How To Scrap A Desktop Computer Tower

Desktop computer towers are some of the most common but also most sought after escrap items. We accept whole units, but most people prefer to take them apart if they have the time and the know-how. These old computer towers are a treasure trove of valuable components. We’ve created a step by step guide for how to take apart an old desktop computer for escrap, and what parts are especially valuable.

Step 1: Memory

After opening the chassis (which can also be scrapped), most people start with removing the RAM. Most desktop computer towersmade in the last 15 years will have gold fingered memory. However, your unit may use a different type of memory. No matter what kind it is, remove the RAM and set this aside.

Step 2: Hard Drive and Disc Drives

You’ll usually find the hard drive and disc drives (like the DVD drive or CD-ROM) in a rack-like unit right in front of you when you first open the computer. You may be able to just slide them out and disconnect the wires. There also may or may not be a plastic caddy that is used to help hold the drives in place while they are inside the machine. Since almost all caddies are made of plastic, they don’t really have much scrap value. However, many people may be looking for replacement caddies on websites like eBay.

Step 3: Power Supply

The large “box” near where you plug in your computer is, of course, the power supply. Power supplies are usually easy to remove and require you to take out just a few scrwes and pull out a few wires to get them free. You can take apart a power supply or scrap it whole.

Step 4: CPU

There will be at least one heatsink attached to the motherboard. The computer’s CPU rests underneath that heatsink. The processors from older computers are generally more valuable than the CPUs from more modern machines.

Step 5: The Motherboard

The motherboard is usually held to the chassis with anywhere from four to eight screws. The screws can be at the corners, sides, or even in the middle of the board. If the motherboard isn’t lifting easily out of the chassis, then you have probably overlooked a screw that is holding it in place. After removing all the screws, you will probably also have to disconnect some wires from the board to remove it completely.

There may be other components in your machine depending on what type it is, but these five are certain to be included and are worth taking your time to extract and sort. While you may not get much from scrapping just one computer, the materials you collect can add up to quite a lot of value. As time goes on, you’ll get even faster and more efficient too and you’ll be able to maximize your return on investment.