FAQs & Support

Find answers to common questions about IT hardware sourcing from China. Click a category below to jump directly to that section.

General Procurement FAQ

What is your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?+
We have no strict MOQ. Single-unit orders are welcome. Volume discounts apply at higher quantities. We serve both small businesses and large enterprises.
What payment methods do you accept?+
T/T (Bank Transfer), PayPal, Wise, Western Union, and Letter of Credit (L/C) for large orders. New customers: 100% advance. Established customers: negotiable terms (e.g., 30% deposit + 70% before shipment).
What are your shipping options?+
DHL/FedEx/UPS (express, 3-7 days), Air freight (5-10 days), Sea freight (20-35 days). Shipping cost depends on weight, dimensions, destination, and urgency. We provide shipping quotes together with product pricing. Free shipping may apply for large orders.
Do you provide export documentation?+
Yes. We provide all necessary export documentation: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and any required certificates (CE, FCC, RoHS compliance letters). We handle customs declaration on the China export side.
How do you handle customs and import duties?+
We ship under DAP (Delivered at Place) or FOB (Free on Board) terms by default. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility. We can also arrange DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping for an additional fee.
What is your quality assurance process?+
Every product undergoes: incoming inspection, functional testing, compatibility verification (where applicable), and final QC check before packing. We provide test reports and photos upon request. Our processes follow ISO 9001 quality management principles.
Can I visit your office or warehouse in Shenzhen?+
Yes. We welcome customers to visit our Shenzhen office and warehouse for product inspection, relationship building, or to discuss large orders in person. Please schedule your visit in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Do you offer after-sales support?+
Yes. After-sales support includes: technical assistance via email/chat, warranty claim processing, replacement/repair coordination, and ongoing communication for repeat orders. Our team responds to inquiries within 24 hours on business days.
How do I request a quote?+
Simply fill out the RFQ form with your requirements (product category, brand preference, model/specifications, quantity, and any special requirements). Our team will respond with a detailed quotation within 24 hours. You can also email us directly.
Why should I source IT hardware from China through AT Buying?+
Three key advantages: (1) Price – Direct access to Chinese manufacturing and distribution channels means 20-50% savings compared to local markets in many cases. (2) Selection – Access to both international brands (Samsung, Intel, NVIDIA) and cost-effective Chinese brands (Lexar, Biwin, Galax). (3) Service – Our 15+ years of experience, 14-person team, and presence in Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei electronics hub ensures reliable sourcing, quality control, and timely delivery to 60+ countries.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

What SSD form factors do you supply?+
We supply all mainstream form factors including 2.5″ SATA, M.2 2280 (SATA & NVMe), M.2 2242, U.2, and E1.S/E1.L for enterprise applications. Custom form factors can be sourced upon request.
What interface types are available – SATA or NVMe?+
Both. SATA III (6 Gb/s) SSDs for cost-effective storage upgrades, and NVMe PCIe Gen3/Gen4/Gen5 SSDs for high-performance workloads. We can advise on the best interface for your use case.
What capacity ranges do you offer?+
Consumer-grade: 120GB to 4TB. Enterprise-grade: 480GB to 30.72TB. We source from Samsung, WD, Seagate, Intel, Lexar, Biwin, Netac, and other brands. Specific capacities depend on brand and model availability.
Are your SSDs brand new or refurbished?+
We supply both. All products are clearly labeled as “Brand New” or “Refurbished/Used.” New units come with full manufacturer warranty. Refurbished units are tested and graded (Grade A/B/C) with our own warranty.
What is the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for your SSDs?+
TBW varies by model and capacity. Consumer NVMe SSDs typically range from 150 TBW (500GB) to 2,400 TBW (4TB). Enterprise SSDs offer significantly higher endurance with DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) ratings of 1-3 DWPD for read-intensive and 3-10 DWPD for mixed-use workloads. We provide full spec sheets upon request.
Do you offer OEM/ODM SSD solutions with custom branding?+
Yes. Through our partnerships with Chinese manufacturers (Biwin, Netac, Galax, etc.), we can arrange OEM/ODM production with your brand label, custom packaging, and firmware configuration. MOQ typically starts at 500 units.
What is the warranty period for SSDs?+
Brand new SSDs carry the manufacturer’s standard warranty (typically 3-5 years). Refurbished units come with our 90-day to 1-year warranty depending on grade. Extended warranty options are available.
Can you provide SSD samples for testing before bulk orders?+
Yes. We offer sample units for evaluation. Sample cost is typically the unit price plus shipping. Sample fees can be credited toward your first bulk order. Lead time for samples is 3-7 days.
How do you ensure SSD quality and authenticity?+
All SSDs undergo incoming inspection including: firmware verification, SMART data check, capacity validation, sequential & random read/write benchmarking, and physical inspection for tampering. We provide test reports with each shipment.
What is the typical lead time for SSD orders?+
In-stock items: 3-5 business days for processing + shipping time. Out-of-stock or OEM orders: 2-4 weeks depending on quantity and customization. We maintain safety stock for popular models.
Do your SSDs support encryption (SED/TCG)?+
Enterprise SSDs from Samsung, Intel, and WD support TCG Opal 2.0 and IEEE 1667 self-encrypting drive (SED) standards. Consumer models vary by brand. We can confirm encryption support for specific models upon request.
What is your pricing structure for bulk SSD orders?+
Pricing is tiered based on quantity, brand, and model. Typical volume discount brackets: 10-49 units (list price), 50-199 units (3-5% discount), 200-999 units (5-10% discount), 1000+ units (10-15%+ discount). We provide detailed quotations within 24 hours of receiving your requirements.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

What types of HDDs do you supply – desktop, enterprise, or NAS?+
We supply all categories: Desktop/Client HDDs (1TB-8TB), NAS HDDs (2TB-20TB, optimized for 24/7 multi-bay operation), Enterprise/Server HDDs (2TB-24TB, 7200 RPM, CMR), and Surveillance HDDs (optimized for continuous video recording). Brands include Seagate, WD, Toshiba, and more.
What is the difference between CMR and SMR drives?+
CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) drives offer consistent write performance and are preferred for RAID, NAS, and enterprise use. SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) drives are cheaper but have slower sustained write speeds. We primarily supply CMR drives for business customers and can source SMR for cost-sensitive archival applications.
Do you supply helium-filled enterprise HDDs?+
Yes. Helium-filled drives (typically 12TB and above) offer lower power consumption, reduced heat, and higher capacity in a standard 3.5″ form factor. We supply helium HDDs from Seagate Exos and WD Ultrastar series.
What RPM options are available?+
5400 RPM (energy-efficient, NAS/archive), 7200 RPM (standard performance, enterprise), and 10000/15000 RPM (high-performance SAS, limited availability as these are being phased out in favor of SSDs).
Are refurbished enterprise HDDs reliable for production use?+
Refurbished enterprise HDDs from reputable suppliers can be reliable for non-critical workloads, backups, and testing environments. We grade refurbished drives (Grade A: under 10,000 power-on hours, Grade B: 10,000-30,000 hours) and provide SMART health reports. For mission-critical production, we recommend new drives.
What is the MTBF rating for your enterprise HDDs?+
New enterprise HDDs typically have MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) ratings of 2.0-2.5 million hours. We provide full specification sheets including MTBF, URE (Unrecoverable Read Error) rates, and workload ratings for each model.
Can you supply HDDs with specific firmware versions?+
For new drives, firmware is the latest version from the manufacturer. For refurbished drives, we can often accommodate specific firmware requests for compatibility with existing arrays. Custom firmware flashing is available for large orders.
Do you offer data wiping services for refurbished HDDs?+
Yes. All refurbished drives undergo certified data erasure (NIST 800-88 compliant) before resale. We provide data destruction certificates upon request. Physical destruction services are also available.
What interfaces do you support – SATA, SAS, or both?+
Both SATA (6 Gb/s) and SAS (12 Gb/s). SATA drives are suitable for NAS, desktop, and entry-level server use. SAS drives are for enterprise servers and storage arrays requiring higher throughput and dual-port redundancy.
How do you handle shipping for fragile HDDs?+
All HDDs are packed in anti-static bags with shock-absorbing foam in reinforced cartons. For international shipments, we use double-wall cartons with corner protection. Pallet shipping is available for large orders. We insure all shipments.
What is the maximum capacity HDD you can source?+
Currently up to 24TB (Seagate Exos X24, WD Ultrastar DC HC580). Higher capacities (28TB+) are emerging and can be sourced as they become available from manufacturers.
Can you mix different HDD models in a single order?+
Yes. We support mixed orders with different capacities, brands, and types in a single shipment. This is common for customers building heterogeneous storage pools or replacing drives across multiple systems.

RAM (Memory)

What RAM types do you supply – DDR4, DDR5, or both?+
Both DDR4 and DDR5. DDR4 remains widely used in existing servers and desktops (up to 128GB per module). DDR5 is the current generation for new builds (up to 128GB per module, with 256GB modules emerging). We also supply DDR3 for legacy systems.
Do you supply ECC and non-ECC memory?+
Yes. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory for servers and workstations (RDIMM, LRDIMM, UDIMM ECC). Non-ECC unbuffered memory (UDIMM) for desktops and consumer systems. We can also source registered (RDIMM) and load-reduced (LRDIMM) for high-capacity server configurations.
What brands of RAM do you carry?+
International brands: Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron/Crucial. Chinese brands: Lexar, Biwin, Galax, Tigercat. We can also source Kingston, Corsair, and other brands. Brand availability depends on current market supply.
How do you verify RAM authenticity and avoid counterfeit modules?+
All memory modules undergo: SPD (Serial Presence Detect) data verification, physical inspection of IC chips and PCB, compatibility testing on reference platforms, and cross-referencing with manufacturer databases. We provide authenticity certificates for branded modules.
What is the maximum capacity per module you can supply?+
DDR4: up to 128GB (LRDIMM). DDR5: up to 128GB per UDIMM/RDIMM, with 256GB LRDIMM modules becoming available. Server configurations can support multi-TB total memory with appropriate motherboards.
Do you offer RAM compatibility testing for specific server models?+
Yes. We can test RAM modules against your specific server model (Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, Lenovo ThinkSystem, etc.) before shipment to ensure full compatibility. This service is complimentary for orders above a minimum value.
What speed/frequency options are available?+
DDR4: 2133, 2400, 2666, 2933, 3200 MHz. DDR5: 4800, 5200, 5600, 6000, 6400+ MHz. Actual supported speed depends on the CPU and motherboard. We match RAM speed to your system specifications.
Can you supply RAM in specific configurations (matched pairs/kits)?+
Yes. We can provide matched kits (2-pack, 4-pack, 8-pack) with modules from the same production batch for optimal compatibility and performance. This is especially important for multi-channel configurations.
What is the warranty for RAM modules?+
New branded modules: manufacturer’s lifetime or 3-5 year limited warranty. New Chinese-brand modules: typically 3-year warranty. Refurbished modules: 90-day to 1-year warranty depending on condition.
Do you supply SODIMM (laptop/small form factor) memory?+
Yes. We supply DDR4 and DDR5 SODIMM modules for laptops, mini PCs, and small form factor systems. Both ECC and non-ECC variants are available.
How does DDR5 pricing compare to DDR4 currently?+
As of 2026, DDR5 pricing has become increasingly competitive with DDR4. For new builds, DDR5 is often the better investment due to future-proofing. For expanding existing DDR4 systems, DDR4 remains cost-effective. We provide current pricing comparisons in our quotations.
Can you source specific part numbers or cross-reference equivalents?+
Yes. Provide us with the exact part number or your system’s current memory specs, and we’ll source exact matches or compatible equivalents. Our team maintains a cross-reference database for major brands.

CPU (Processor)

What CPU brands and families do you supply?+
Intel: Xeon (Scalable 1st-5th Gen), Core (i3/i5/i7/i9), Pentium, Celeron. AMD: EPYC (7002/7003/9004 series), Ryzen (5000/7000/9000 series), Threadripper. We focus on server/workstation processors for B2B customers.
Do you supply both new and used/refurbished CPUs?+
Yes. New CPUs come in tray (bulk) or boxed (retail) packaging with full manufacturer warranty. Used/refurbished CPUs are pulled from decommissioned servers, tested, and graded. Used server CPUs (especially Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC) offer excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
How do you test and grade used CPUs?+
Every used CPU undergoes: visual inspection (pin/socket condition), POST test on reference motherboard, stress testing (Prime95, AIDA64), thermal performance verification, and benchmark comparison against factory specifications. Grades: A (like-new, under 1 year usage), B (good, 1-3 years), C (functional, 3+ years).
What socket types do you support?+
Intel: LGA 1700, LGA 4189, LGA 4677, LGA 5777 (latest). AMD: AM4, AM5, SP3, SP5. We match CPUs to your existing motherboard socket or advise on upgrade paths.
Are tray CPUs covered by warranty?+
New tray CPUs typically carry a 1-year distributor warranty (vs. 3-year for boxed). Used CPUs carry our 90-day to 1-year warranty depending on grade. We clearly state warranty terms in every quotation.
Can you supply CPUs in bulk for data center deployments?+
Yes. We regularly fulfill bulk CPU orders for data center refreshes and expansions. Volume pricing is available for 10+ units. We can also arrange phased delivery to match your deployment schedule.
How do you handle CPU shipping to prevent pin damage?+
All CPUs are shipped in original anti-static trays or protective clamshell cases. For LGA sockets (Intel), the pins are on the motherboard so CPU shipping is straightforward. For PGA sockets (older AMD), we use reinforced pin-protective carriers. All shipments are insured.
Do you offer CPU + motherboard bundle sourcing?+
Yes. We can source matched CPU + motherboard combinations to ensure compatibility. This is particularly useful for customers building new servers or workstations from scratch. Bundle pricing often provides additional savings.
What is the price difference between new and used server CPUs?+
Used server CPUs typically cost 50-80% less than new equivalents. For example, a used Intel Xeon Gold 6248R may cost 60-70% less than a new 5th Gen Xeon with similar core count. The exact savings depend on generation, core count, and market availability.
Can you help me choose the right CPU for my workload?+
Absolutely. Tell us about your workload (virtualization, database, AI/ML, web serving, etc.), budget, and existing infrastructure. Our team will recommend the best CPU option balancing performance, power efficiency, and cost.
Do you supply OEM CPUs (pulled from branded servers)?+
Yes. OEM CPUs pulled from Dell, HPE, Lenovo, and other branded servers are available. These are genuine manufacturer CPUs that were originally installed in OEM systems. They function identically to retail/tray versions.
What is the lead time for CPU orders?+
In-stock items: 1-3 business days processing. Out-of-stock or specific part numbers: 1-3 weeks depending on sourcing. Hard-to-find or end-of-life models may take longer. We provide realistic lead time estimates in every quotation.

GPU (Graphics Card)

What GPU brands and models do you supply?+
NVIDIA: GeForce (RTX 4060/4070/4080/4090), RTX Professional (A2000/A4000/A5000/A6000), Data Center (A100/H100/L40S). AMD: Radeon RX series, Radeon Pro, Instinct. We focus on both consumer and professional/workstation GPUs.
Do you supply GPUs for AI/machine learning workloads?+
Yes. We source NVIDIA data center GPUs (A100, H100, L40S) and AMD Instinct accelerators for AI/ML training and inference. These are typically new or lightly used from data center upgrades. Availability and pricing vary significantly based on market demand.
Are your GPUs new, used, or mining cards?+
We supply all conditions, clearly labeled: Brand New (sealed, full warranty), Used/Gaming (previously used for gaming, tested), Ex-Mining (previously used for cryptocurrency mining, stress-tested). Ex-mining cards are significantly discounted and suitable for budget builds.
How do you test used GPUs?+
Every used GPU undergoes: visual inspection (PCB, components, thermal pads), FurMark stress test (minimum 30 minutes), temperature monitoring (idle & load), VRAM testing, fan functionality check, and benchmark comparison (3DMark, Unigine). Test reports are available upon request.
What certifications do your GPUs comply with for international shipping?+
All GPUs comply with CE, FCC, and RoHS standards. For specific market requirements (UKCA, KC, CCC), we can provide compliance documentation. Export licenses may be required for certain high-performance GPUs to specific countries – we handle all export compliance.
Can you supply GPUs with original retail packaging and accessories?+
New GPUs come with full retail packaging and accessories. Used GPUs are typically shipped in anti-static bags with basic protection. Original box and accessories can be included for used units when available (may affect pricing).
What is the warranty for GPUs?+
New GPUs: manufacturer’s standard warranty (typically 3 years). Used GPUs: our 90-day to 6-month warranty depending on condition and price tier. Extended warranty options are available for an additional fee.
Do you offer GPU server/blade solutions (multi-GPU configurations)?+
Yes. We can source complete GPU server solutions including 4-GPU and 8-GPU configurations for AI training, rendering farms, and VDI deployments. We work with server manufacturers to provide integrated solutions.
How do GPU prices fluctuate, and when is the best time to buy?+
GPU prices fluctuate based on: new product launches, cryptocurrency market conditions, AI demand, and supply chain factors. Generally, prices drop 2-3 months after a new generation launch. We monitor market trends and can advise on optimal timing for large purchases.
Can you source specific GPU models that are hard to find?+
Yes. Our sourcing network across Shenzhen and broader China gives us access to models that may be unavailable in other markets. Lead times for hard-to-find models vary from 1-4 weeks. We provide availability updates throughout the sourcing process.
Do you provide GPU driver and software support?+
We provide guidance on driver installation and basic troubleshooting. For professional GPUs (NVIDIA RTX/Quadro, AMD Radeon Pro), we ensure the correct enterprise drivers are identified. Ongoing software support is available through our technical team.
What is your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) for GPUs?+
No strict MOQ – we accept orders from 1 unit. However, volume discounts apply at 5+ units (3-5% off), 10+ units (5-8% off), and 50+ units (8-15% off). Mixed model orders are welcome.

Server

What server brands do you supply?+
Dell (PowerEdge), HPE (ProLiant), Lenovo (ThinkSystem), Cisco (UCS), Inspur, and other major brands. We supply both new and refurbished servers. Refurbished servers from tier-1 brands offer excellent value for most workloads.
What server form factors do you offer?+
Rack servers (1U, 2U, 4U), Tower servers, Blade servers (with chassis), Micro servers, and GPU/AI servers (4U+ with multiple GPU slots). We match form factor to your data center or office environment.
Can you configure servers to my specifications?+
Yes. We offer custom configuration services: CPU selection, RAM capacity, storage (HDD/SSD/NVMe mix), RAID controller, network cards (1GbE/10GbE/25GbE/100GbE), GPU add-in cards, and redundant power supplies. We provide configuration recommendations based on your workload.
What is the condition grading for refurbished servers?+
Grade A: under 2 years old, minimal wear, all components tested. Grade B: 2-4 years old, cosmetic wear, fully functional. Grade C: 4+ years old, suitable for non-critical workloads, testing, or parts. All refurbished servers undergo comprehensive testing before shipment.
Do refurbished servers come with RAID controllers and drive bays?+
Yes. Refurbished servers are sold as complete systems including chassis, motherboard, CPU(s), RAM, RAID controller, drive caddies/bays, power supply(ies), and rails (for rack servers). Storage drives can be included or sourced separately based on your preference.
What operating systems do your servers support?+
Our servers support all major operating systems: Windows Server (2016/2019/2022), VMware ESXi, Proxmox VE, Linux distributions (Ubuntu Server, CentOS/RHEL, Debian), and hypervisor platforms. We can pre-install OS upon request.
How do you handle server shipping internationally?+
Servers are packed in original or reinforced packaging with anti-static protection and shock-absorbing materials. Rack servers include rail kits. We use freight forwarding with full insurance. For large orders, sea freight is available for cost savings. Typical delivery: 5-15 days by air, 20-35 days by sea.
Can you provide server rental or lease-to-own options?+
We primarily focus on sales, but can connect you with our partner network for short-term rental or lease-to-own arrangements for projects with temporary capacity needs. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
What is the power consumption of your servers?+
Power consumption varies by configuration. A typical 2U server with dual CPUs: 300-800W under load. GPU servers: 1000-3000W+. We provide power consumption estimates based on your specific configuration and can advise on energy-efficient options.
Do you offer remote hands or installation support?+
We provide remote technical support for server setup, OS installation, and basic configuration. For on-site installation, we can recommend certified technicians in your region through our partner network.
What is your return/replacement policy for servers?+
New servers: manufacturer warranty applies (typically 1-3 years). Refurbished servers: our warranty covers hardware defects (90 days to 1 year). DOA (Dead on Arrival) units are replaced at no cost. Warranty claims are processed within 5 business days.
Can you supply complete data center solutions (servers + networking + storage)?+
Yes. Beyond servers, we source networking equipment (switches, routers, firewalls from Cisco, Arista, etc.) and storage systems (SAN/NAS). We can provide integrated quotes for complete data center builds or expansions.

Important Notice

Due to recent exchange rate fluctuations, national policy adjustments, and significant market volatility, please verify with us before placing any order:

  • Stock availability – Confirm current inventory levels
  • Pricing confirmation – Verify latest prices (subject to change)
  • Policy updates – Check applicable regulations and terms
  • Delivery timeline – Confirm realistic lead times

Contact us via WhatsApp or email for real-time confirmation. We respond within 24 hours on business days.

Still Have Questions?

Samsung
SSD / RAM

Intel
CPU

NVIDIA
GPU

AMD
CPU / GPU

Seagate
HDD

Western Digital
HDD / SSD

Dell
Server

HPE
Server