Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you hate the cost that new PC Gaming Accessories cost these days? If so, buckle up, gamers! Are you ready to take your PC gaming to the next level but at a lower cost? We’re talking about peak performance, heart-pounding immersion, and total ownage – but without maxing out your credit card. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a fresh recruit, crafting the perfect PC gaming setup doesn’t have to be a wallet-crushing endeavor.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to snag the best accessories for PC gaming at unbeatable prices. We cover the Top 8 places to hunt for your gear at the best prices. We also include the pros and cons for each location. We’ll reveal the secret hunting grounds for hidden discounts, and share battle-tested tips to help you score those perfect upgrades. So, dust off your keyboard, fire up your mouse, and get ready to conquer the digital battlefield – affordably and in style!
If your looking to save money, check out our article on The best video game accessories under $25.00.
Top 8 locations to find PC gaming accessories at the best prices:
Amazon
- Amazon: Offers a vast selection of PC gaming accessories at competitive prices. They frequently have discounts and sales, and you can get free shipping with Amazon Prime.
- Pros: Huge selection, frequent discounts and sales, free shipping with Prime.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming to find what you’re looking for, may need to be wary of third-party sellers.
Newegg
- Newegg: A popular retailer for PC components and electronics. They often have good deals on PC gaming accessories, and they offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Pros: Great selection of PC gaming accessories, frequent deals, free shipping over a certain amount.
- Cons: Selection is not quite as large as Amazon, may not have the same level of customer service.
Walmart
- Walmart: Surprisingly has a decent selection of PC gaming accessories at competitive prices. They also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Pros: Competitive prices, free shipping over a certain amount, some in-store pickup options.
- Cons: Selection is not as large as Amazon or Newegg, may not have the latest or most niche products.
Target
- Target: Similar to Walmart, Target offers a decent selection of PC gaming accessories at competitive prices. They also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
- Pros: Competitive prices, free shipping over a certain amount, some in-store pickup options.
- Cons: Selection is not as large as Amazon or Newegg, may not have the latest or most niche products.
Best Buy
- Best Buy: Carries a good selection of PC gaming accessories, although their prices may not always be the most competitive. However, they sometimes have sales and offer a student discount.
- Pros: Good selection of PC gaming accessories, student discount, some in-store pickup options.
- Cons: Prices may not be the most competitive, selection is not as large as Amazon or Newegg.
Micro Center
- Micro Center: A brick-and-mortar retailer that specializes in computer hardware and software. They often have good deals on PC gaming accessories, but they may not have a location near you.
- Pros: Great deals on PC gaming accessories, knowledgeable staff.
- Cons: Limited to physical locations, may not have a location near you.
GamersNexus
- GamersNexus: A tech website and YouTube channel with a focus on PC gaming. They have a price comparison tool that can help you find the best deals on PC gaming accessories.
- Pros: Unbiased reviews, price comparison tool.
- Cons: Doesn’t sell products directly
PCPartPicker
- PCPartPicker: A website that helps you compare prices for PC components and peripherals, including PC gaming accessories.
- Pros: Unbiased reviews, price comparison tool.
- Cons: Doesn’t sell products directly
Additional Tips:
- Look for coupon codes before you make your purchase. There are many websites and resources that offer coupon codes for online retailers.
- Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers. This way, you’ll be notified of any upcoming sales or promotions.
- Consider buying used PC gaming accessories. There are a number of online marketplaces where you can find used PC gaming accessories at a fraction of the price of new ones.
- Look for sales around holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day. These are typically the best times of year to find deals on PC gaming accessories.
Are you an Xbox gamer? Looking to save a few bucks? Check out our article on the 11 Best Xbox accessories for under $20.00
What to consider when shopping for new and used PC gaming tech and accessories:
New:
- Compatibility: This is crucial! Ensure all components (CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard) work together seamlessly. Use tools like PCPartPicker (https://pcpartpicker.com/) to check compatibility.
- Performance: Match your needs to the hardware. Research benchmarks for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM to see how they perform in the games you play.
- Budget: Prioritize! Allocate more towards powerful GPUs and CPUs for demanding games, while balancing RAM, storage, and other components.
- Futureproofing: Consider how long you plan to use the PC. Opt for newer CPU generations and the latest RAM standard (DDR5 currently) for better upgrade potential down the line.
- Warranty: New products typically come with warranties. Understand the terms and coverage duration for peace of mind.
Used:
- Price: Used items can offer significant savings, but be wary of unrealistic deals.
- Condition: Ask for detailed descriptions, pictures, and benchmarks (if applicable). Look for signs of wear and tear on components like fans or excessive dust buildup.
- Testing: If possible, try the components before purchase. In some cases, sellers may offer money-back guarantees if they malfunction within a set timeframe.
- Seller Reputation: Buy from reputable sellers with good feedback on marketplaces or forums.
- Warranty: Used items likely won’t have warranties. Factor in potential repair costs if something fails.
General Tips (New & Used):
- Research: Read reviews, watch tech YouTubers, and browse forums to understand current market value and performance of components.
- Don’t overpay: Use price comparison tools like PCPartPicker or Google Shopping to get a sense of fair market value, especially for used items.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask sellers detailed questions about the condition, functionality, and any potential issues with used items.
- Be Patient: Finding the right deal, especially for used components, might take time. Keep searching and avoid impulse buys.
Places to avoid when shopping for gaming accessories:
While there aren’t universally “worst” stores, here are some locations to be cautious about when shopping for PC gaming tech and accessories:
- Pawn Shops: You can find deals, but there’s a higher risk of getting outdated, malfunctioning, or even stolen equipment. Be very thorough checking condition and functionality.
- Garage Sales or Flea Markets: Hit or miss. Potential for good deals, but also a high chance of outdated or damaged products. Verify compatibility and functionality carefully before buying.
- Social Media Marketplaces (unverified sellers): Similar to garage sales, there can be deals, but also a risk of scams or receiving malfunctioning products. Deal only with sellers with good reputations and clear descriptions.
- Random Online Stores (without reviews): Unknown online retailers with no track record or customer reviews are a major red flag. Stick to reputable online stores with established buyer protection policies.
- My Number One Place to Avoid: (Personal Experience) (Temu) Temu is a Chinese marketplace. (1) The majority of their products are counterfeit look-alike items. The products may appear to be the name brand item you are looking for but the small details and more importantly the insides are nowhere near what they should be. (2) Shipping time is a headache. It may take up to 2-3 months to receive the order and that is if it doesn’t get held up by customs and possibly even confiscated by customs. (3) Returning an item is almost impossible. The cost will not outweigh the trouble you will go through just trying to get in touch with the seller, paying shipping cost and now you could be looking at 3-5 months for a replacement product.
General Red Flags:
- Prices significantly lower than market average: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unrealistic discounts.
- Vague descriptions or lack of pictures: Reputable sellers should provide detailed descriptions and pictures of the product’s condition.
- No return policy: Avoid sellers who don’t offer returns, especially for used items. This is a major red flag.
- High pressure sales tactics: A legitimate seller will answer your questions and let you make an informed decision.
Remember, when it comes to PC gaming tech, compatibility and functionality are crucial. If you’re unsure about an item’s condition or origin, it’s best to err on the side of caution and look elsewhere.
Conclusion
By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when shopping for new and used PC gaming tech and accessories. Remember, striking a balance between performance, budget, and the longevity of your purchase is key to a happy gaming experience! Hopefully this guide can help you in your hunt for the gaming tech and accessory that you are looking for.
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