A quick over view for finding PCs for cheap or for FREEEE!!!
Friends and Family with older systems are the easiest way to get a system. If you are like me then you help people setup new computers they have bought and help them migrate their files over to the new computer. Once this is done don't be afraid to ask them what they are going to do with the old one. Most people are afraid that there data will get stolen and end up putting there old computer in the closet or garage. It sits for 4 or 5 years and is tossed out.
Ex-plane that the hard drive MUST be formatted or erased, in order to prevent identity theft. You should ,with their permission, back everything up to there new computer & CD/DVD if possible. Once they are satisfied they have all of there data (E-mail, pictures, i Tunes, MP3s, favorites, documents, any program information or other files) You can then proceed to erase the hard disk. If they are wanting to sell the system, I would consider paying any where between 30-150 dollars all depending on internal components, monitor, condition of case.
Dumps / Reuse Areas
I have gotten some of my best systems at the dump! Yes! I know that I am a dumpster diver. If you find a computer at the dump the price is always right. and even a stripped system can have many usable parts. If your dump has a reuse area for unwanted useful things its a great resource for people that tinker and are thrifty. So far I have found 30 or so usable systems at places like this. Even if your local dump doesn't have an area you can always look into your dumpster in your neighbor hood or at work. You wont find a computer every week however over the months you will find a desktop or laptop. I guarantee it. Keep in mind that some dumpsters will be more likely to have computers. e.g in neighborhoods or at colleges/universities after the semester is over.
Online Surplus Retailers
I have never tried using one of these sites, however I have seen some good deals and the parts DO come with a small warranty" Usually you will find prices to be higher than at thrift stores but the parts are new or refurbished. Also you can order whole systems including monitor and have them setup everything for you. Pricewatch has links to many of these sites. http://www.pricewatch.com And one that I found to be very attractive is http://www.pcpartsohio.com/
Second Hand / Pawn / thrift Shops / Used Computer stores
These places are topically not a good place to get a used system. most of the time the prices are to high and the system has something wrong with it. however if the system is in non-working condition yet still has some good components you may get a decent deal.
No Matter where you get you PC make sure you know what your buying if your going to pay for it.
Take a look at the next step to know what to look for and how to test parts if they run.
Friends and Family with older systems are the easiest way to get a system. If you are like me then you help people setup new computers they have bought and help them migrate their files over to the new computer. Once this is done don't be afraid to ask them what they are going to do with the old one. Most people are afraid that there data will get stolen and end up putting there old computer in the closet or garage. It sits for 4 or 5 years and is tossed out.
Ex-plane that the hard drive MUST be formatted or erased, in order to prevent identity theft. You should ,with their permission, back everything up to there new computer & CD/DVD if possible. Once they are satisfied they have all of there data (E-mail, pictures, i Tunes, MP3s, favorites, documents, any program information or other files) You can then proceed to erase the hard disk. If they are wanting to sell the system, I would consider paying any where between 30-150 dollars all depending on internal components, monitor, condition of case.
Dumps / Reuse Areas
I have gotten some of my best systems at the dump! Yes! I know that I am a dumpster diver. If you find a computer at the dump the price is always right. and even a stripped system can have many usable parts. If your dump has a reuse area for unwanted useful things its a great resource for people that tinker and are thrifty. So far I have found 30 or so usable systems at places like this. Even if your local dump doesn't have an area you can always look into your dumpster in your neighbor hood or at work. You wont find a computer every week however over the months you will find a desktop or laptop. I guarantee it. Keep in mind that some dumpsters will be more likely to have computers. e.g in neighborhoods or at colleges/universities after the semester is over.
Online Surplus Retailers
I have never tried using one of these sites, however I have seen some good deals and the parts DO come with a small warranty" Usually you will find prices to be higher than at thrift stores but the parts are new or refurbished. Also you can order whole systems including monitor and have them setup everything for you. Pricewatch has links to many of these sites. http://www.pricewatch.com And one that I found to be very attractive is http://www.pcpartsohio.com/
Second Hand / Pawn / thrift Shops / Used Computer stores
These places are topically not a good place to get a used system. most of the time the prices are to high and the system has something wrong with it. however if the system is in non-working condition yet still has some good components you may get a decent deal.
No Matter where you get you PC make sure you know what your buying if your going to pay for it.
Take a look at the next step to know what to look for and how to test parts if they run.
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