Buying a refurbished gaming laptop can be a smart decision. Refurbished laptops offer super high performance at a fraction of the cost of new models, they’ve been tried and tested for functionality, they’re good for the environment, you help support an industry that can offer employment to many people, and much more. But whenever you deal with a refurbished product, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get the best deal and don’t fall into a pitfall.
Before you go ahead and hand over your hard-earned cash to someone claiming to sell you a refurbished gaming laptop that is as good as new, consider the factors we will discuss below in this guide.
Verify the Refurbishment Process
Who did the refurbishing? What did they do or not do? Is the product an open-box item or a refurb? These questions matter because not all refurbished laptops are created the same.
If you’re getting a revamped model from a third party, it is best to see that they are reputable and do a decent job. A refurbisher who is worth their salt won’t shy away from answering all your questions to clear your doubts. They’ll tell you about the laptop’s original condition, what has been fixed, and everything that has been replaced.
Generally speaking, the best way to judge a third-party refurbisher is by checking out their customers’ reviews. They usually are the most unbiased and will be your best friend for this task.
Cosmetic Condition
While functionality is the priority, the physical state of a laptop matters. Gaming laptops are portable, often carried to LAN parties, coffee shops, or gaming events, so scratches, worn keys, or loose hinges can affect your rig. Some scratches are cosmetic, but a broken port or hinge can be a real problem. Most sellers use grading systems (like Grade A, B, or C) to indicate the cosmetic condition, and knowing what each grade means can help you set realistic expectations.
Evaluate Battery Health
Batteries are the most contentious part of a refurbished product, as in laptops, mobiles, and any other battery-powered device. So, before you seal the deal, take a look at the battery life cycle count (a battery’s cycle count can be used to determine its age and wear), and finally, see if the battery is easy to replace, as even a new battery will degrade over time.
Confirm Warranty and Return Policy
A refurbished product won’t have the warranty of a new one. However, that does not mean there aren’t any offer warranties. A reputable provider will give you warranties from 90 days to a year and a return policy under specific circumstances. This is much needed and instills a lot of confidence during the purchase because with it, you’re at peace that if something does go wrong, you’ve got support and your investment is safe.
Test the Laptop Before the Final Purchase
This goes without saying, but you have to test the laptop before paying for it in full. If you can physically inspect and do a benchmark, it’s awesome. If not, work with a seller that offers exchange or return, or it’s best not to work with them. Speaking of the test, you can’t always install a game and run it how you’d want. However, sellers know their audience and often allow installation of an AAA game to assess performance.
If not, there is always the benchmark test that can be performed. Furthermore, look for things like dead pixels, backlight bleed, color accuracy, as well as the functionality of input devices. Yes, that means checking all the keys on the keyboard. Hands-on testing helps identify any immediate issues and ensures the laptop meets your expectations.
Compare Prices and Specifications
There is plenty of competition in the refurbishment industry. When looking for a laptop, compare the refurbished laptop’s price with the new models with similar specifications. Discounts generally appear between 20% to 60%.
It also isn’t just about getting a good laptop right now; ideally, you want one that remains strong for the years to come, and that’s only possible via future upgrades. Specifications for gaming laptops should be enough to play the games you want to play at the moment, and potentially in the future. You don’t want a machine that’s outdated within 2 years.
So, be sure to check if the laptop’s components are upgradeable, such as an extra slot to add more RAM, swapping the SSD, or upgrading the graphics card. A well-priced refurbished laptop should offer performance close to new models at a significant discount.
Check for Software and OS Licensing
A lot of times, a laptop may be installed with an illegitimate operating system. So, before buying, make sure it has a licensed copy of Windows or another OS. Not having a licensed OS results in not getting any support due to a cracked version, and you don’t want to be left in that situation.
Know About the Potential Risks
Be an informed buyer who understands the risks involved with refurbished laptops. Well, calling them risks is pushing it, but understanding these will help set realistic expectations and prepare you for ownership. First of all, refurbished laptops may have a shorter remaining lifespan compared to new models, though that is obvious for, uhm, obvious reasons.
Let’s talk about more niche scenarios. If you’re looking to buy a specific model or configuration, you might have to search around a lot more for it, as stock can be limited. If you do set your eyes on a refurbished gaming laptop, don’t just fall for the big numbers on paper. Ensure your system requirements can support the games you’re going to be playing. For example, if you buy a refurbished Mac, you won’t be able to play a Windows-exclusive game, like Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition, Call of Duty, or Baldur’s Gate 3, on it.
