How to check a used PC or graphics card
Six checks before paying. A short test can reveal obvious faults; it cannot guarantee future reliability.
Reviewed 20 September 2026
Match the advertised specification
Ask for exact CPU, GPU, RAM and storage models. Compare labels with the running system. Check the GPU manufacturer and video memory too. A description such as “gaming PC” is not a specification.
Inspect the exterior
With the device powered off, inspect accessible connectors, casing, fans and labels. Ask about repairs, cooling changes and known faults. Do not open the power supply or remove a heatsink for a quick inspection.
Check startup and connections
Watch the system start and restart. Test the USB, audio, network and display connections you need. When testing a separate graphics card, confirm it provides the display output.
Watch it under load
Run an agreed game or test at standard settings. Watch for visual glitches, freezes, restarts and unusual noise. Record settings and readings; compare temperatures with guidance for that exact model.
Check memory and storage
Request available manufacturer diagnostics and photos of any error messages. Supported Dell systems, for example, offer tests before the operating system starts. A short successful test cannot rule out intermittent or hidden faults.
Agree on purchase conditions
Confirm included items, faults, inspection location, returns and return shipping in writing. Check that the collection location can accommodate the test you need. If evidence is insufficient, postpone your decision.