Are you in the market for a new laptop but trying to stay on budget? One of the best ways to do that is by shopping for refurbished laptops. Refurbished laptops are pre-owned machines that have been repaired and returned to nearly-new condition at a fraction of the cost.
There are certain factors you should look out for — such as signs of wear or how far along any included software is installed — so you can make sure your purchase meets your expectations before buying a desktop computer.
This blog post will cover how to know if a Laptop is refurbished and tips on spotting red flags when vetting potential purchases.
How to check if a laptop is new or refurbished?
Checking a brand-new laptop or refurbished machine can be a tricky task. Before making a purchase, it is essential to do your due diligence and investigate the transparency of the seller. Start by reviewing the seller’s return policy and warranty and check the bios serial number.
The pc was likely pre-owned if the warranty is significantly lower than you would expect or if the policy needs to provide information on refurbished products. Many retailers also clearly label their products for easy identification, so look for any markings on the pc before buying.
Check out reviews from previous customers to gain more insight into your purchase and confirm that you are buying from a reliable source. Investing in research before purchasing will guarantee you get what you pay for!
Examine input and output components:
Checking a laptop’s input and output ports is an essential step when determining if it is a refurbished computer model. Damage to these ports could indicate poor handling during repair or sometimes may imply that the Laptop has had certain parts changed out.
Inspecting the area surrounding each port is essential; look for bent edges, corrosion, discoloration, or other obvious signs of damage on the laptop body and the port itself. It is also a wise idea to quickly verify that all input and output components are present – any missing pieces could indicate that it is a factory-refurbished laptop.
Test each port’s functionality by plugging in a device and checking for proper connections. Doing these few steps can give you valuable insight into whether or not your Laptop has been previously used.
Confirm you are getting the specs you are paying for:
The specs are one of the most important considerations when shopping for a computer. Make sure your pc has all the features you want and need by double-checking the model’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
If there is a discrepancy between what you find online and what is printed on the pc or box, this is an indication that the device has been refurbished. You should also check to see if your computer has all the necessary software pre-installed. If a critical program or application is missing, this could be another indicator that your pc is used.
How to check a refurbished laptop’s RAM:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the most critical components of any computer and can significantly impact performance. When evaluating a laptop, it is essential to ensure that the RAM is up to date and able to handle your computing tasks.
- You can access the “About This Mac” option on a Mac laptop or the “System Information” section in Windows.
- Here, you can see how much RAM is installed in the Laptop and double-check that it meets your requirements. Here are some steps.
- “System Information” can be found by clicking the Windows button.
- You can view your RAM in GBs by scrolling down to the program’s Installed Physical Memory (RAM) section.
- Use memory testing tools like MemTest86, a self-booting memory-testing program, to determine whether RAM is functioning correctly.
- This procedure could take up to 30 minutes, but it will save you from being forced to use a computer with insufficient RAM.
- If you find that your pc has less RAM than its original specs, this is a major red flag that it has been refurbished.
How to check a refurbished laptop’s storage capacity:
Similar to RAM, you should also check the storage capacity of a computer before buying it. Many laptops come with both hard drive and solid-state drive options, so be sure to confirm that the pc you are looking at has enough space for your needs. Here are some steps to check the storage capacity of a refurbished Laptop.
- Click “This PC” in Windows File Explorer.
- You can find “Local Disc (C:)” or “Windows (C:)” in the Devices and Drives section; the storage size in GBs is shown here.
- Please be aware that even a brand-new laptop’s storage capacity will always be less than stated on the box.
Usually, the difference will be a few GBs less. Understanding the various GB tiers sold will help you confirm that your storage capacity is as stated. Storage is typically offered in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1 Terabyte increments.
If you were anticipating 512GB but only seeing 410GB, it may be due to partitions, Windows system files, or other factors. However, it is still significantly more than 256GB and considerably nearer to 512GB; thus, it is still acceptable.
Check battery health percentage:
The battery is a crucial component of any laptop, so it is essential to ensure that you get a laptop with a healthy battery. Many refurbished computers have a lower-than-expected battery life, so checking the health percentage of any potential purchase is essential.
On a Mac, this can be done through the Battery compartment menu located in System Preferences. For Windows computers, you can check the battery health in the Control Panel or under the Device Manager. Both options should accurately gauge how much life your computer’s battery has left.
Verify OS installed in a refurbished laptop:
It would help if you also verified which operating system (OS) is installed on your Laptop. Most computers come with a pre-installed OS, but older models may need to be upgraded. If you are buying a laptop second-hand, it is essential to have the latest OS installed.
This can be done by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the appropriate version for your Laptop. Alternatively, you can check the OS version by clicking the “About This Mac” option on a Mac pc or the “System Information” section in Windows.
Doing this should give you a clear picture of what OS your Laptop is running and whether or not it has been appropriately updated.
Run a CPU and GPU stress test on the refurbished laptop:
Once you have confirmed that the specs are up to date and the OS is properly installed, it is time to test the Laptop’s performance. The best way to do this is by running a CPU and GPU stress test, which will help determine if the pc can handle heavy workloads.
You can do this with various online software packages, such as Prime95 or FurMark. During the test, the pc should maintain a steady performance without sudden drops in framerates or stuttering. If it fails to do so, this could be a sign that the Laptop is not functioning correctly and should be avoided.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the refurbished laptop/notebook can offer great value for money and help you save on your tech purchase. Taking the necessary precautions when buying a refurbished pc is essential, such as checking the specs and battery life percentage and verifying that the operating system is installed. Running a CPU and GPU stress test can also help determine if the Laptop can handle heavy workloads. With these tips, you should know if someone is reselling refurbished pcs.
FAQs:
How can I check the specs of a refurbished laptop?
It would help if you started by checking the RAM and storage capacity of the pc, as these two components will determine how well it can handle multitasking and ample data storage. You should also check the battery life percentage and verify that the operating system is installed correctly. Finally, you can run a CPU and GPU stress test to ensure the computer can handle heavy workloads.
Can I upgrade the specs of a refurbished laptop?
Yes, you can upgrade the RAM and storage capacity of most computers. You should check with the manufacturer to ensure that your pc is compatible with the upgraded components. You may also be able to upgrade the operating system, but this will depend on the age and model of your computer.