If you have ever tried to build your own computer, you know how quickly the costs can add up. A powerful graphics card, a fast CPU, and enough RAM to handle modern games or productivity work can easily eat through a budget. This is where r/buildapcsales, a popular Reddit community, comes in. It’s a subreddit where users post and share the best deals they find on PC components, ranging from graphics cards to SSDs. For anyone looking to save money while building or upgrading their computer, this subreddit can be a game changer.
I first stumbled upon r/buildapcsales years ago when I was trying to build my first gaming PC. I was overwhelmed by prices and unsure of what counted as a good deal. A friend recommended the subreddit, and within a week I scored a discounted SSD and a mid-range GPU that carried me through years of gaming. Over time, I learned how to use it properly, what traps to avoid, and how to spot deals before they sold out.
In this article, I’ll break down what r/buildapcsales is, how it works, what types of deals you can find, and how beginners can take advantage of it without feeling lost.
What is r/buildapcsales?
At its core, r/buildapcsales is a Reddit community dedicated to posting and discussing deals on PC hardware. Members share sales they find across retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and Micro Center. Each post typically includes the product name, the sale price, the retailer, and sometimes benchmarks or reviews.
Think of it like a live, constantly updated bulletin board for PC parts. Instead of you checking five different websites for deals, community members bring those deals to one place. What makes it different from a typical coupon site is the community itself. Users upvote good deals, call out bad ones, and provide context like “this GPU was cheaper last month” or “the power supply in this bundle is low quality.” That extra layer of peer review makes it much more trustworthy.
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Types of Deals You Can Find on r/buildapcsales
GPU Deals
One of the biggest reasons people flock to r/buildapcsales is for graphics card deals. With how expensive GPUs have become in recent years, especially during shortages, catching a discount feels like a victory. I personally managed to grab an RTX card below MSRP thanks to a post on the subreddit.
CPU Deals
Processors are another common highlight. Deals range from budget-friendly Ryzen chips to high-end Intel CPUs. Beginners often find it tricky to know which CPU is right for them, and the comment sections often help clarify whether the deal is actually worth it.
RAM and Storage
RAM deals pop up regularly, especially DDR4 kits, while storage deals—SSDs and HDDs—are some of the most consistent bargains. I once bought a 1TB NVMe SSD for half the price it was listed on Amazon a month before, purely because I saw it pop up on r/buildapcsales at the right time.
Monitors and Peripherals
Not everything is about the “inside” of your PC. The subreddit also posts deals on monitors, keyboards, mice, and even headsets. These aren’t as heavily discussed as GPUs, but if you’re trying to complete a setup, it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Prebuilt PCs
While most people in the community prefer building their own rigs, there are often posts about prebuilt systems. Sometimes, prebuilts can be cheaper than buying the parts individually, especially when GPU prices spike.
How to Navigate and Use the Subreddit
For beginners, the subreddit might feel chaotic at first. Posts come in fast, and deals can expire within hours. Here are some tips I learned:
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Use the filters: Sort by “new” if you want to see deals as soon as they’re posted. Sort by “top” if you only want the most upvoted deals.
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Check the comments: Often, other users will point out if a deal is actually not as good as it looks.
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Act fast: The best deals sell out quickly. If you see something you want and it fits your budget, don’t hesitate too long.
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Verify compatibility: Always cross-check with a site like PCPartPicker to make sure the part fits your build.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to building PCs, here are some practical tips:
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Don’t chase every deal. Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean you need it. Focus on your build plan.
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Know your priorities. Spend more on GPU if you’re gaming, or CPU/RAM if you’re doing video editing.
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Be patient. Prices fluctuate, and sometimes waiting a week can save you a lot.
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Learn the lingo. Posts often use shorthand like MSRP, SKU, or OC. Familiarizing yourself will help you follow discussions.
Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned
When I first started, I made the mistake of jumping on a deal for a cheap power supply. It turned out to be low quality, and I had to replace it later, costing me more in the long run. Lesson learned: not every deal is worth it, and sometimes you’re better off spending a little more for quality.
On the positive side, I found my favorite mechanical keyboard thanks to r/buildapcsales. It wasn’t just cheaper; the community comments also guided me toward reviews I hadn’t seen before. That kind of advice is hard to find on regular deal sites.
Comparing r/buildapcsales with Other Deal Sources
There are alternatives like Slickdeals, Honey, and PCPartPicker. While these are useful, they don’t have the same focused community. Slickdeals covers everything, not just PC parts. Honey automates coupons but doesn’t show you the best bundles. PCPartPicker is excellent for compatibility but not as deal-driven. For me, r/buildapcsales strikes the best balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Buying parts you don’t need just because they’re on sale.
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Ignoring shipping costs, which sometimes ruin a “deal.”
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Failing to check return policies.
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Overbuying high-end parts that don’t match the rest of your system.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Savings
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Set alerts. Use Reddit’s notification tools or third-party bots.
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Shop during sales events. Black Friday and Prime Day bring floods of deals.
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Bundle wisely. Sometimes a prebuilt is cheaper if you only need one or two upgrades.
Alternatives and Complementary Resources
If r/buildapcsales isn’t enough, check:
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Slickdeals: More general, but sometimes good finds.
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PCPartPicker: Helps track prices over time.
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Micro Center: If you live near one, in-store deals can be unbeatable.
Conclusion
r/buildapcsales is more than just a deal-sharing forum. It’s a community where PC enthusiasts help each other save money, avoid scams, and build better systems. If you’re patient and learn how to use it effectively, it can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
FAQ
1. Is r/buildapcsales safe to use?
Yes, as long as you buy from trusted retailers. The community helps call out shady listings.
2. Do I need to be an expert to use it?
Not at all. Beginners are welcome, and the comments often provide extra guidance.
3. How fast do deals sell out?
Sometimes within minutes, especially for GPUs. Always act quickly.
4. Can I find prebuilt PCs there?
Yes, though most posts focus on individual components.
5. Is it better than Slickdeals?
For PC parts specifically, yes. For general deals, Slickdeals covers more categories.
