Question about buying PCs for scraping

I was wondering if anyone has done the math. Lets talk an average PC. For example a pentium 4 class HP.

If for whatever reason it had zero reusable parts.
So its all scrap.
Has anyone worked out an average weight for this as scrap?
Such as average weight of the motherboard,CPU, RAM, Power supply, Etc...
And then figure out the average value of the PC as a whole?
I realize we are talking small percentages of a pound on most parts and will take several of some components to make a sellable pound.

I ask because I am looking into all ways to gain scrap PCs. Even paying for them. But i dont want to pay to much for one and lose money by scraping it.

If noone has done this math. I will attempt it and post my findings. But I was wondering if anyone already has so I can avoid the math..lol

I await your responses. Thanks you ahead of time everyone.

There have been many threads on this topic in the archives. An advance search in the upper right hand corner of this page should point you into the right direction. I am sorry I am not into e-waste or I might be able to point them out. I some that included proper disassembly and weighing the actual items including the price of each. Although prices have changed, the weights should be accurate. Based on recent threads, most individuals are making money reselling the parts instead of scrapping them. Good luck.

Thank you for the reply. I will do a search. I usually sell any usable parts on ebay. Just if I buy PCs for this. i dont want to assume I will have working parts to sell. Thanks again

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Originally Posted by Inclusivitytech

Thank you for the reply. I will do a search. I usually sell any usable parts on ebay. Just if I buy PCs for this. i dont want to assume I will have working parts to sell. Thanks again

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Then don't pay so much that you have to resell, I pay absolutely no more than .12 a lb.

I do not do volume, I get what I can, when I can. I shop garage sales and I would not pay more than $2 for an old computer. That is not to say I pay $2 for computers. I pay $1 for an used computer, but if forced to, I would pay $2 and figure I would break even {truth be told, I would make money, but not enough to be the, "I'll pay you $2 for your computer" guy).

Do it. See what you get. Rinse, repeat.

And get some business cards. Also many threads on that thought. Don't miss out that at the bottom of each thread is a list of related threads. Mike

This is where basic knowledge of the market and basic computing comes in handy.........I have paid in excess of $200 per unit and still doubled and even tripled my money........For scrap I am paying .11/LB..........

Free acquirement is always best. It's always easier to go from a free pickup model to a pay per model. Not so much the other way. I personally am starting with a free model (except for crt products). I'd love to pay for stuff one day to increase my volume. But for starts, I'm sticking with no charge. There's plenty of companies that charge for removal and still get business. Which is the way to go since you get paid twice. But free pickup is a good middle ground. At least for getting going. That's my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by miked

And get some business cards. Also many threads on that thought. Don't miss out that at he bottom of each thread is a list of related threads. Mike

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Here you go, something to ponder on.
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...business+cards

Thank you everyone. You have all been very helpful. Also I have already made up some business cards. Went with the Avery solution. Did this before the reply. But great advice. That way if something changes your not stuck with 500 cards with outdated info. Also made up a few fliers. Hoping to post these soon. And If I get a big enough amount in one place and they want something for it. I have a general understanding now of what to offer. Thanks for that too. Hope I can stick with the freebies for at least a while though...lol

I have a ad on Craigslist offering $0.25 a pound for whole computers and laptops and $0.15 a pound for laptops and computers missing parts. My local yard pays $0.60 pound for whole computers/laptops and $0.30 for computers and laptops missing parts.
This way I at least double up my money on the scrap if I don't feel like taking apart.

I've gotten in a habit of paying two bucks a tower any condition. You will break even after selling steel and wire out of it (if prices aren't rock bottom). Boards are all profit then. I think you can bank on the avg motherboad to be right about a pound a piece

Pricing on steel depends on where you are, but the rest you can look up for weight. Motherboards are about a pound per each, and RAM is about 20-25 sticks per pound. A Pentium 4 is about the worst type of machine to scrap, though- they're new enough that the components aren't as high yield as the earlier ones, and the parts are obsolete. But, Mikeinrecovery is absolutely right- you just have to see what you have. I had a Dell Precision come in a few months ago that I sold for nearly $500. Another one came in that looks identical, but is an older model That one is worth about $40.

Research will always be your best friend. That, and classes in the School of Hard Knocks, but those are mandatory anyways ;)