[Buying Input] R9 280, R9 285, R9 280X

[Billy Buttcheeks]

So this is probably my 4th thread about the R9 series cards that I was going to purchase, and i'm sorry about that but I just want to be 100% confident in buying a new GPU(I have never bought a new GPU).

 

So the R9 285 came out today and I read from Tom's Hardware, Guuru 3D, etc sites about this product. It turns out that this thing is basically a more power and memory efficient card than the 280. Some benchmarks show that this outperforms a 280X, and others show it under the 280. I find that kind of "not stable/consistent". This is also a completely new card and it seems like a good buy for around 250 USD. However, I have lately been looking at REFURBISHED cards. I just got off the phone of one of the sellers I have been looking at. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main/ref=olp_merch_rating_6?ie=UTF8&asin=B00FR6XPL8&isAmazonFulfilled=0&seller=A3EEXTUSWX65VP

 

Tegra is an authorized seller of refurbished MSI parts with amazing feedback. Like I said, I have never bought a new GPU. I have only owned two in my 18 years of living. An ATI 200X Express and a Sapphire 6850(current). The 6850 was from a friend who has used it for a year before selling it to me for 50 dollars. An amazing price, but it's not "refurbished". It didn't get sent to Sapphire and then they did some testing. Nope, it came straight to me with all of his problems(if he had any). It has lasted me a good half a year, but I only bought it as a place holder for an actual card. 

Before, I was looking at R9 270s and 270Xs. Mainly from MSI, Sapphire, and Gigabyte. Those 3 brands just seem the most trusted and well built overall. However, I saw this

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Computer-Corp-280X-GAMING/dp/B00FR6XPL8/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A3EEXTUSWX65VP

Hey! An MSI R9 280X for 209.99 FINAL price(no shipping/tax).

Such a great deal compared to a NEW R9 270X. I was also thinking of buying a NEW R9 280, but those are getting low on stock and fading away.

 

What are your guys' thoughts on buying a refurb card. It has 30 day money back guarantee and 90 day limited warrant from MSI. The guy on the phone recommended I test it EXTENSIVELY during that 30 day period just to make sure it will work. I am just looking for it to last atleast 2-3 years. Maybe 4-5 if I am lucky. I tried to ask him what MSI does during the refurb process but he said its usually testing and fixing problems. I even heard sometimes they come out better than new since they might fix a manufacturers error.

 

Is testing it for a good 6 hours a day playing games at 1080P ultra a good test?

 

Thank you for your help ;~; 

[Fulgrim]

I personally would stay clear of refurbs. Main reason being AMD cards are also used by bitcoin miners, or some other currency. They'll pass most tests, but their lifespan will be reduced drastically. I'd say stick to new.

 

It's your cash at the end of the day, but i wouldn't put it into a card that you have no knowledge of what it was used for, and for how long.

[Billy Buttcheeks]

I personally would stay clear of refurbs. Main reason being AMD cards are also used by bitcoin miners, or some other currency. They'll pass most tests, but their lifespan will be reduced drastically. I'd say stick to new.

 

It's your cash at the end of the day, but i wouldn't put it into a card that you have no knowledge of what it was used for, and for how long.

Yeah thats what I hear too. Lots of the coin miner people just milking the fuck out of their cards. I just called them again to see what happens and they said this.

It's labeled "Like New" because the card itself was used and sent to be refurbished(they replace the heat sink entirely). 

They guy I was on the phone with actually has an MSI refurb in his desktop and has been working fine.

They're customer service seems pretty solid, and replacements are shipped fast and free(however we have to pay shipping to them)

 

So basically its pay 209.99 for a risky investment and save 100 USD on the same card.

Or go with a weaker new card that might not be what is needed

ARGHHH THE CHOICES

[Fulgrim]

Yeah thats what I hear too. Lots of the coin miner people just milking the fuck out of their cards. I just called them again to see what happens and they said this.

It's labeled "Like New" because the card itself was used and sent to be refurbished(they replace the heat sink entirely). 

They guy I was on the phone with actually has an MSI refurb in his desktop and has been working fine.

They're customer service seems pretty solid, and replacements are shipped fast and free(however we have to pay shipping to them)

 

So basically its pay 209.99 for a risky investment and save 100 USD on the same card.

Or go with a weaker new card that might not be what is needed

ARGHHH THE CHOICES

A new cooler and fresh application of thermal paste on a card that's been working it's bollocks off for a few months isn't worth the risk tbh.

 

Save some more cash until you can get a new card, such as the R9 285 or maybe something better.

[GloriousPain]

i'd just get a 285 unless you can get a 280x(NEW) for less

[Billy Buttcheeks]

i'd just get a 285 unless you can get a 280x(NEW) for less

Ok how about this....

People say NO to refurbs, but my body.... is telling me yes

BUT 

Sapphire NEW R9 280 for about 230~

or 

Refurb MSI R9 280X for 209

[Billy Buttcheeks]

You know what. FUCK IT
I am going to buy the refurb right now. It has a 30 day money back gaurantee and if I am not satisfied with it, then ill buy a new R9 280 
I think that sounds reasonable right?

[TechFan@ic]

I bought a used Gigabyte R9 290 for $309. Extremely solid card, overclocked like a dream was practically brand new.
Buying used computer parts is risky, especially video cards but if the seller has a good reputation and offers some type of warranty or guarantee then I don't see why not.