In the world of modern gaming, there are many ways to enjoy your favorite titles.
From handheld devices to full gaming room setups, the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to choosing how to play. Even so, few methods are more popular than a solid desktop computer.
There is a wide range of amazing gaming computers out there, but many cost quite a bit of money. If you want to play your games on a budget, a refurbished computer is one of the options. But is it really worth it?
Buying a refurbished gaming desktop can be a great choice if you are right on budget, but make sure to carefully check the quality and warranty before making a purchase.
In this guide, we will look into the pros and cons of refurbished gaming desktops, and break down the best ones so you can get an amazing gaming experience and save some money in the process.
Contents
Refurbished Gaming Desktops: Pros and Cons
Here is a quick breakdown:
| Pros | Cons |
| less expensive than new ones | often come with limited warranty |
| can provide good performance, especially after being refurbished and tested by a reputable company. | condition and specifications can vary widely |
| Environmentally friendly | may not have the latest technology |
Where to Buy Refurbished Gaming Desktops
There are some good places and channels, both online and offline depending on your preferences:
1. Online marketplaces
Amazon and Newegg have a wide selection of refurbished gaming desktops, and they allow you to easily check specs and compare prices.
2. Manufacturer’s website
Some computer manufacturers, such as Dell, Acer, and HP, have a section on their website where you can buy refurbished PCs for gaming purposes.
3. Specialized refurbished computer stores
There are several online stores that specialize in selling refurbished computers, such as Gazelle and Swappa.
4. Local computer stores
Some local computer stores may also have a selection of refurbished gaming desktops. Just give them a call and maybe they have some models that interest you.
What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished Gaming Desktop
Whether it is worth buying a refurbished gaming desktop PC depends on a few factors:
Cost
If you’re looking for a refurbished computer, then cost is obviously important. It offers you a way to save some serious cash while still getting all of the performance and features you would expect out of a gaming computer.
If you want to save some money or have budget restraints for any reason, the following models will match your needs.
Storage Size
Storage size is another important consideration when looking at a refurbished gaming computer.
While you can always purchase an external hard drive to store some of your games, it’s often a whole lot easier to just have your favorite titles already on your computer so you can play them whenever you want.
I would suggest at least a 1TB hard drive size because it adds value to your purchase and will allow you to store plenty of games. Bigger is always better.
RAM
You should also check out built-in RAM. This factor can have a big impact on your gameplay experience because it directly affects how responsive and fast your computer will be during play.
I would look for a 16GB minimum when getting a desktop computer but always go higher if you can afford it. Just know that extra RAM usually correlates to a higher price.
Warranty
When you purchase a new computer, you can almost always expect a 1-to-3-year warranty. With a refurbished option, you’re not going to always have this luxury.
Part of the reason the computer is being sold at a discounted price is that you’re taking on a risk due to the fact that it’s used.
Note that you won’t get a long extended warranty with a refurbished option.
What’s the Best Refurbished Gaming Desktop Computer?
Here is a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each option so you understand its pros and cons.
1. Periphio Gaming Desktop Computer Tower PC
This model is a great choice for any gamer because it boasts high-quality, reliable performance at an approachable price.
The refurbished version seen here makes it an even better value because you’ll save plenty of money off the list price while still getting a high-end performance.
This computer comes with a NVIDIA GeoForce GTX 1650 graphics coprocessor for excellent visual response and quality resolution.
It also has a 3.1Ghz I5 processor that puts out solid speeds and adds to the gameplay experience. This option is a little light on RAM and built-in memory but for performance and value, it tops the list of our refurbished recommendations.
2. HP 8300 4K Gaming Computer
This PC comes with a NVIDIA GeoForce 4K certified video card for solid visuals and resolution that will create accurate and responsive gameplay.
On top of that, it also comes packed with a 1TB hard drive and 8GB of RAM to further increase your overall experience.
It’s not the most powerful gaming console out there, but for a refurbished option it’s worth looking into.
3. Dell Optiplex 990 Desktop Computer Package
This is the perfect option if you’re in need of an affordable system that will get you ready for gaming right away.
The full set-up package comes with a 20-inch LCD monitor, keyboard, and a few other accessories in addition to the computer itself.
The i5 quad-core processor generates reliable, responsive performance and the 16GB of built-in RAM means you can expect quality gameplay time and time again.
Useful Tips & Resources
When you purchase a refurbished device, you always want to make sure it’s in good working order right away.
With the 90-day guarantee on all of these computers, you have enough time to put them through the wringer and return them for another refurbished model if any issues arise.
If you need some ideas for new games to play, check out this list of some of the best PC games of all time!
Final Words
A refurbished desktop computer can be a great way to save some money and still get an amazing gameplay experience. And it helps reduce e-waste and minimize environmental impact.
All of the recommendations above will meet the needs of a variety of gamers and, with the affordable price and a 90-day guarantee, they are worth looking into.
What are your favorite PC games recently? How about of all time? Let us know in the comments below!
