able to get $85 for my GTX 280 back in May 2011. Granted, I sold locally over craigslist as it wasn't worth the hassle of shipping to me.

 

[exar333]

I don't think you can do Tri-SLI with a 260 can you? Might have to check your expectation on the 260 resale price. I was only able to get $85 for my GTX 280 back in May 2011. Granted, I sold locally over craigslist as it wasn't worth the hassle of shipping to me.

Price looks OK; mostly appear to be selling between $60 and $80.

As I have stated a number of times here in VC&G, buying the right card will net you more $$$ when you want to sell it. Having a warranty is HUGE, but also a dependable company as well. Saving $10 on a $300 purchase because it is a no-name company vs. XFX, EVGA, or Asus will often lose you more than that later on. Just my $0.02.

 

[jpk]

Negotiate.

Well I bought new from Newegg. There's a guy selling a used GTX 260Ti 448 on Ebay for just about what I paid new from the egg. Might just as well buy new at that point.

 

[jpk]

Price looks OK; mostly appear to be selling between $60 and $80.

As I have stated a number of times here in VC&G, buying the right card will net you more $$$ when you want to sell it. Having a warranty is HUGE, but also a dependable company as well. Saving $10 on a $300 purchase because it is a no-name company vs. XFX, EVGA, or Asus will often lose you more than that later on. Just my $0.02.

I'll get what I get for it. I do have the box and all the stuff that came with it. That mught help a little with the resale.