Building a PC can be an expensive hobby. Between graphics cards, processors, motherboards, and all the other components you need, costs add up quickly. That’s where r/buildapcsales comes in—a thriving Reddit community dedicated to helping PC builders and tech enthusiasts find the best deals on computer hardware.
Whether you’re planning your first build or upgrading an existing rig, r/buildapcsales has become an essential resource for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality. With over 2 million members constantly sharing deals, price drops, and limited-time offers, this subreddit can help you stretch your budget further than you thought possible.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about r/buildapcsales, from how to navigate the community to tips for scoring the best deals on the components you need.
What is r/buildapcsales?
r/buildapcsales is a Reddit community where users share deals, discounts, and price drops on PC components and peripherals. Founded in 2011, the subreddit has grown into one of the most active deal-hunting communities on Reddit, with members posting hundreds of deals daily.
The community covers everything you might need for a PC build: CPUs, GPUs, RAM, storage drives, power supplies, cases, monitors, keyboards, mice, and more. Members share links to retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Micro Center, along with coupon codes and rebate information.
What makes r/buildapcsales special is its active community. Members don’t just post deals—they discuss whether prices are truly good, share their experiences with products, and help each other make informed purchasing decisions.
How to Use r/buildapcsales Effectively
Understanding Post Titles
Posts on r/buildapcsales follow a specific format that makes scanning for deals easier. A typical post title looks like this:
[Component Type] Product Name – $Price ($Original Price – Discount)
For example: [GPU] NVIDIA RTX 4070 – $549 ($599 – $50)
This format lets you quickly identify what’s on sale, the current price, and how much you’re saving. Posts may also include additional tags like [PREBUILT] for complete systems or [META] for community discussions.
Sorting and Filtering Deals
The subreddit offers several ways to find deals relevant to your needs:
By Component Type: Use the sidebar filters to view only specific categories like CPUs, GPUs, or monitors.
By Popularity: Sort by “Hot” to see currently trending deals, or “Top” to view the best deals from the past day, week, or month.
By New: Check “New” posts frequently to catch deals before they sell out. Popular items often go out of stock within hours or even minutes.
By Flair: Each post is tagged with colored flair indicating the component type, making visual scanning easier.
Reading the Comments
The real value of r/buildapcsales often lies in the comments section. Before clicking through to buy anything, read what community members are saying. You’ll find:
- Price history and whether the current deal is actually good
- Alternative products that might offer better value
- User experiences and reviews
- Warnings about potential issues or compatibility concerns
- Additional coupon codes or stacking opportunities
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
Set Up Notifications
Missing out on a great deal because you weren’t online? Set up notifications to stay informed:
Reddit Notifications: Enable push notifications for the subreddit in your Reddit mobile app settings.
Browser Extensions: Tools like Distill or Visualping can monitor the subreddit and alert you when specific keywords appear.
Discord: Join the r/buildapcsales Discord server for real-time deal notifications and community chat.
Know When to Buy
PC component prices fluctuate throughout the year. The best times to find deals typically include:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The biggest sale events of the year
- Prime Day: Amazon’s summer sales event often features tech deals
- Back to School: Late summer sales targeting students
- End of Quarter: Retailers clearing inventory before new products launch
However, waiting for the “perfect” sale can backfire. If you see a solid deal on a component you need, and the price aligns with your budget, it’s often worth purchasing rather than risking availability.
Use Price Tracking Tools
Don’t rely solely on the posted discount. Verify actual price history using:
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon price history
- PCPartPicker: Shows current and historical prices across multiple retailers
- Keepa: Browser extension showing price charts directly on Amazon
These tools help you determine if a “sale” is genuinely good or just the regular price with inflated original pricing.
Act Fast but Smart
Popular deals sell out quickly on r/buildapcsales. When you spot something you want:
- Read the comments first for any red flags
- Verify the seller is reputable
- Check the return policy
- Compare with other current deals
- Make your decision quickly
Having your payment information saved with major retailers can shave precious seconds off checkout time when every moment counts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Without Research
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s right for your build. A deeply discounted component might be:
- An older generation with better alternatives available
- Incompatible with your other parts
- Overkill or underpowered for your needs
Always research whether a component fits your specific requirements before purchasing.
Ignoring Total Cost
Factor in all costs when evaluating deals:
- Shipping fees
- Sales tax
- Mail-in rebates (which require effort to claim)
- Return shipping if something goes wrong
A slightly more expensive option with free shipping and easy returns might actually be the better deal.
Impulse Buying
The excitement of finding a great deal can lead to purchases you don’t actually need. Before buying, ask yourself:
- Do I need this component now?
- Does this fit my build plan and budget?
- Am I buying this just because it’s on sale?
Create a wishlist of components you actually need and stick to it. This prevents your “budget” build from turning into an expensive project.
Building Your PC Deals Strategy
Create a Target Price List
Before you start hunting for deals, research typical prices for the components you need. Create a spreadsheet with:
- Component type and specific models you’re considering
- Current market price
- Your target price (typically 15-25% below market)
- Must-have features and deal-breakers
This gives you a clear framework for evaluating whether a deal is worth jumping on.
Be Flexible
Having backup options increases your chances of finding good deals. Instead of waiting for one specific GPU model, identify 3-4 acceptable alternatives. This flexibility means you can act when any of them go on sale.
Consider Used and Refurbished
While r/buildapcsales primarily focuses on new components, refurbished items from reputable sellers can offer excellent value. Just ensure:
- The seller has a solid return policy
- The warranty is adequate
- Reviews are positive
Certain components like cases and power supplies are particularly safe to buy refurbished.
Beyond Just Deals
r/buildapcsales is more than a deal aggregator—it’s a community of knowledgeable enthusiasts willing to help. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in comments or create posts asking for advice. The community typically responds helpfully to genuine questions about whether deals are worth it or which option to choose.
The subreddit also hosts regular discussion threads where you can ask general PC building questions, share your completed builds, or get opinions on planned purchases.
Start Saving on Your Next Build
Building a PC doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By actively following r/buildapcsales, you can score significant discounts on quality components and stretch your budget further than you thought possible.
Start by joining the subreddit and familiarizing yourself with the posting format and community guidelines. Create your target price list, set up notifications for the components you need most, and engage with the community. With patience and the right strategy, you’ll be well-equipped to find excellent deals and build the PC you want at a price you can afford.
Ready to start saving? Head over to r/buildapcsales and begin your deal-hunting journey today.
