PC hardware deals have become less optional for builders and upgraders as prices for memory, storage, graphics cards, laptops and desktops have climbed since 2024, according to Tom's Hardware. The site attributes much of the pressure to the AI boom, which has tightened the market for parts that ordinary PC buyers still need.
Tom's Hardware says the better buys are not hiding in one magic storefront. They are scattered across combo discounts, in-store offers, refurbished stock and price-tracking tools. That is annoying, but also practical: a discounted part is only useful if the math survives comparison with its recent street price.
Where can I find PC hardware deals now?
Newegg's combo deals are one of the main places Tom's Hardware points buyers toward, especially bundles that include RAM. The site says some Newegg RAM bundles can put the effective memory price well below the standalone cost, though it also warns that not every bundle is a bargain. Newegg also groups SSDs, monitors, GPUs and other components in changing combinations.
Amazon and B&H Photo also offer combo deals in some cases, according to Tom's Hardware, but less often than Newegg. The catch is the usual one: bundles need arithmetic, not vibes. A bad motherboard attached to a discounted memory kit is still a bad way to spend money.
Microcenter is another option for buyers who live near one of its 30 U.S. stores. Tom's Hardware says the retailer often uses in-store-only pricing, which can keep automated resellers from instantly taking stock. It also runs CPU, motherboard and RAM bundles, plus open-box, clearance and in-store-exclusive offers.
Refurbs and used parts can cut the bill, with caveats
Tom's Hardware says second-hand PC gear can make sense when buyers stick to parts that carry less risk, such as cases, fans, coolers and peripherals. Private sales still require caution because scams exist, but used does not automatically mean unusable.
Certified refurbished hardware is the less chaotic version of that approach. Woot, Amazon's discount marketplace, regularly lists refurbished PCs, laptops, peripherals and components from brands including MSI and Dell, according to Tom's Hardware. Apple also sells refurbished products with discounts of up to 15% and includes an additional warranty, the site says.
Storage is one of the categories where buyers should know what they are trading off before chasing a discount. For a plain-English refresher, Kernel has an explainer on SSD versus HDD choices and where each type fits.
Price history beats fake urgency
Tom's Hardware recommends checking historical pricing before accepting a sale tag at face value. Retailers often do not make that easy, so the site points to Camelcamelcamel for Amazon price histories.
One example cited by Tom's Hardware is an LG monitor listed at $399 on Amazon. Camelcamelcamel showed the same monitor had once been as high as $850, had recently appeared at $484.99, and was at a new low at $399. That is the kind of context a percentage-off badge does not provide.
Newegg's PC Builder tool can also help buyers assemble a parts list and see the running price, according to Tom's Hardware. The tool can apply some combo discounts and coupons, and it offers ranked builds for buyers who do not want to pick every component from scratch.
The uncomfortable part is timing. Tom's Hardware says 2024 and 2025 pricing is gone for now, and waiting can either reveal a better deal or leave buyers paying more. The practical approach is less glamorous: compare current prices, check the history, consider bundles and refurbs, and do not let a countdown timer make the decision.
This story draws on original reporting from Tom's Hardware.
