Recommendations for a used graphics card suitable for an older build?
Recommendations for a used graphics card suitable for an older build?
I’ve shared details about the used cards I’ve owned over the past decade, excluding the one in my computer (which is actually just one of three in the house). Here’s what I’ve got:
RX480 4gb – eBay – previously used as a mining card; still functions well today.
RX580 8gb – eBay – also used for mining before purchase. Sold during a period of high card value.
5700xt – Craigslist – came from a used PC listing. It was the most affordable model ever produced. I refurbished it and lowered the temperature by about 15°C. It’s still working, placed in a garage where temperatures reach 108°F without case fans to avoid dust. No crashes this summer.
6800xt – eBay – used in my exercise machine.
Most recent: 2080 Ti – $100 (with de-shroud fans, $140) – Craigslist. Known for overheating issues. The seller was honest about the card’s problems. It has several faults (memory temp monitor not visible, voltage can’t be undervolted, LEDs not working, fan controller faulty). However, the graphics card itself is visually okay. I’ve used it with a motherboard to power fans and did a re-paste. Temperatures are high—around 16°C above ambient during Furmark, reaching 30°C hotspot.
In the last ten years, I’ve never faced major issues with used GPUs from eBay or Craigslist. If possible, try running Furmark on it or buy one with known problems at a discount. It’s worth showing that the card works to help you feel better.