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 of computers used more gold. That’s mainly due to the technology. In the past, gold could only be applied in a relatively thick layer. With today’s techniques, it can be applied much more thinly without compromising technical performance. The rise in the price of gold has further fueled this development, but the technology is the decisive factor. In this case, age 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):

Two things stand out. An older-generation motherboard yields more than twice as much per kilogram as a modern one. And there’s a minus sign next to a monitor: it costs money to dispose of them responsibly, so you’ll pay a small fee for that. We’d rather let you know this here in advance than at the weigh station.

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

If you have an old computer lying around, there are two options. If the device still works and there’s a market for it, a buyer will purchase it for its residual value. If it no longer works, the material value is what counts: the gold, silver, copper, and aluminum it contains. For a computer that’s ten years old, that second option is often the only one left.

You don’t have to arrange anything yourself. Just drop it off at our location; we’ll weigh it on the spot and pay you immediately—in cash, by bank transfer, or via Tikkie. If you sell scrap metal regularly, be sure to read our article on taxes when selling scrap metal.

Be sure to remove your data first. We assume by default that there is no data left on returned computers, so it’s up to you to ensure that’s the case. Formatting isn’t always enough to guarantee this. The safest option at home is to remove the hard drive and either keep it yourself or destroy it.

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. We’ll pick up ten or more computers—up to five years old and suitable for reuse—or 250 kg or more of electronics, free of charge. You won’t pay anything, but you also won’t receive any residual value. Our transportation and processing costs are covered by the materials we take with us, so you get rid of them for free. Please note: printers and white or brown goods are excluded from this offer. The subsequent disassembly is done by hand, in collaboration with our subsidiary, Whale Recycling.

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

Computers do not belong in general waste or in a regular trash container. Electronics are subject to the separate collection of discarded appliances. This applies to both individuals and businesses.

So please turn in the computer as a complete unit. The motherboard, processor, and power supply will still be inside, and together they account for the majority of the proceeds. By the way, you don't need to take it apart—we'll do that for you.

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?

Check our scrap prices or 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.