Used graphics card prices now below MSRP in secondhand markets

Graphics cards prices have finally normalized thanks to increased supply, lower demand from gamers flush with cash, suspended tariffs, and the long-awaited collapse of cryptocurrency mining. You can now find plenty of new graphics cards priced near or just above MSRP. Likewise, the aforementioned conditions have also set up the used graphics card market for attractive prices once again.

That statement comes with a slight caveat though, because popular used marketplaces like eBay frankly appear chaotic at first glance. There are still plenty of sellers attempting to sell used and new graphics cards at sky-high prices. Some are trying to scalp new cards, perhaps unaware of the massively different market conditions compared to 2021. Others, perhaps, purchased their cards at enormous markups and are now desperate to minimize loss.

A look at Newegg prices for new graphics cards can quickly set a baseline for what you should pay for a particular model. We used this data to narrow in on good prices in the used graphics card markets such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Sure enough, there are some deals to be found.

Mining profitability is up in flames

The latest shift in used graphics card pricing can likely be attributed to miners selling off their rigs, and there are plenty of listings that suggest as much. In a brief look around eBay, we stumbled across plenty of listings where mining seemed to be the primary purpose for the graphics cards. Other sellers may have used their cards for similar purposes, but aren’t nearly so bold as to post their mining rigs or decks of cards in the listings.

Other sellers appear to be listing cards that were primarily used for gaming or productivity. Considering the next generation of graphics cards is potentially just months away, this is normal to see. End-users commonly sell their cards in order to use the money towards a new purchase. Others may have simply upgraded to a higher performance tier.

Whatever the case, there are some potentially good deals if you filter the listings. Our general findings are that many used cards are now selling for MSRP. But there are buy-it-now listings and auctions well below MSRP for pretty much all models. One trend we noticed is that higher-tier cards have depreciated the most. This is particularly true for the Nvidia RTX 3080 12GB, 3080 Ti, and 3090. You can also find some decent deals on the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and 6900 XT.

Price segmentation has also broken down across all models, including the once-coveted RTX 30 Series FE cards from Nvidia. If you want to score a deal on an FE card or one with a factory overclock and an oversized heatsink, the used market is one way to go about doing so.

A quick look at used graphics card prices

We collected some current data on a few of the most popular graphics cards for PC gaming. We used Newegg for reference and mainly filtered through eBay listings, but also checked US listings on Facebook Marketplace and confirmed similar prices.

We’ll start with Nvidia’s RTX 30 Series. Just like in the new condition market, the RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti continue to hold value above MSRP. Fortunately, this is the main exception to shifting prices. You might be able to bid for something just below MSRP, and there are a few buy-it-now listings at or near MSRP. There’s simply better value at higher performance tiers, so you may just want to put up some extra cash for an RTX 3070.

There are plenty of used buy-it-now options for RTX 3070s near or just above the $500 MSRP on eBay.  If you go the bidding route, you may be able to score something below MSRP. Additionally, you may be able to find prices below MSRP in local online marketplaces. However, you can simply buy a new Gigabyte Gaming OC model for $599 at Newegg.

It’s somewhat of a similar case with the RTX 3080, with plenty of options listed at or about $100 above the $699 MSRP. If you go the bidding route, you may be able to get one for $50-100 cheaper. Local marketplace prices hover just above or below MSRP, with occasional good deals.

Things get interesting above the RTX 3080 price tier. The RTX 3080 12GB, 3080 Ti, and RTX 3090 now sell well below MSRP, both used and new. Just a few examples we found included an RTX 3090 going for $1,200, an RTX 3080 Ti going for $899, and there are plenty more. However, for just a little more cash, you can get a new card with similar performance. One example is this MSI RTX 3080 10GB that’s $790.

As for AMD, the used market is surprisingly disappointing. We turned up plenty of results for the 6700 XT going for $420-$450. Considering that you can get an MSI 6700 XT Mech for $485 (just $5 over MSRP), that’s probably the best choice. For the 6800 XT, buy-it-now prices are nothing special starting around $700. If you go the bidding route, it only drops by about $50.

You’re best bet is to go new for AMD. Two particularly good sales we found were for a Sapphire Pulse 6600 at $290 and an MSI Gaming X Trio 6900 XT for $890.

Don’t get fooled

Just be sure to weigh the risks with buying a used graphics card versus a new one. One of the best things you can do is to find a local listing where the seller can show you that the card still performs to spec. Make sure to inspect it for any visual damage or wear. If buying online, consider requesting a video of it running or at least make sure the seller is reputable.

Lastly, see if you can get a copy of the original receipt or if there’s a way to register the card with the manufacturer once you acquire it so you can ensure the original warranty applies to you. Graphics cards come with at least a two year warranty (three years with some manufacturers) when purchased new.

Lastly, ensure the price of the used graphics card you’re looking at is far enough below what it would cost for a new model. Prices continue to drop by the week, sometimes by the day.

PC Invasion doesn’t receive any commissions from these links. All prices are in USD.