If you’re a retro gamer, you may be looking to recreate an authentic retro gaming experience by having all the original computer parts and components to play your games.
Finding and buying old computer parts can be challenging, but not impossible.
There are several places where you can consider looking for and buying old computer parts. You may also be pleased to know that to find and buy old computer parts, you may not need to leave the comfort of your own home.
Here are some suggestions of where you can find computer games :
- Online marketplaces
- Bricks and mortar computer shops
- Shops that specialise in vintage electric computer parts
- Specialist Etailers
- Online forums and communities
- Auctions specialising in retro computer components
- Computer repair shops
- Car boot sales (UK) Swap Meets in America
- Jumble / garage sales / yard sales
- Certain charity shops
- Computer & electronic recycling centres
- CraigsList & Freecycle
- * Think globally
Where can I buy old computer parts in detail
As the suggestions say, old computer parts still exist in today’s market. Whether it’s to rebuild a classic 486 PC or to play DOS games or something old, you may be able to find the parts you need with enough perseverance and determination.
Some of the information below elaborates on the information above.
1 ) Online Market Places
Websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace often have listings for old computer parts. You can search for specific components or browse through general electronics categories to find the components you need to rebuild a retro gaming computer.
You don’t have to leave it with old PC parts. You can also find old console bits, cables, chips, cases, and graphic cards to name a few.
2 ) Bricks & Mortar Computer Shops
Check with local electronics or computer shops, especially those that specialise in used or vintage electronics. Although more obscure, these shops may have old computer parts.
It is also a good idea to speak to the shops that sell old PC parts even if they don’t have the parts there and then. They may be able to source components for you or point you in the right direction.
3 ) Specialist E-tailers ( Dedicated Online Websites )
Some online e-tailers specialize in vintage or retro computer parts. One example is SellMyRetro, a platform used for buying and selling old computer hardware. Always practice caution when buying online or from any unknown sellers!
4 ) Online Communities Forums
When asking yourself ‘where can I buy old computer parts’ you should look towards communities and forums.
By participating in online forums and communities dedicated to retro computing. Members may have parts for sale or can direct you to specific sellers.
Reddit has various groups from Vintage Computing to Forever 8-bit.
Facebook also has a variety of groups dedicated to old computer components and parts.
And let us not forget classic forums. You can also discuss retro computing on RetroComputingForum.com
5 ) Computer Repair Shops
Check with local PC repair or computer repair shops to see if they have any spare parts they are willing to sell. If they don’t have any spare parts they’re willing to sell, you may be able to ask whether they can get some components in stock for your behalf.
6 ) Garage, Car Boot & Jumble Sales
Car boot sales, garage sales, or jumble sales can be an absolute treasure trove of old equipment and general junk. ( Swap Meets, Flea Markets for America ) Keep you eyes peeled.
7 ) Electronic Recycling
Another place where you may be to find spare PC components and parts… is a recycling centre. Although you may not find working or relevant computer parts. Neither are you likely to find very old PC components at such places as there likely to be scrapped or thrown away. But this could be worth a shot just case.
8 ) Find PC parts for Free
You may be in luck if you can find free PC or computer components on websites such as Freecycle or any other similar types of websites. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.
Where can I buy old computer parts general opinions
Finding all the computer parts may not be easy. As the same could be said for finding all retro games such as old point and click games from the golden era graphic adventures. Many retro hunters out there will have their favourite methods for finding parts and components and perhaps one of the best ways you can find what you are looking for is by getting involved with communities and opening up discussions.
But if this form of participation isn’t your thing and you don’t want to discuss and talk about components. Use a market place or a forum to find what you are looking for.
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