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Buying a used or refurbished PC

Off-lease business computers are some of the best deals around. They're built to last, easy to repair, and often cheaper than a new budget PC. These guides cover what to buy and what to check when it arrives.

https://oldpcguy.com/buying-a-used-pc/

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Buying a Refurbished PC

Which refurbished laptops and desktops are worth it in 2026, and the checks to do in the first 48 hours.

How to buy

  • Are refurbished computers worth buying?

    Yes, if it's an off-lease business model from 2018 or later with an SSD, 8 to 16 GB of memory, and a warranty.

    Decision guide · Updated
  • How old is my computer?

    Check the processor in Settings, System, About. For the exact date, look up the serial number on the maker's site.

    How-to · Published
  • What should I check before buying a used laptop?

    That it charges with its own charger, has no BIOS password or work account, matches the listing, and every port works.

    How-to · Published

Model guides

Comparisons

Four rules for buying used

  • 2018 or newer: Intel 8th-gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 and up, so it runs Windows 11 officially. Here's how to tell a PC's age.
  • SSD and 16 GB of memory, or a price low enough to add them.
  • A warranty or easy returns, even if it's only 30 days.
  • Check it right away: Windows activation, no "managed by your organization" message, and the battery report.

Looking for a small desktop? Used mini PCs like the Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny are some of the best buys around.