Pre-meet proof

Evidence to request before you spend time travelling.

01Request labels and a live hardware-info captureAsk for clear photos of the card labels and a current reputable hardware-info screen showing GPU, VRAM, bus width and firmware—not only the box.
02Ask about workload and modificationsClarify mining, rendering, overclocking, power-limit changes, water blocks, repasting, fan replacement and firmware flashing.
03Arrange a known-good test systemThe system should have an adequate power supply, clean driver support and a monitor/cable for each output type you need.

Physical inspection

What to inspect under bright light before powering on.

01Inspect PCB edge, bracket and connectorLook for a bowed board, cracked corner, scorched power socket, damaged PCIe fingers, missing components and corrosion. Do not open the power supply.
02Check fans, heatsink and tamper evidenceSpin fans gently only when unpowered, inspect for blade wobble, packed residue, stripped screws and thermal pads visibly out of place.
03Inspect every display outputConnector shells should be straight and clean, with no port pushed behind the bracket or filled with debris.

Function test

A short, repeatable test of the device's expensive functions.

01Verify hardware and firmware identityUse a reputable local utility to compare device ID, VRAM type and capacity, bus link and firmware with the expected board specification.
02Run a sustained graphics and memory loadUse a known benchmark or game for long enough to reach stable temperature. Watch for artifacts, driver resets, black screens, throttling and memory errors.
03Test each output and fan behaviourConnect every required HDMI or DisplayPort output individually, then listen through fan-speed changes for bearing grind or repeated stopping.

Account & lock check

Confirm the next owner can activate and use the device normally.

01Check for altered or mismatched firmwareCompare the reported firmware and power limits with a trusted board database or manufacturer support. Avoid an unexplained mining or cross-flashed BIOS.
02Clean-install the official driverA normal official driver should recognise the card without patched identifiers. Do not accept a seller-only driver package or disabled security settings.
03Match serial to receipt and warranty rulesCompare the physical serial with any receipt or service record and verify whether coverage transfers in your region.

Price proof

Comparable facts to record before negotiating or paying.

01Compare exact cooler and VRAM versionUse completed sales for the same GPU, VRAM capacity, board partner, cooler and condition. Similar names can hide materially different cards.
02Price cooling and power-supply implicationsInclude replacement fans, pads or paste only if you can do the work safely, and confirm your existing power supply and case do not require upgrades.
03Compare tested performance, not seller screenshotsRecord your own benchmark result, clocks and stable temperature, then compare with reputable ranges for the same model and system class.

STOP

Walk-away signals

Pause the transaction when one of these cannot be resolved with direct evidence.

Official drivers do not identify the card without a seller-supplied patch.
Artifacts, black screens or driver resets appear under repeatable load.
The power connector is browned, melted or mechanically loose.
Reported VRAM or device identity differs from the physical model labels.

Safe-use boundary

Evidence helps. It does not certify the device.

DeviceProof is a general private-sale inspection aid, not an appraisal, authenticity certificate, electrical-repair guide or guarantee. Meet in a public place, keep personal passwords private, use only known-safe cables and accessories, and never bypass an owner, activation or organisation lock. Do not open mains-powered equipment or damaged batteries. Stop immediately for swelling, smoke, burning smell, exposed conductors, abnormal heat or threatening behaviour.