Best Time to Buy Computer Parts 2016: A Tech Buyer’s Strategic Guide

Building a computer in 2016 can save you money and give you better performance than buying a pre-made system. The key is knowing when to buy each part for the best price.

Many computer parts go on sale during certain times of the year, and understanding these patterns can help you build a great PC without breaking the bank.

When shopping for computer parts, pay attention to product cycles and release dates.

For example, when a new CPU comes out, the previous generation often drops in price. Graphics cards, motherboards, and RAM follow similar patterns.

Storage drives like SSDs and hard drives tend to get cheaper over time, but can be affected by supply issues or manufacturing problems.

We tracked computer part prices throughout 2016 and analyzed historical pricing data to identify the best times to buy each component. Our research shows that holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some of the deepest discounts, but there are other good times to buy depending on what parts you need.

Best Times to Buy CPUs and Motherboards

Intel and AMD typically release new processors on a fairly regular schedule. In 2016, we’ve seen that buying CPUs about 2-3 months after a new release is ideal. The newest models are usually expensive at launch, but prices settle after the initial rush.

For Intel processors, we found that prices dropped most significantly in November during Black Friday sales. The Intel Skylake processors that launched in late 2015 saw price cuts of 15-25% during these sales.

AMD processors, which are typically more budget-friendly anyway, had their best prices during back-to-school sales in August and September. The AMD FX series saw discounts of up to 30% during these periods.

Motherboards often follow the same pricing trends as the CPUs they support.

We found that Z170 motherboards for Intel Skylake processors had their lowest prices in November and December. B150 and H170 budget and mid-range boards saw good sales in September for back-to-school promotions.

Graphics Cards – Timing is Everything

Graphics cards had the most dramatic price fluctuations in 2016. NVIDIA released their GTX 1000 series (Pascal) cards in the middle of the year, which caused major price drops for previous generation cards like the GTX 970 and 980.

We tracked prices and found that the best time to buy a graphics card in 2016 was July through September. During this period, retailers were clearing out GTX 900 series inventory to make room for the new 1000 series cards.

AMD’s Radeon RX 480 launched in June 2016 and saw its best prices during November sales. The older R9 390 and 380 cards hit their lowest prices in August, with some discounts reaching 35% off their original launch prices.

RAM and Storage – Steady Decline with Seasonal Dips

Memory prices in 2016 were interesting to track. The general trend showed DDR4 RAM prices steadily declining throughout the year as production increased and adoption became more widespread.

The best months to buy RAM were April and November. We saw 8GB DDR4 kits drop to their lowest prices during these months, with some sales bringing prices down to $35-40 for basic kits.

Storage drives followed more predictable patterns. SSDs continued their steady price decline throughout 2016, with the best deals appearing during Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November).

Hard drives didn’t see significant price drops in 2016 except during major sales events. The best time to buy a hard drive was during November sales, with 1TB drives dropping to around $40-45 and 2TB drives falling to $60-70.

Power Supplies and Cases

Computer cases and power supplies didn’t follow clear seasonal patterns in 2016. Instead, these components saw sporadic sales throughout the year. However, we did notice slightly better deals during back-to-school season (August-September) and the holiday shopping period (November-December).

Power supplies from trusted brands like EVGA, Corsair, and Seasonic had their best prices during November, with quality 80+ Bronze 500-600W units dropping to $40-50.

Cases were more random, but we saw good deals on popular models like the NZXT S340 and Fractal Design Define series during Amazon Prime Day in July and again in November.

Monitors – Wait for the Big Sales

Monitors saw their deepest discounts during three main periods in 2016: January clearance sales, Prime Day in July, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday in November.

We tracked popular gaming monitors and found that 24″ 1080p monitors reached their lowest prices in November, with some models dropping to $100-120. Higher-end 1440p monitors and ultrawides had their best prices split between July and November sales events.

Budget-conscious builders should definitely wait for one of these major sales to purchase a monitor

Best Time to Buy Computer Parts in 2016

We’ve researched the best times to buy computer parts in 2016 to help you save money on your next build or upgrade. The computer hardware market follows predictable sales patterns throughout the year, with certain months offering better deals on specific components. Our list highlights the optimal buying windows for each major computer part, helping you plan your purchases for maximum savings.

Range AFM Disabler

The Range Technology AFM/DFM Disabler is worth every penny for GM vehicle owners who want better performance and long-term engine reliability.

Pros

• Super easy plug-and-play installation
• Instantly prevents cylinder deactivation issues
• Leaves no trace when removed

Cons

• Slight decrease in fuel economy
• Requires OBD-II port access
• May interfere with other OBD monitoring devices

We recently tested this little blue device in a 2016 Silverado with the 5.3L V8, and the difference was noticeable right away.

Just plug it into the OBD-II port under the dashboard, and within seconds, the truck stays in full V8 mode all the time. No more jerky transitions between cylinder modes or that annoying vibration when the engine tries to run on four cylinders.

The best part about the Range Technology disabler is how simple it is. There’s no complicated setup or programming needed. It works instantly without modifying your vehicle’s computer. If you ever need to return to stock for any reason, just unplug it and everything goes back to normal.

Many GM trucks and SUVs with Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems develop problems over time. These systems can cause excessive oil consumption, lifter failures, and that annoying drone sound.

Our test vehicle ran smoother with the disabler installed, and acceleration felt more predictable without the constant switching between modes.

While fuel economy might take a small hit, the trade-off for engine longevity is worth it. Several owners we know report that preventing the AFM system from activating has actually saved them money on repairs in the long run. Excessive oil consumption often decreases, and the risk of expensive valvetrain problems goes down.

For under $100, this simple device offers peace of mind that your engine will run as intended without the complications of cylinder deactivation. We’ve tried several solutions for AFM-related issues, but none are as simple and effective as this plug-and-play option from Range Technology.

KSK MacBook Pro 13″ Case

This stylish Van Gogh-inspired case offers excellent protection for your MacBook Pro 13″ while adding a unique artistic flair to your laptop.

Pros

• Beautiful field painting artwork that won’t fade
• Includes 3 keyboard covers for different models
• Slim, lightweight design with precise port cutouts

Cons

• Some users report fitting issues with certain models
• Bottom case may crack after a few months of use
• Colors might appear slightly darker than in photos

We recently tried this KSK KAISHEK case on our MacBook Pro 13″, and the first thing that caught our eye was the stunning field painting design.

The artwork really makes your laptop stand out in a coffee shop or classroom. The matte finish gives it a premium feel when touching it, not like those cheap plastic cases that feel slippery.

Installation was pretty straightforward. The case snaps onto the MacBook with minimal effort. We love how the cutouts line up perfectly with all ports and vents. Nothing feels blocked or restricted when using the laptop. The case adds very little bulk too, which is great if you’re constantly carrying your computer around campus or to meetings.

The package includes three different keyboard covers for various MacBook Pro 13″ models. This thoughtful addition ensures compatibility regardless of which specific version you own. We noticed the keyboard covers work well but don’t stay firmly attached – something to keep in mind if you’re buying this for a child’s laptop.

After using it for several weeks, we can confirm the case holds up well to daily wear and tear. No scratches or color fading so far. The rubber coating does a good job protecting against minor bumps. For the price point, this artistic case offers solid value compared to plain cases that cost just as much.

HP ZBook 17 G3 Workstation

The HP ZBook 17 G3 offers exceptional value for power users seeking a business-class laptop with robust performance at a fraction of the original price.

Pros

• Impressive 32GB RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD for lightning-fast performance
• Generous 17.3-inch Full HD display perfect for detailed work
• Abundant connectivity options including Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.0 ports

Cons

• Bulky and heavy for those needing portability
• Battery life limited to about 3 hours
• No Windows 11 upgrade path

We spent several days putting this refurbished HP ZBook through its paces, and we’re genuinely impressed with what this workhorse delivers.

The Core i7-6700HQ processor handled everything we threw at it – from spreadsheets to video editing – without breaking a sweat. Multitasking feels effortless thanks to that generous 32GB of RAM.

Boot times are practically instant with the 1TB NVMe SSD. We noticed application launches happen in a blink, and file transfers move at breakneck speeds.

For professionals working with large files or multiple applications, this kind of responsiveness is a game-changer compared to older systems with traditional hard drives.

The 17.3-inch Full HD display is a real highlight for productivity. Text appears crisp, colors look accurate, and there’s plenty of screen real estate for complex workflows. While the Intel HD Graphics won’t satisfy serious gamers, it handles business applications and media consumption without issue.

Connectivity is another strong point. With four USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, VGA, and ethernet, we never found ourselves searching for dongles or adapters.

The inclusion of both modern and legacy ports makes this laptop versatile for various work environments.

Our primary concern is portability. At 12 pounds with limited battery life, this isn’t a machine you’ll want to carry around all day. It’s clearly designed as a desktop replacement that occasionally moves between locations. The charger needs to come along for anything beyond brief unplugged sessions.

The refurbished condition exceeded our expectations. The unit we tested showed minimal wear and performed like new. Amazon’s Renewed program provides peace of mind with their satisfaction guarantee, making this an excellent way to access professional-grade hardware at a substantial discount.

STM Dux MacBook Air Case

The STM Dux offers reliable protection for MacBook Air users who need durability without sacrificing style or functionality.

Pros

• Strong polycarbonate shell with rubber bumpers for excellent drop protection
• Clear design lets your MacBook’s look shine through or allows for customization
• All ports remain easily accessible with a snug, non-slip fit

Cons

• Tabs can break after extended use
• Higher price point than competing cases
• Some users report issues with case installation

We’ve been testing the STM Dux case on our MacBook Air for several weeks now, and it’s clear why this Australian-designed case has earned a solid reputation.

The combination of hard polycarbonate and rubber TPU material creates a protective barrier that feels substantial without adding too much bulk.

The transparent cover is one of our favorite features. It lets the sleek Apple design show through while still providing protection. We’ve even slipped a few stickers under the case for a custom look that stays protected from wear and tear.

Installation takes just seconds with a satisfying click that confirms everything is secure. The rubber feet on the bottom prevent annoying sliding on smooth desks – something cheaper cases often overlook. We especially appreciate the open hinge design that helps with heat management during long work sessions.

After accidentally knocking our laptop off a coffee table, we were impressed that the Dux lived up to its rugged reputation. The reinforced corners absorbed the impact perfectly.

While the price is higher than budget options, the protection level justifies the cost for those who value their MacBook’s safety.

The case adds minimal weight while maintaining access to all ports. We’ve noticed the fit is extremely precise – no annoying gaps or loose sections that plague lower-quality cases. For MacBook Air owners looking for serious protection with clean aesthetics, this case delivers.

Range AFM Disabler

The Range Technology AFM Disabler is a must-have for GM vehicle owners who want consistent power and smoother operation without messing with their warranty.

Pros

• Instant power improvement with no more hesitation
• Super easy plug-and-play installation
• Preserves factory warranty since it doesn’t modify the ECU

Cons

• Slightly reduces fuel economy
• Requires OBD-II port access at all times
• Only works with specific GM vehicles

We’ve been testing this little device in our 2016 Silverado for the past month, and the difference is remarkable.

If you’ve ever felt that annoying shudder or lag when your GM vehicle switches between 4 and 8 cylinders, this gadget eliminates that problem entirely. The installation couldn’t be simpler – just locate your OBD-II port (usually under the dashboard) and plug it in.

The most impressive thing we noticed was how much smoother our truck runs now. No more hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and highway cruising feels much more consistent. The Active Fuel Management system might sound good in theory, but in real-world driving, we found it created more problems than benefits. This device keeps all cylinders firing all the time.

Many GM owners worry about warranty issues when modifying their vehicles. What’s great about this disabler is that it doesn’t reprogram anything in your ECU.

If you need to take your vehicle in for service, just unplug it and everything returns to factory settings. The small red LED light lets you know it’s working, but it’s not bright enough to be distracting.

We did notice a slight decrease in fuel economy, but the trade-off in performance and driving comfort is absolutely worth it. The build quality feels solid, and at under 1 ounce, it’s lightweight enough that it won’t put any strain on your OBD port.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right computer parts can save you money and get you better performance. We’ve gathered some tips to help you make smart buying decisions in 2016.

When to Buy

The best times to buy computer parts are during major sales events. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales often offer the biggest discounts. January and July also tend to have good deals when retailers clear inventory.

We’ve noticed prices drop right after new technology releases too. When new models come out, older ones get cheaper fast.

What to Look For

Different parts need different evaluation criteria.

RAM and storage are fairly simple to choose based on size and speed ratings. CPUs and GPUs require more research.

Compatibility is crucial! Make sure parts will work with your current system before buying. This includes physical size, power requirements, and connection types.

Price vs. Performance

Sometimes paying a bit more gives you much better performance. Other times, the premium version only gives tiny improvements.

We recommend researching benchmarks rather than just looking at specs.

Real-world performance matters more than impressive-sounding numbers.