Best eBay Alternatives for Buying Used PC Parts in the UK
If you’re buying used PC parts in the UK, eBay isn’t the only game in town. The best alternative depends on one question: are you buying posted (you need protection + proof) or collection (you need a safe meet + a fast test plan)?
This guide compares the best UK options for second-hand GPUs, CPUs, RAM and more—plus a quick table so you can match the platform to your budget and risk tolerance.
Start with the full end-to-end process here: Buy used PC parts in the UK. If you also want a direct breakdown of the “big three”, see: Koukan vs eBay vs Facebook Marketplace.
Quick UK picks (based on how you want to buy)
Posted, with structure
Koukan
A PC-parts-first marketplace with cleaner listings and fewer “mystery condition” surprises.
Local collection bargains
Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree
Best when you can meet safely, inspect the part, and test quickly at home the same day.
Warranty-like reassurance
CeX (and refurb retailers)
Often pricier than private sellers, but clearer returns and less negotiation friction.
UK rule of thumb: if the deal depends on you sending money outside a platform’s checkout (bank transfer, “pay my mate”, Friends & Family), walk away.
Comparison table: best eBay alternatives (UK used PC parts)
| Platform | Best for | Main risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koukan | PC parts with clearer condition + specs. | Normal used-part uncertainty (thermals, wear). | Ask for proof screenshots, check photos, test on arrival. |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local collection deals, quick turnarounds. | Pressure + off-platform payment + vague condition. | Meet public, inspect first, have a same-day test plan. |
| Gumtree | Local listings outside your usual circles. | Low listing detail; hard to verify history. | Message a checklist, request proof photos and model info. |
| CeX | Lower stress buying with returns expectations. | Price premium; stock varies. | Check the exact model and ports; test quickly anyway. |
| Enthusiast forums | Well-described parts and experienced sellers. | Smaller inventory; rules vary. | Read rep rules, confirm timestamps, keep receipts/messages. |
| UK hardware swap communities | Good-value deals from builders upgrading. | Scattered posts; scams exist like anywhere. | Use protected payments, insist on proof + shipping tracking. |
Tip: if you’re buying a posted GPU, treat the listing like evidence. The better the evidence, the safer the purchase.
A simple UK decision flow (use this before you message anyone)
If it’s being posted
- Prioritise clean listings: exact model, clear photos, and proof it works.
- Keep everything in-platform (messages + checkout) where possible.
- Unbox on camera and test immediately on arrival.
If it’s collection
- Meet somewhere public and keep the interaction calm and unhurried.
- Inspect for physical damage before money changes hands.
- Have a “first boot” test plan ready for the same day.
If you need the deeper safety framework (including what to test first), use the pillar guide: buy used PC parts safely in the UK.
Where Koukan fits
If you like the convenience of a marketplace but you’re tired of wading through low-effort listings, Koukan is positioned as a PC-parts-first option. The point is not that every used part becomes “risk-free”—it’s that the marketplace experience expects the details PC buyers actually ask for.
In practice, that means you can often move faster: fewer messages just to confirm the basics, clearer condition signals, and less time spent doing detective work.
UK payment + proof checklist (works on any platform)
Most bad outcomes happen because one of these two things is missing: protection (a dispute path) or proof (evidence the item was misrepresented). You want both.
Proof to request (especially GPUs)
- Clear photos of ports, backplate, connectors, and serial/label areas.
- A timestamped photo (today’s date on paper next to the item).
- A basic benchmark screenshot + temperatures under load.
Red flags (UK common)
- “Need it gone today” pressure + refusal to answer basic questions.
- Off-platform payment requests (bank transfer / Friends & Family).
- Stock images, or photos that don’t show the actual item.
If you want a more complete list of scam patterns and what to do instead, read: how to avoid scams buying used PC parts online.
Keep a paper trail: proof, messages, and arrival tests.
FAQ: buying used PC parts in the UK (without using eBay)
What’s the safest eBay alternative for posted PC parts in the UK?
Prioritise marketplaces that keep communication and checkout in one place and encourage clear listings. Then treat proof as part of the purchase: photos, timestamps, and quick arrival testing.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe for buying GPUs?
It can be, if you treat it like a collection deal: meet safely, inspect the card, and plan to stress test the same day. Avoid any payment method that removes your ability to dispute if the item is not as described.
Is CeX good for used graphics cards and CPUs?
CeX can be a good option when you value lower hassle and clearer returns expectations. The trade-off is often price—so compare it against private listings before you decide.
Which platform has the best bargains in the UK?
Local collection platforms often have the lowest asking prices, especially when sellers want a quick sale. The “real cost” is your time: messaging, travel, and higher scam pressure.
What should I ask for before buying a used GPU?
Ask for model-confirming photos, a timestamp, and a benchmark screenshot showing temperatures under load. Then test immediately once you receive it.
Where can I learn the full UK buying process?
Use the pillar guide: Buy used PC parts in the UK. It covers what’s safe to buy used, what to check, and what to test when the part arrives.