Essential Guide to Inspecting a Used Windows PC Before Purchase
Purchasing a second-hand PC may feel daunting, primarily due to the uncertainty regarding its past usage. It’s relatively simple to reset a PC to factory settings for an appealing appearance, but the real concern lies in its actual performance. To safeguard against unexpected disappointments, consider using these Windows software checks to confirm you’re getting your money’s worth.
Examine Comprehensive System Specifications
Verify that the PC has all the features the seller claimed. It’s challenging to deduce the internal components just from a visual inspection. The Windows System Information tool can assist you with that.
Just type “system information” in the Windows Search bar, or press Win + R and input msinfo32 in the Run dialog box to launch the System Information tool.
The System Summary section provides a breakdown of the system specifications, including crucial elements such as the Windows version, processor info, BIOS details, RAM specifics, and more.
For more specific details, each related section must be accessed manually. It’s advisable to begin with the Components section as it includes comprehensive information on all attached hardware, including GPU, network adapter, CD-ROM, and others.
Here, you will find the precise names and specifications of the hardware components. For further insights, you can also utilize benchmarking software to gather in-depth data, such as fan speeds and storage read/write performance.
Verify Permanent Activation of the Windows License
License fraud is prevalent in the market for used PCs, often leading to purchasing a system that lacks a legitimate Windows activation. A seller might assert that their version of Windows is fully activated, only to reveal that it is pirated or temporarily activated. To verify the authenticity of the license, follow these steps:
Connect the PC to the internet and navigate to Windows Update located in Windows Settings. Click Check for updates and proceed to download and install all relevant updates. Once the PC has rebooted, the absence of alerts regarding invalid keys or unlicensed copies indicates that the Windows installation is likely valid.
To confirm that it’s permanently activated, open the Command Prompt by searching for cmd in Windows Search. Enter the command slmgr /xpr and hit Enter. A small window will appear, letting you know the Windows edition and whether it is permanently activated.
Use the command slmgr /dlv to obtain essential information, including the license type and its current status. Confirm that the license category is either Retail or OEM, and check that it is activated.
Assess CPU and GPU for Performance and Heating Issues
While you might have received the promised CPU and GPU, their condition could be questionable. An aging CPU or GPU might handle moderate tasks adequately but could falter under intense demands. Additionally, these components significantly contribute to heat generation, making them critical for thermal assessments.
Performing stress tests on both the CPU and GPU will reveal their performance under load and the system’s thermal efficiency. Various tools exist for CPU stress testing, and Furmark is widely recognized for GPU stress testing. However, we recommend using OCCT for simultaneous testing of both components, as it is free for personal use and offers extensive monitoring and testing capabilities.
On OCCT, you’ll observe multiple testing tools listed on the left panel. Select CPU, setting its mode to Extreme and load type to Steady. For the GPU, perform 3D Standard and 3D Adaptive tests, keeping the 3D Standard settings unchanged. For the 3D Adaptive, opt for the Steady configuration with Extreme load.
Conduct each test sequentially, allowing them to run for at least 30 minutes. Should the PC crash or OCCT report errors, this indicates a problem with the respective component.
In addition to the previous tests, the Power test feature is recommended for thorough thermal evaluation since it stresses all components that consume substantial power. This assessment will also gauge PSU performance, and because it maximizes CPU, GPU, and RAM usage, it is ideal for thermal checks.
Execute the Power test using the default settings, monitoring the CPU and GPU temperatures in the middle panel. Sustained temperatures exceeding 194º F (90° C) suggest inefficient thermal regulation.
Check USB Ports Functionality
Even if all USB ports appear operational, there may still be underlying issues affecting performance. These problems can impact the devices connected to the ports. Follow these steps to identify potential USB port issues:
Open Device Manager by searching for it in Windows Search.
Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section, right-click on USB Root Hub, and select Properties.
Inspect the Device status, ensuring that it reads This device is working properly. Should it indicate an error, look up the error code online to determine the cause. Often, updating drivers can resolve these issues.
Evaluate RAM for Potential Issues
Just like the other components, RAM can also fail. Common indicators of faulty RAM include system crashes and sluggish performance after extended use, which may not be immediately noticeable. To diagnose RAM issues, follow these steps:
Utilize the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool for checking RAM health. Press Win + R and enter mdsched.exe into the Run dialog. You will be prompted to restart the PC for the diagnostic process to commence. Make sure to save any unsaved work before proceeding.
During the reboot, opt for the Extended test for a comprehensive assessment. Any discovered errors will be reported when Windows reboots.
If no issues are identified, conduct a stress test on the RAM to confirm its reliability under load. This can be done using the OCCT software. Choose the Memory test and start with the default settings.
Allow the test to run for at least 30 minutes to confirm function. If the system crashes during the test, it indicates faulty RAM. Bear in mind, during the test, sluggish performance or minor freezes may occur, as a significant portion of the RAM is in operation.
Assess Storage Health and Performance
When it comes to used storage, particularly SSDs, health and performance are critical considerations. SSDs have a finite number of read/write cycles; therefore, over-extending their usage may limit your overall use. First, evaluate the read/write speeds to ascertain they align with expectations, then check for any potential errors.
CrystalDiskMark is a user-friendly, free, and dependable software tool for quickly testing storage performance. Launch the program and select All without modifying the default settings. It will conduct read/write tests using various data sequences. Following completion, confirm that the readings in the SEQ1M Q8T1 category are close to the advertised speed of the storage drive.
To appraise the health of your storage, CrystalDiskInfo provides a tool from the same developers. It offers in-depth information regarding the overall usage of the drive. Based on S.M.A.R.T data, it assesses the health of your storage drive; a status of Good indicates everything is fine. Any indication of Caution or Bad suggests an underlying issue.
You can also monitor power-on hours and total read/write data to gauge how much of the storage capacity has been utilized.
Conducting all these software checks may require a fair amount of time, so ensure you have ample opportunity to inspect the desktop thoroughly before finalizing your purchase. Additionally, these Windows software checks are applicable to laptops as well, although certain additional factors should be taken into account when considering a used laptop.
Image credit: Vecteezy. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.
Leave a Reply