Is a 10-year-old computer still worth anything?

Usually, yes, but rarely as a working device. However, there are significant differences: for example, a standard office PC that’s ten years old has virtually no resale value. The situation is different for a gaming computer with a powerful graphics card or a Mac from that era—you can sometimes still find a buyer for those. For everything else, the price is determined by the metal components and circuit boards, not the specifications.

That gap has only widened in recent years. Since support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025, machines that cannot run Windows 11 are being phased out more quickly as reusable PCs. What remains is the material value for recycling. At Krommenhoek Metals, we purchase working computers that are no more than five years old in lots of ten or more, with the goal of potentially repurposing them as products. A computer that is ten years old therefore falls outside that policy and is sent for disassembly for recycling.

Which parts of an old computer still have value?

The value lies in the materials: copper, aluminum, steel, and the precious metals on the circuit boards. This article explains exactly which parts those are and how much gold and copper are found, on average, in a desktop computer.

For a ten-year-old computer, this is what matters most: the motherboard and the processor are worth more per kilogram than their modern counterparts. You might not expect it, but older generations used gold more liberally. The reason for this is that the price of gold used to be much lower, allowing manufacturers to apply it generously. In addition, the technology for applying gold wasn’t as advanced as it is today, so it was applied in a thicker layer, whereas current techniques make it possible to apply a much thinner layer while maintaining the technical properties. In this case, age actually works in your favor, even if the computer no longer works.

How much can you get for an old computer?

That depends on the weight and how complete it is. We pay by the kilo, and a complete computer is worth more than one from which the valuable parts have already been removed. If you remove the circuit boards and memory yourself, the rest—as a “stripped-down” computer—will be weighed at a lower price per kilo.

These prices were listed on our price list as of August 18, 2026. They fluctuate in line with the London Metal Exchange quotes and precious metal prices, so please check this page before you visit.

Price List for Old Computer Parts (August 2026):

Why would you turn in an old computer to a scrap dealer?

If you have an old computer lying around, there are three options. Selling it yourself on Marktplaats generally yields the highest return, provided the device still works and is in demand. A buyer, on the other hand, pays less but takes the work off your hands. Finally, turning it in for scrap yields exactly the value of the materials, and for a ten-year-old machine, that’s often the only option left.

Let’s be honest: if your computer still works and you have the time, try Marktplaats first. Just be sure to set aside time for taking photos, writing a listing, replying to messages, negotiating, and dealing with appointments that sometimes fall through. And time is money. If you don’t get anything out of it after a few weeks, just drop it off at our location and you’ll get paid right away—in cash, by bank transfer, or via Tikkie. If you sell scrap metal often, read our article on taxes when selling scrap metal.

Be sure to back up your data first. By default, we assume that there is no data left on the computers you turn in, so it’s up to you to ensure that’s the case. Formatting isn’t always enough to guarantee this. If you want proof that your drive has been destroyed, we offer that as a separate service. In this blog, you can read about which method is appropriate for each situation.

You can drop off small quantities without an appointment in Rotterdam or Wateringen. For larger shipments, we’ll arrange a container or come pick them up. This pickup service is free for orders of ten or more computers that are no more than five years old and suitable for reuse, or for 250 kg or more of electronics. Printers and white or brown goods are excluded from this offer. The subsequent disassembly is done by hand, in collaboration with our subsidiary, Whale IT Recycling.

Finally, what shouldn't you do with an old computer?

Computers do not belong in the general waste stream or in a regular trash container. Electronics are subject to the separate collection of discarded appliances. This applies equally to individuals and businesses, but businesses are required to account for their waste streams. Individuals are not.

And don't throw away any parts just to turn in the cabinet. If you do, you'll be removing exactly the weight that holds the value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling an Old Computer

Can I turn in just one old computer, or does it have to be a larger quantity?

One computer is fine. As a private individual, you can visit our locations in Rotterdam and Wateringen without an appointment, even if you only have one device.

Will my hard drive be safely removed?

Not automatically. After disassembly, the disk is sent to a final processor in a partially disassembled state. If you want to be sure, choose our separate data destruction service. Please note: there is a fee for this service.

Can I turn in computer parts separately, or does the computer have to be complete?

Selling computer parts is allowed separately. Circuit boards, memory, power supplies, and coolers are evaluated by material type. The rest is then considered a “stripped-down” computer.

How do I know how much my old computer is worth before I go there?

Take a look here or check the app. If you're unsure about the type of circuit board or motherboard, send a photo via WhatsApp to +31 6 13 662 187.

Can I also throw away an old computer if it's completely broken?

You can always turn it in, even if the device no longer turns on. For scrap value, it doesn’t matter whether it still works. Putting it in the general waste is not an option anyway.