GPU's from Ebay bad idea?

Im so desperate-.- the 970's don't drop in price and are mostly in $420-500 range (canada), pre taxes... I want to upgrade, i need to upgrade but no way im spending over $400 for a 970 that came out ages ago. Anyone already bought gpu's from ebay? I've seen many for under $300 CAD so im kinda interested.

Off ebay you have to watch, if its from a top rated seller you should be ok.

I have a don't buy tech from eBay policy of my own, but that's just me.

I would stick with @04dcarraher suggestion if you'd want to give it a shot anyway.

The problem is that those people with the 'top rated seller' sell their crap for as much as online stores.

Then next look at their feed back and sale numbers

Ask the seller if it's still under warranty

As long as it's new you should be fine. Should come with a warranty.

I know Gigabyte goes by manufacture date , do not need proof of purchase

they mostly aren't. Four to ten months in use

Do you only need one 970?

I've been thinking about selling both my 970s and getting one 980ti.

Both of my 970s can OC to 1540mhz.

Not sure if I want to make the switch though.

Edit: nevermind saw that you wanted 229USD which is too low for even one of my 970s.

I'll pm you some details... I have a game code and a card looking for a new home.

which model is your 970? and yes i only need one.

You have to choose who you buy from carefully. I got a great deal for my second GPU for an SLI setup on ebay. Just take your time finding the right seller/price.

I have two Gigabyte G1 gaming GTX 970s but the price you want for one is too low.

Truth_Hurts_U might offer a price you like.

What would be the lowest price you'd sell one for?

@silversix_ Actually i don't know about your country, But we are in Jordan can't buy something from Amazon or Ebay because our govrment will slap us with a big tax when we take the product from airport, If there's no tax on Ebay or amazon in your country so try to find the cheapest thing you want in Ebay or amazon then buy it lol :D

I would be very wary of buying a high end GPU such as a 980 Ti off of e-bay. I brought a cheap HD 4850 for my test PC which has been working great so far. If it doesn't work I was like heck it's less that <$70. But once we get around $300+ range and you buy it and it doesn't work, it can be a pain in the a$$ to return it. I spent $1000+ buying a new Samsung HD 65" 1080P HDTV because it was significantly cheaper than buying it locally and it came it damaged. Some object went through the box and hit the HDTV screen and it had a huge gash through it. I spent several weeks pulling my hair out trying to get a refund. I had to file a complaint with e-bay to get a refund. And this was from a "good rep'd" seller. I am like never again. Instead I brought a 60" Samsung HDTV from Best Buy which matched the price of an online retailer that had the same exact model on sale and Best Buy reps came to my house and set it up for free. No hassle whatsoever. Since, you are buying a GPU that is high end there could be potentially be issues, compatibility with your PC and the return can be a hassle. So, I would be very, very wary of buying a high end GPU off of e-bay. This isn't like Amazon and newegg, where you slap a return lable and ship it out and where you can chat or talk to an actual "rep". If you and the seller don't resolve the issue then you have to get e-Bay involved. So, I would be very wary and check their return policy. Not to mention check their return policy if you are buying it used and the warranty on the graphics card. I know XFX has lifetime warranty that can be transferred to a new owner.

As long as it's a top rated seller you should be fine. My buddy got a replacement mobo off of Ebay once, and it arrived with a bad cap, but that's the only real horror story I've seen, and he was able to get his money refunded pretty easily from what I remember.

I personally won't do it, because I'm paranoid about buying used components, but I also got my 970 for like 40 bucks because of my job, so I'm a little spoiled.

I (against my own policy) bought a motherboard off ebay a year or two ago, used even... It luckily turned out well. But buying anything off ebay is kind of a gamble, tech especially.

I don't know if they have Craigslist in Canada, but if they do try finding someone that lives close to you selling one then you can meet up, check it out, and buy it from them in person. Got a $2,500 bowflex off of Craigslist several years ago that was being sold for $900 had to drive a few hours, but it was worth it.

I usually buy brand new GPUs except for two GPUs that I have bought used from eBay. I bought each from a different seller, both came in perfect condition and worked as they should. I had them over two years until I upgraded.

I wouldn't recommend buying GPUs off eBay but if you do make sure you look at seller's feedback first. If you see him selling same or similar items (in his feedback) then just make sure they're not in the "negative feedback" section.

Also make sure you can return it within at least 14 days period (in case anything is wrong with it).

I did buy a 7850 off ebay several years back. Stated it was brand new but was missing some stuff that normally is included in the box and the card was a bit dusty. I will say that the card performed perfectly for the time I had it.