What are the key benefits and lessons learned from building gaming computers on a strict $300 budget using used hardware?

The Scrapyard Wars competition demonstrated that used hardware offers exceptional value for budget PC builders. Despite working with only 7-8 hours and a $300 constraint, the participants successfully built gaming computers that could be resold for more than their initial investment, proving the viability of the used hardware market. The experience revealed that matching the performance of their budget builds would cost at least 50% more when buying new components from retail stores. This significant cost difference highlights how strategic sourcing of used parts can deliver high-performance results while maximizing budget efficiency. The competition ultimately showcased that with proper knowledge and time management, budget PC building using used hardware not only provides excellent gaming performance but also represents smart financial decision-making for cost-conscious builders.