If you’ve got old computer towers lying around, you could be sitting on a surprising amount of cash. Desktop computers are a goldmine—literally—when scrapped correctly. Whether you’re a seasoned scrapper or just getting started, knowing how to take apart a computer and what metals are inside can dramatically increase your payout.
This guide walks you through the process: tools needed, how to safely take apart a computer, and which valuable metals to look for. With help from the iScrap App, you can find local yards and compare prices for parts like CPU chips, copper wire, and more.
Tools You’ll Need
- Screwdrivers (Flathead, Phillips, Torx)
- Power drill (optional)
- Hammer
- Wire cutters & strippers
- Safety gloves and glasses
How to Take Apart a Computer for Scrap (Step-by-Step)
- Unplug Everything: Disconnect all cords and power sources. Keep wires—many contain copper and are worth money.
- Remove the Outer Case: Cases may be steel or aluminum (test with a magnet). Use your tools to unscrew or pry it open.
- Cut and Remove Wires: Clip internal wires connecting components. These are mainly copper and can be separated into computer and ribbon wires.
- Take Out Drives and Power Supply: Unscrew and remove the hard drive (set aside—valuable), CD/DVD drives (low-grade boards), and power supply unit.
- Extract the Motherboard: Unscrew it carefully. This is where many valuable components are located.
- Remove the CPU & Heatsinks: Take off the fan, remove the aluminum or stainless heatsink, and pop out the CPU chip—often the most valuable piece.
- Pop Out RAM (Memory) Chips: These are easy to remove and contain gold-plated contacts.
- Sort and Organize Materials: Create separate piles for wire, boards, steel, aluminum, CPU, RAM, and drives.
Valuable Metals Found in Computers
Gold
- CPU Chips
- RAM Boards
- Motherboards
- Harddrive Boards
- Tip: Older computers often have more gold. Look for gold pins and contact points.
Suggested Reading: Different Kinds of CPU Chips For Scrap
Copper
- Found in: Internal wiring, back of some CPUs, power supply.
- Tip: Sort wire into ribbon (less valuable) and computer wire (more valuable).
Suggested Reading: Top 8 Places to Find Scrap Copper
Aluminum
Aluminum Materials Inside Computers:
- Found in: Heatsinks, some frames and cases, hard drive casing.
- Tip: Non-magnetic—use a magnet to test.e
Suggested Reading: Difference Between Aluminum & Stainless Steel
Steel
Steel Materials Inside Computers:
- Found in: Tower frames, screws, and drive brackets.
- Tip: Magnetic, but low value—keep it separate.
Precious Metals
- Occasionally found: Silver or platinum in older boards.
- Tip: Ask your yard if they pay separately for rare metals.
How to Sort Your Scrap for Maximum Payout
- Wire: Separate ribbon and computer wire.
- Boards: Keep low-grade boards apart from motherboards.
- CPU Chips: Some are much more valuable than others. Check CPU categories using the iScrap App.
- Aluminum vs. Steel: Test with a magnet.
- RAM & Gold Pieces: Store separately—they’re small but valuable.
Suggested Reading: 4 Steps To Selling Your Scrap Online
Get the Most from Your Scrap with iScrap
Use the iScrap App to:
- Compare local scrap yard prices for parts like CPU chips and RAM.
- Find the closest yard that accepts computer parts.
- Learn about different metals and how to sell them for top dollar.
Scrapping computers isn’t just about tearing them apart—it’s about knowing what’s inside and how to separate it for maximum value. With a little time and the right tools, you can turn an old PC into a well-organized pile of profit. And with the iScrap App, you’ll always know where to sell and what it’s worth.
