around here theres one every month in the local convention center basement. Shows can be useful, just there are certain things you do and do not buy at shows.
Cases- BUY! At least at the ones I've seen, you'll find a great selection of wierd, modded and cool cases.
Mobos- Maybe. Most of the time go for it, but don't buy the one they leave out for everyone to ESD fry when they poke it.
CPUs- Maybe. Make sure there's a good return policy if OEM (which they usually are). Sometimes you can request a particular stepping. Be prep'd to test it AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME, most vendor warranties are only 3-7 days for silicon (CPU/RAM)
RAM- I'd say no. Buy some Crucial or Samsung from a reputable online store like newegg or crucial's direct site.
HDDs- Maybe. They get jostled around alot, and rarely have their single drive OEM shock shell. Usually its just a divided corrugated box with a drives individually static sealed and in separate partitions. When you get home, download the drive company's diagnostic software, do a full destructive test and then a full zero.
Drives (CD, DVD, CDRW): go for it. if it's retail you're good, if OEM check return policy.
Video/Sound: Go for it. If buying OEM, check the warranty and look for a vendor with sealed bags. Some sound cards (audigy) require the CD and don't have online drivers, so see if you can get a driver disk.
Network/Modem: Go for it. They're so cheap it doesnt matter.
Software: Maybe. If its a sealed retail box for a surprisingly good price, its probably incorrectly sold (marked for volume/student/government sale), stolen or pirated (by one of those pro places that makes everything look authentic). If its just a CDR, its pirated. If its a real CD in just a slip case, its probably OEM.
Monitors: I'd say no. Buy a monitor from someone like newegg or CDW. A monitor is a much larger investment (it will be with you longer than the box)
Other shit: Shows are a great place to pick up assorted fans, grilles, cables, connectors, switches, etc. You can often find completely non-computer related stuff, I've seen console system cases (the neon ones), blinking cell phone antennas, some awesome lighters, computer textbooks, MP3 players... it goes on and on. Bring some spare cash and think up cool projects.
Basically, if its OEM components you're buying make DAMN SURE they have a good return policy. Get their name/address, and KEEP THE RECIEPT.
Most places either dont accept CCs or give you a discount for using cash. You can save a bit, but keep in mind that using a CC gives you a way out if you get burned (doesnt work and the company disappeared). Most of the people are very reputable. But using a CC gives you an extra level of protection.
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