Frequently Asked Questions
Why Green?
Smart planning when building a computer and proper maintenance afterwards help make computing more efficient. Most of the components used in our builds (including our home computers) are used components bought on eBay, and old parts are sold back on eBay whenever possible, so that perfectly good, working components do not end up in the trash but serve someone else's needs. Removing dust from inside the computer also makes computing more efficient as components run cooler and fans do not need to go into overdrive. Maintaining the computer free of viruses and spyware and optimizing disk space can save on unneeded computations since viruses often load the processor even when the computer is idle and 'clogged' disks full of unneeded garbage have to spin longer to find the necessary info (does not apply to Solid State Disks). Finally, smart choices when building a computer allow for very efficient builds (and affordable too), in other words, if you are not going to play high-end games, there is no need for an expensive video card since it will just burn energy and heat up the insides of the computer without providing any performance benefits. So, as you can see, following good computer building and maintenance practices will not only save you money but also help preserve the environment we are all a part of.
Source of Components?
The best source of components is eBay. Most of the components used in our builds (including our home computers) are used components bought on eBay, but it is also possible to find great deals on brand new parts from retail stores on sale (usually after rebate). Whenever possible, after upgrading, the old parts should be sold back on eBay to recoup some of the cost of the new components and so that someone else can use them.
Why Used Components?
Obviously, buying used parts is usually much cheaper than buying brand new components. Secondly, re-using parts is better for the environment since perfectly working parts are not thrown out but used by someone else. Most computer users do not need cutting edge technology, and even hardcore gamers do not need the very latest graphics cards since even older cards often allow modern games to run at full settings. Finally, when you buy brand new parts, there is always a chance of a factory defect, but when you buy a used part, if it has been working properly for a year or even three years straight, chances are that it will keep working for another two to six years, or more. In essence the first user performs quality assurance testing and deals with any RMA situations, and later users get time-tested parts that may be out of warranty but are proven to be of excellent quality.
