Regarding buying new and used computer parts

hey all i need a bit of advice
i plan on building a new computer within the next couple of days and my rents will buy SOME of the parts(bday) but not the others. id like to save some money myself so im considering buying some new and some used.

my question is, what parts should i definably buy new, online and which parts can i buy used(locally, craigslist etc?

Thanks.

id stay away from used computer parts in general

Stick with Newegg... always buy new because most manufacturers offer some decent warranty plans (i.e. BFG makers of videocards offer lifetime warranties).

I cant buy all new as im trying to save money and my rents wont buy the whole thing lol. which parts would be OK if i bought used?

You are asking for trouble buying high end computer parts used. Things to stay away from when used: hard drive, Power supplys and CPU chips. RAM you might get away with if the person selling it will let you "stress test" it first. Mobo's you might be able to get used, depends on why the person is selling, if they are upgrading then it might be ok, otherwise, buyer beware. Cases are ok used. Optical drives are cheap new $20 so get a new one.

Are you sure you want to go the used route? I mean, a decent mobo, cpu, memory combo can be had for $120 to $200 and will have intergrated graphics that will hold you over till you can buy a good video card. Use your old case and power supply and you are most of the way there.

Don't buy any integral parts (mobo, HD, processor, memory) used. You can buy used memory if you search for someone who just popped it out of a new computer to replace it, which happens quite often. You can buy used a disc drive, sound/graphics card, fan, case, keyboard, mouse, etc. Obviously search for the least used possible and check out refurbished as well since with that you can get a warranty. You should be able to get pretty cheap stuff that's not really used because people are upgrading all day.

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/Comp...catref=1&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

^^ link to used components. Ridiculously cheap prices....

I dont have an old comp case or power supply. im starting from scratch so thats why i think buying some used things would be best.

but if there are some good deals than yeah ill buy new, but i dont know where i can buy for cheap in canada?

what are some good websites that usually have deals. ill have a look see if i can get any deals.
thanks.

Im gunna guess and say this combo isnt very good??
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.276283

also heres what i need the comp to do:
-play some games
-run, sometimes all day for autoresponders, etc
-be fast, reliable

thats pretty much it.
thanks.

Depending on what you're playing, you don't even need those high specs.

Just don't run all the latest software and you'll be fine with a 1.5ghz processor. The power of computers is amazing right now but it doesn't affect us very much because there is always a newer more memory-intensive OS or program coming out that will eat all the speed up.

I'd go with 1.5ghz, >=2gig RAM if I wanted to save $$.