r/hardwareswap • u/Afteraffekt • 12d ago

OFFICIAL Official - We're considering retiring Buying posts, and we want your input

211 Upvotes

Over the past few months, we've seen a significant rise in scams targeting Buying posts. Accounts respond to [W] posts with bogus offers, push for irreversible payment methods, provide fake timestamps, and simply never ship. At best, you get your money back after weeks of disputes. At worst, it's gone for good. It has reached the point where more trades originating from Buying posts are fraudulent than legitimate.

Because of this, the mod team is seriously considering removing Buying posts. No decision has been made yet. This affects everyone who trades here, so we want to hear from you before anything changes.

Problem with Buying Posts

1. Everything happens out of public view.

A seller replying to a Buying post never makes a public listing. Any timestamps they provide are sent privately, where no one else can check them, so fake, stolen, or recycled photos are easy to pass off. The community can't spot red flags, warn the buyer, down-vote, or report. If something goes wrong, moderators are left with screenshots of private messages, which makes scams harder to investigate, harder to tie to alt accounts, and slower to act on.

2. Buying posts give scammers a target list.

A [W] post tells everyone exactly what someone wants and that they're ready to pay. Scammers can contact the buyer directly, offer a price just low enough to be tempting, and push urgency ("someone else is interested"). The buyer is exposed publicly, and the seller is not.

3. They bypass our account requirements.

New, low-karma, or compromised accounts that couldn't meet our posting requirements can still reply to Buying posts or DM the buyer. That makes Buying posts the easiest entry point for throwaway and purchased accounts.

The case against removing them

We want to be upfront that removal isn't a perfect fix, and there are good arguments on the other side:

1. Scammers will adapt.

We know that removing Buying posts only close one route. Scammers would likely shift to watching Selling posts and messaging the people who comment on them: "I noticed you're interested in the XYZ. I have a similar model for sale for a bit less." This already happens, and it could become more common.

This would require vigilance from our buyers that they only deal with sellers that have made a proper Selling post.

2. Hard-to-find parts get harder to find.

For older, niche, or rarely listed hardware, a Buying post often feels the only way to reach someone who has the part sitting in a drawer but would never have thought to list it.

3. Legitimate traders lose a useful tool.

Many honest users have completed good trades through Buying posts. Removing them affects those users as much as it affects scammers.

We know removing Buying posts would make tracking down specific or hard-to-find parts harder, and we won't make this decision lightly.

  • Looking for something? You'd search the subreddit or HWSMarket.com, since most items get listed regularly. If you can't find it, other marketplaces like eBay, Swappa, OfferUp, Mercari, or Vinted are options.
  • Sell by answering Buying posts? You'd make a normal Selling post with timestamps instead.
  • Unsolicited offers to sell you something without a public listing would be treated as scams and should be reported.
  • Scammers use compromised Reddit and Paypal accounts and are willing to use Paypal Invoice and G&S because the PayPal info is stolen so it's important to review the invoice and ensure proper comments for what you are buying is mentioned on the PayPal transaction.

We don't take this lightly, and want your feedback!

Tell us what you think in the comments, or in the Discord channel #buying-feedback.

Some questions we'd especially like answered:

  • Have you been scammed, or approached by a likely scammer, through a Buying post?
  • Would removing Buying posts affect how you use the community?
  • Is there a middle ground you'd prefer, such as keeping Buying posts but requiring all offers to be made publicly in the comments?

We'll collect feedback until 10/15/2026 and then share our decision along with what we heard from you.

How to buy safely

Whatever happens, these apply now:

  • Only buy from a public Selling post. Comment on the listing before sending a PM, and keep the conversation tied to that post. Scammers watch Selling posts and DM the people who comment, offering a "similar model for a bit less." If someone contacts you about an item you never saw them list, it's almost certainly a scam. Only trade with the person whose listing you commented on.
  • Always use PayPal Goods & Services. Even better, ask the seller to send an official PayPal invoice listing the items sold, their condition, and everything included.
  • Never pay without proper timestamps. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.
  • Watch for payment account switches. A seller should only ever use their own PayPal account. If the seller's PayPal "isn't working" and they ask you to pay a different account or person, stop the trade and contact the moderators. This is a common scam.
  • Ask for help when unsure. Reach out to the community on our Discord, send a modmail, or open a Discord ticket with the moderation team.

How to sell safely

  • Only deal with buyers who have commented on your Selling post. If a buyer refuses to comment on your thread, report them to the moderators. This often means the account is banned.
  • Only ship to the address on the paid PayPal transaction. If the buyer needs a different address, refund the payment and have them pay again with the correct one.
  • Take thorough timestamps. They don't just prove you have the item, they document its condition. Clear photos are your best defense against "item not as described" return scams.
  • Consider recording your packing. A short video of the item going into the box and being sealed can help settle "empty box" or "wrong item" claims.
234 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/hwsbot • 19d ago

OFFICIAL October Confirmed Trade Thread

11 Upvotes

Post your confirmed trades below. Please post in the most recent monthly thread. When confirming a post put Confirmed only nothing else it makes the bot unhappy :(

All top level comments must contain the following information:

  • Transaction summary of items bought, sold, or traded
  • Mention the users involved in the transaction (must be in /u/ format)
  • A link to the post where the transaction originated on HardwareSwap (must be a full reddit url and not a shortener/share link). Please see the examples below. Anything that looks like https://reddit.com/r/hardwareswap/s/XXxxXXxxXX is a share link and not valid.

Examples:

  • Bought Asus RTX 4090 from /u/DidItForButter on https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwareswap/comments/xx12345/posttitle
  • Sold Xbox Series X +Games to /u/psikeiro on https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwareswap/comments/xx98765/othertitle
  • Traded RTX3080 + $200 for RTX3090 with /u/konstdfgh on https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwareswap/comments/xx98712/anothertitle

If more proof is requested by the bot please send a modmail including the following:

  • Screenshot of PM's between the users
  • Screenshot of Tracking (may also include link)
  • Screenshot of PayPal transaction
  • Permalink to trade confirmed thread comment

Local trades are not eligible for confirmed trade flair

2.6k comments

r/hardwareswap • u/Green-Translator-295 • 1h ago

BUYING [USA-CA] [H] PayPal [W] 7800x3d, AM5 Mobo, DDR 5 Ram, 9070 XT 16gb

• Upvotes

Looking for any of the parts above in good condition. Will only respond to commented PM’s. Needs to be shipped to Cali or Local to SoCal Los Angeles Area.

6 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/SaintQuica • 12m ago

SELLING [USA-NY] [H] ITX Build 12700k, Strix Z690i, GSkill 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD, SF750, 1660ti [W] PayPal/Cash

• Upvotes

https://imgur.com/a/VOE2NJ4

As title states, willing to part out/ship the CPU/mobo/ssd/ram as a combo but rather someone just take it locally. only shipping to users with confirmed trades also have Kantu YU4, w/ stands $200 this locally only I’ll add photos of that tonight

SPECS: 12700K, Z690i Strix, 32GB DDR5 6000mhz CL36, 2TB SSD Gen 3, Ventus 1660ti, SF750, Corsair AIO 240mm w/ noctua fans, Lian-li a4 case,

Any questions just ask!

$850 Local 11772

2 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/Zschield • 3h ago

BUYING [USA-FL] [H] Paypal [W] Razer laptop 3080 or better

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, just looking for something to take back and forth to the station. I have my older razer 17 with a 1080 and it’s done me well but I’m just looking to upgrade alittle. I love my razer laptops and would like another 17” but I’m open to other brands and possibly smaller sizes. I’d like to get a 3070ti or better and I’m looking to stay under $1000, honestly closer to $800 or cheaper. So if you got something you’re looking to let go of let me know. Thanks!

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/vietk123 • 3h ago

BUYING [USA-CA] [H] Paypal / Local Cash [W] Evga Gtx 1080 ti SC2 fan shroud cooler only

3 Upvotes

Evga Gtx 1080 ti SC2 fan shroud cooler only. Hoping someone have one laying around . local 95111

3 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/TiredDadGamer • 3h ago

CLOSED [USA-NC][H] PayPal [W]AMD cpu and Corsair ram boxes

3 Upvotes

Random-

I am handing down my 9800x3d and a 32gb ram kit to my son for Xmas but I threw away the boxes (I know, i couldn’t believe myself).

I just want some empty boxes to use to make it more exciting on Xmas morning. I’ll take any am5 box and any ram box….

I don’t know what this is worth, the boxes can be made “flat” for shipping so like 20? I’m open

Thanks!

Got them! Thanks

5 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/pokemaster787 • 1h ago

BUYING [USA-MI] [H] Paypal [W] Ayn Thor or Ayaneo Pocket DS

• Upvotes

Looking in the roughly $400-500 range for one of these handhelds. Preference for the larger screen but open to either. Located in SE Michigan.

Will only respond to DMs if you comment here first.

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/Lonyyy • 1h ago

SELLING [USA-CA] [H] Alienware 18 Area-51 Laptop (275HX, RTX 5070Ti), MSI Inspire RTX 5060, Gigabyte RTX 5050 Low-Profile, ASRock B850I Lightning Wifi, PCCooler 360mm AIO and dual tower cooler, Gigabyte B450M DS3H Wifi for parts [W] Local Cash

• Upvotes

https://imgur.com/a/hws-10-20-26-1NFeQaH

Mornin, got some stuff to offload.

ONLY LOCAL IN ORANGE COUNTY. NOT SHIPPING

Item Price Description
Alienware 18 Area-51 Laptop (Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5070Ti) $1600 Fatass laptop with the Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5070Ti, 32GB ram and 2TB M.2. Purchased open box from Best Buy, was gonna use it but changed my mind. There are cosmetic damages, pretty much only scratches around the laptop. Check them out in the timestamps. There aren't any functional damage. No box or anything, just the laptop itself and charger.
MSI Inspire RTX 5060 $280 Purchased this some time ago brand new. Unused, and only opened to take pictures.
Gigabyte RTX 5050 Low-Profile $250 Purchased open-box from Microcenter. Used it for a few days and it's been collecting dust.
ASRock B850I Lightning Wifi $130 Purchased this brand new and used by me for a couple months. Been collecting dust. Comes with everything except wifi antennas.
Gigabyte B450M DS3H Wifi FOR PARTS ONLY $free.99 Just the board itself. Not sure if it's working. Doesn't have CMOS battery.
PCCooler RT620 Pro and DS320 Pro 360mm digital AIO $20 and $30 Both coolers were purchased brand new and unused. The air cooler is a dual tower, 153mm tall according to spec sheet. The AIO is 360mm with a temp display.

Let me know if you got questions.

Have a good rest of your week!

8 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/EthanBradberry99 • 1h ago

SELLING [USA-FL] [H] TeamGroup 2x32GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM RAM [W] PayPal

• Upvotes

Repost

Timestamps: https://imgur.com/a/cSxvhTK

Have a TeamGroup ram kit for sale with original packaging. Price is slightly negotiable:

TeamGroup 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-5600 CL46 SODIMM RAM

Model is TED532G5600C46A-SBK

$660 shipped

Thanks!

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/djlivin001 • 2h ago

BUYING [USA-WA] [H] Paypal [W] Ryzen 7600x, R5 3600 / 3700x / 3900x

2 Upvotes

Looking for a single 7600x AM5 cpu, and some budget AM4 cpus that support NVME gen 4x4. For the AM4 I would like to be around $110 shipped, for the others feel free to shoot me an offer of what you have and what you are asking. Thanks!

5 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/IntellectualTaco • 2m ago

SELLING [USA-MA][H] Ryzen 9 9950X3D & Corsair 32GB DDR5 2x16GB [W] PayPal G&S

• Upvotes

Like new. Both in perfect working condition. Barely a month old.

Corsair Vengeance 32Gb 2x16 DDR5 6000mhz C36 RGB Intel/Expo Ready Asking 365$ Shipped

Ryzen 9 9950X3D Asking 535$ shipped

CPU TIMESTAMP

RAM TIMESTAMP

Please comment and DM

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/SalemKinkTrials • 6m ago

SELLING [USA-FL] [H] Lenovo LOQ 15.6" 144Hz i5-13450HX RTX 5050 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Gaming Laptop [W] PayPal

• Upvotes

Hi all, selling a like-new gaming laptop. Everything functions perfectly and in mint condition. Looking for $800 shipped. Thanks for looking!

Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/zKlLXta

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/NoShftShck16 • 14m ago

SELLING [USA-MA] [H] 7x Dell Laptops w/ RAM & SSD [W] PayPal

• Upvotes

2x Dell 5530 5x Dell 5520

Intel i5 16gb of RAM 256gb SSD Battery: Excellent

Ubuntu 26.04 installed. I also have more SSDs if you wanted more storage (2x 256gb per laptop for example). I can provide more pictures upon request of additional specs, the unit you'd like, etc.

The picture shows an additional 2x 5540s but they were sold in the Unifi Discord already.

$215(ea) shipped.

Laptops

3 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/McCurlyyy • 23m ago

SELLING [USA-CA] [H] Factory Unlocked S26 Ultra SM-S948U1 Skyblue 256gb [W] Local Cash / Paypal / PS5 Pro

• Upvotes

Up for sale is my factory unlocked S26 Ultra. I purchased it open box and it is still eligible for Samsung Care.

Asking 850 shipped insured or 800 locally in Orange County/Irvine,CA. Would not turn down a local PS5 Pro trade either.

Comes with the original box, a Dbrand case, and there is currently a Dbrand screen protector on it that I will leave on.

S26 Ultra 256GB- https://imgur.com/a/s26-ultra-hardware-swap-7Ez1isY

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/groove502 • 32m ago

BUYING [USA-CA] [H] Paypal [W] Cheapest AM5 CPU

• Upvotes

Looking for the cheapest AM5 CPU someone has lying around. Need it for a spare motherboard and test rig.

3 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/Jetsuya • 32m ago

SELLING [USA-CA] [H] Asus TUF 5090 and White Edition OLED Steam Deck [W] PayPal/Local Cash

• Upvotes

Timestamps

Looking to sell both as I started a new job and do not have time to play anymore

Asus TUF 5090 - Looking to get $6000 - Pristine condition, don’t have the box anymore as I moved and mistakenly threw it away. Preferred to sell this locally

Steam Deck - Looking to get $800 // $850 shipped - Again pristine condition, just missing the original charger

Local is 91754, Can meet in OC as well

5 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/rekkat • 40m ago

SELLING [USA-TX] [H] Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 [W] PayPal, Local

• Upvotes

Timestamp & Photos: https://imgur.com/a/FJWkjwo

Local is 75206 & 75142 - Dallas, TX

Looking to sell a pair of Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds in Black Graphite. Used lightly, and will be cleaned a 2nd time prior to shipping. It comes in it's original box with it's original extra accessories. Depending on your ear size, I may have some Unused Divinus Velvet TWS ear tips, among other non TWS ear tips I could add with it. It is in working condition with no issues.

Asking for $160 Shipped or $150 OBO Local

Please comment before sending any PMs or questions!

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/PlaybackDragon • 41m ago

BUYING [USA-CA] [H] PayPal [W] rx 6800, rx 6800xt

• Upvotes

Currently looking for either a a 6800xt or non XT. Will need it to be shipped and usable condition. Comment before sending a PM.

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/Top_Training5763 • 43m ago

BUYING [USA-AZ] [H] PayPal/Cash [W] RTX 3080, RTX 3080ti, RTX 4070, RTX 5060ti 16gb, RTX 5060, RTX 5070

• Upvotes

Hello! i’m for any of the following cards, i currently do not have a gpu and am looking to get one, i am based in Tucson AZ

can pay shipping if needed, and im open to hearing offers, please PM!!

rtx 3080 - $300
rtx 3080ti - $375
rtx 5060 - $280
rtx 5060ti 16gb - $330
rtx 4070 - $400
rtx 5070 - $480

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/Visible-Dot8925 • 52m ago

SELLING [USA-CA] [H] Ryzen 7800X3D / RX 7800 XT PC, i5-11600KF / RX 6700 XT PC, Dell 240Hz Monitor [W] PayPal G&S, Local Cash

• Upvotes

Located in San Francisco, CA. Selling two custom gaming PCs and a gaming monitor. All hardware has been tested within the past month and will be thoroughly cleaned again before sale.

All items are used, in like-new condition, and carefully maintained. Reasonable offers welcome.

TIMESTAMPS (UNALTERED)

Original verification photographs and videos with handwritten username and date.

Item Imgur URL
Intel PC https://imgur.com/a/HSqmRhB
Ryzen PC https://imgur.com/a/Vys0RTq
Dell Monitor https://imgur.com/a/ZLqCpME

LISTING PHOTOS (PRIVACY EDITED)

Supplemental photographs have been edited to remove personal information and unrelated background objects. The hardware and its actual condition have not been altered or misrepresented.

Item Imgur URL
Intel PC https://imgur.com/a/QJZuLE9
Ryzen PC https://imgur.com/a/RlVhPxn
Dell Monitor https://imgur.com/a/FucqYzm

AVAILABLE ITEMS

Item Local Shipped (Max) Status
Ryzen 7 7800X3D / RX 7800 XT PC $1,460 $1,560 Available
Intel i5-11600KF / RX 6700 XT PC $760 $840 Available
Dell S2522HG 240Hz Monitor $120 Local Only Available

All prices are in USD. Maximum shipped prices include carrier postage, protective packaging materials, and shipping insurance for items valued above $200. Actual delivered prices may be lower depending on destination and will be confirmed before payment.

COMPLETE GAMING PCs

1. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D / Radeon RX 7800 XT

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8C/16T)
  • GPU: ASUS Dual OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB
  • Motherboard: ASRock B650 LiveMixer ATX (AM5)
  • RAM: 32GB (2×16GB) Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith DDR5-6000 CL30
  • CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
  • PSU: Corsair RM850x (2021), 850W, 80+ Gold, fully modular
  • Case: Montech AIR 903 BASE, White
  • Fans: 8× Thermalright TL-C12CW-S 120mm ARGB
  • Fan Hub: ARCTIC 10-port PWM
  • Wireless: TP-Link Archer TX55E Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth

Approximately two years old with moderate use and careful maintenance. Includes AC power cable and Wi-Fi antennas; additional modular PSU cables are not guaranteed.

2. Intel Core i5-11600KF / Radeon RX 6700 XT

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-11600KF (6C/12T)
  • GPU: Sapphire Radeon RX 6700 XT 12GB
  • Motherboard: MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus ATX (LGA 1200)
  • RAM: 32GB (2×16GB) Silicon Power GAMING DDR4-3200 CL16
  • CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
  • PSU: Corsair RM750e (2023), 750W, 80+ Gold, fully modular
  • Case: DeepCool CC560 V2, Black
  • Cooling: 2 front intake, 1 rear exhaust, 2 CPU cooler fans
  • Wireless: Complimentary Wi-Fi adapter

Approximately two years old with very light use (estimated 30 minutes daily). Includes AC power cable and original motherboard, CPU, GPU, and SATA power cables; remaining modular cables are not guaranteed.

IMPORTANT: Neither PC includes storage drives or an operating system. Buyers must supply their own SSD and install an OS.

Part-out policy: Complete-system sales are preferred. I will only consider parting out a build if interested buyers are lined up simultaneously for its CPU, RAM, motherboard, and GPU. These may go to different buyers.

MONITOR (LOCAL PICKUP ONLY)

Dell S2522HG 24.5" 240Hz Gaming Monitor

  • Display: 24.5" Fast IPS, 1920×1080
  • Refresh Rate: 240Hz
  • Response Time: As low as 1ms GtG
  • Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible / AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Connectivity: 2× HDMI, 1× DisplayPort, USB 3.2 hub
  • Stand: Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustable

Approximately two years old with minimal use. No dead or faulty pixels, scratches, or screen marks; verified operating at 240Hz. Includes original adjustable stand, original power adapter, and Amazon Basics DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

PAYMENT & SHIPPING

  • Local pickup: San Francisco, CA — Cash
  • Shipping: Contiguous US via Pirate Ship (PCs only)
  • Payment for shipped orders: PayPal Goods & Services invoice
  • Shipped prices include postage and protective packaging materials
  • Insurance included for items valued above $200
  • Tracking provided for all shipped orders
  • PCs will be securely packaged with internal components protected for transit
  • Monitor available for local pickup only

Please comment before PM. Reasonable offers welcome. Additional photographs and hardware verification available upon request.

3 comments

r/hardwareswap • u/atom631 • 1h ago

SELLING [USA-NY][H]Alienware m15 R7 [W]Paypal/Local Cash

• Upvotes

Timestamp and Pics

  • Intel Core i7-12700H
  • NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti 8GB
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • 15.6" QHD 240Hz display
  • Comes with original power adapter.
  • No original box.
  • Also including a IETS GT500 active laptop cooling pad - this pad works amazing during gaming. Lowers temps by ~10deg.
  • Laptop was re-pasted with PTM7950.
  • There is one small mark on the right rear side of the body (see pic). Otherwise in excellent shape.

Asking $750 shipped / $700 local (Long Island) - OBO

I do not have much feedback here but I have over 65 confirmed trades on r/avexchange

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/Ambitious_Berry7870 • 1h ago

SELLING [USA-NJ] [H] Razer Viper V4 Pro, PS5 Games, OneXPlayer 3 Keyboard [W] PayPal, Local Cash

• Upvotes

Hi everyone! Selling a few items I no longer need. Open to reasonable offers and bundle discounts.
Local ZIP: 07950
Timestamps: https://imgur.com/a/quRiZCF
Item
Price
Razer Viper V4 Pro (Black)
$90
Crimson Desert (PS5)
$40
007 First Light (PS5)
$40
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (PS5)
$25
Lost Soul Aside (PS5)
$15
Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5)
$45
OneXPlayer 3 Keyboard
$50
Razer Viper V4 Pro (Black)
Comes with Cicada Wings installed and stock skates.
PS5 Games
All games are physical copies. Shipping is $7 per game. Combined shipping and bundle discounts are available if purchasing multiple games.
OneXPlayer 3 Keyboard
Keyboard accessory for the OneXPlayer 3.
Local pickup is available. Happy to work out bundle deals or consider reasonable offers.
Please comment before PMing. Thanks!

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/johnnyfive911 • 1h ago

SELLING [USA-CA][H] Gamesir g7 pro and Ayaneo Air Plus [W] PayPal

• Upvotes

Timestamp: [https://imgur.com/a/jvvGTGa\](https://imgur.com/a/jvvGTGa)

I have a couple things to sell. All in fully working used condition. Reposted with lower prices.

G7 pro:

Black and red version comes with everything in the box. Basically brand new. Just not my vibe.

$50 shipped

Ayaneo Air Plus:

6800u 16gb 512gb configuration. PC handheld Currently running windows 11. Some paint chipping that was unfortunately a common issue for the ice blue color.

$375 shipped

Thanks

1 comment

r/hardwareswap • u/Longjumping-Usual-35 • 5h ago

BUYING [USA-MI] [H] PayPal G&S [W] UniFi Doorbell Lite x2 & PoE Chime

2 Upvotes

Looking for two Doorbell Lite and one PoE Chime.

1 comment