Selling my rig as a whole or just sell the parts?

[xkm1948]

My current rig is listed in my profile. I am building an X99 desktop and planning to sell my current rig to offset the cost. Question is should I sell the entire system or should I sell it parts of by parts? I have no idea what a QX9650 on X38 would sell for these days.

 

[Batou1986]

Look at recent sales on ebay that will be your best guide to how much the parts go for, you can also search the FS sections of many of the tech forums for similar things for sale and sold.
I imagine that there are people wanting to upgrade 775 socket to the fastest cpu they can and people with fast 775 chips with burnt out motherboards or people wanting to add more ram especially matching sets.
Dont ask me why but people will hold on and upgrade old tech for far longer than is reasonable and they will pay premium prices to do so.

 

[xkm1948]

Look at recent sales on ebay that will be your best guide to how much the parts go for, you can also search the FS sections of many of the tech forums for similar things for sale and sold.
I imagine that there are people wanting to upgrade 775 socket to the fastest cpu they can and people with fast 775 chips with burnt out motherboards or people wanting to add more ram especially matching sets.
Dont ask me why but people will hold on and upgrade old tech for far longer than is reasonable and they will pay premium prices to do so.

Thanks for the reply. And to be honest. I was one of them. I had a chance to upgrade to 2500K, but instead I opted for QX9650 from a Q6600. Getting a top of the line system, even it is way past its prime just feels good.

 

[THE_EGG]

Having sold many computers and computer parts on eBay and Gumtree, I'd say sell separately. I've found from my experience that most of the time I would get more from selling parts separately than selling together. Just be careful if you use eBay because there are now fees associated with the shipping and handling costs (selling separately will mean you will be paying more fees in this regard). DDR2 ram is actually selling for pretty high prices due to lack of supply so you should get some decent money for that as well.

 

[micropage7]

sell it separately, its better for price and for anyone who need it

 

[AhokZYashA]

wow QX9650,

that chip still priced quite high here,
im currently looking for the smaller brother, the Q9550/Q9450

 

[Bill_Bright]

I say sell the whole thing as one unit. Yes, the potential is more money if you sell the parts, but what if no one wants your old RAM, your old motherboard or the old CPU or case? No one will want a non-working computer and you will be stuck storing it and the longer sits the less likely you will ever be able to get rid of it.

Or better yet, donate it to your church, the Salvation Army or Goodwill and write it off on your taxes.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Sell the cpu separate from the motherboard, but offer the memory with the motherboard. That gets you the best sales on ebay. QX9650 median sold price for the last 14 days is $138.00.

 

[qubit]

sell it separately, its better for price and for anyone who need it

Damn, beat me to it.

Note that that this must be offset by the extra time and hassle to sell the components separately, so it's really your call.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Sell the cpu separate from the moherboard, but offer the memory with the motherboard. That gets you the best sales on ebay. QX9650 median sold price for the last 14 days is $138.00.

And that's fine but then what happens with the old case and drives? And what happens if no one wants the motherboard?

Typically, it is only enthusiasts who are willing to buy bits and pieces. But whole, working computers are sought after by all kinds of people looking for a replacement or 2nd computer.

Note too, the operating system license used on this old computer is an OEM/System Builders license that came with, or was purchased for this computer, it MUST go with the computer (or at least the motherboard)! And that is per the "legally binding" terms of the license you agreed to abide by when you continued using the license on the computer. If you piecemeal out the parts, the license (and all copies of the software) MUST go with the motherboard, or be destroyed.

If the current license is a "full Retail license" (and the vast majority are not and this is particularly true of factory built computers) then you MUST either send the license with the computer/motherboard, or wipe the drives. If you wipe the drive, you can then legally use this "Retail" license on your new computer.

You never get your money back selling old electronics - piecemeal or whole. If you sell it piecemeal, you will not sell all the pieces and before you know it, you end up with basement storeroom full of old electronics no one wants that you can't toss in the landfills.

At least if you donate or sell the whole computer, you know someone else will give it good home, take care of it, and get enjoyment out of it like you did.

 

[rtwjunkie]

And that's fine but then what happens with the old case and drives? And what happens if no one wants the motherboard?

Typically, it is only enthusiasts who are willing to buy bits and pieces. But whole, working computers are sought after by all kinds of people looking for a replacement or 2nd computer.

Note too, the operating system license used on this old computer is an OEM/System Builders license that came with, or was purchased for this computer, it MUST go with the computer (or at least the motherboard)! And that is per the "legally binding" terms of the license you agreed to abide by when you continued using the license on the computer. If you piecemeal out the parts, the license (and all copies of the software) MUST go with the motherboard, or be destroyed.

If the current license is a "full Retail license" (and the vast majority are not and this is particularly true of factory built computers) then you MUST either send the license with the computer/motherboard, or wipe the drives. If you wipe the drive, you can then legally use this "Retail" license on your new computer.

You never get your money back selling old electronics - piecemeal or whole. If you sell it piecemeal, you will not sell all the pieces and before you know it, you end up with basement storeroom full of old electronics no one wants that you can't toss in the landfills.

At least if you donate or sell the whole computer, you know someone else will give it good home, take care of it, and get enjoyment out of it like you did.

You make some valid points, especially about the OS. But having sold alot of 775 motherboards and cpu's on e-bay, you'd be surprised how quickly they sell. Selling the memory with the motherboard as a package is advantageous, because DDR2 is getting hard to come by. People will bid on the combo because it is a known, compatible working set with that motherboard.

Alot of the other parts can be re-used, such as the case, fans and HDD's, maybe even the CPU cooler if it is compatible with the new socket size and type of cpu purchased.

My experience with whole systems is it takes forever to get a buyer, no matter the venue. In that event, if the OP decides not to part it out they are better off donating it to someone or an institution, as you suggested.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Alot of the other parts can be re-used, such as the case, fans and HDD's, maybe even the CPU cooler if it is compatible with the new socket size and type of cpu purchased.

This is true and one of the main advantages to building your own computers - they "evolve" over time rather than start new over and over again.

But older cases may not have the fan support you need or filters you want. Or USB3.0. Older PSUs may not have the power or are too noisy. So then what do you do with an old case. Old drives, etc.

I guess it just depends on the effort you want to put into it. I have not found it hard to get rid of old "working" computers (as long as they will support a modern OS). They either become "hand-me-downs" to one of the grandkids, or I clean them up and donate them to families in need that have school kids who need computers.

For me, I've been building my own computers for over 25 years. And when I build a new one for me, my old computer then becomes my networked backup server. And what was the old backup server then gets retired. And then the cycle starts over again when I build myself a new one.

 

[xkm1948]

My windows 7 was retail, so it will go to my next system.

I guess I will try Craigslist to sell it locally first. I am thinking of asking ~500 for the entire setup, That is my 22'' monitor, the entire tower minus one of my 2TB HDD, and all the mouse, keyboards, webcam and my 2.1 speaker setup. The system is in great condition. If I can't sell the entire rig I will sell it parts by parts and donate the rest of the components to my lab. Our lab technician may find some use for my old system.

 

[xkm1948]

wow QX9650,

that chip still priced quite high here,
im currently looking for the smaller brother, the Q9550/Q9450

Well if you want mine QX9650 just let me know. This beast easily overclock to 4GHz at stock voltage and stays rock solid. I haven't experiment with higher clocks since 4GHz was more than good for me.

 

[Bill_Bright]

My windows 7 was retail, so it will go to my next system.

I guess I will try Craigslist to sell it locally first.

Well, if keeping your Windows license, make sure you reformat the drive before selling it. And you should wipe the drives too to ensure all your personal data can not be recovered. Note that CCleaner has a nice "Drive Wiper" feature that works well. And I would make sure when you advertise it that you state that no OS comes with it.

 

[Folterknecht]

Sell seperatly - but before you take the system appart make a prime95 screen with CPUz und taskmanager open.
Also let Memtest run over night make a photo with your ebay name and date in front of your TFT (on a piece of paper).

Put these sreenshots/photos into the auction - people like these as verefication. But pls dont forget to add a line in the auction, where you explain that the results, stability and error free RAM were obtained with the system as a whole and that it doesnt have to work out that way, if the components are placed into a different system!

 

[xkm1948]

Well, if keeping your Windows license, make sure you reformat the drive before selling it. And you should wipe the drives too to ensure all your personal data can not be recovered. Note that CCleaner has a nice "Drive Wiper" feature that works well. And I would make sure when you advertise it that you state that no OS comes with it.

I always do the entire write zero with brand specific hdd software to any hard drives I sell. I will make sure to use WD date lifeguard dos 5.19 to low format and write zero before selling the rig. Thanks for the suggestions though, I am not a beginner. lol

This was no OEM PC, I guess I might put on ubuntu before selling it. Just to make it look nicer~

 

[xkm1948]

Sell seperatly - but before you take the system appart make a prime95 screen with CPUz und taskmanager open.
Also let Memtest run over night make a photo with your ebay name and date in front of your TFT (on a piece of paper).

Put these sreenshots/photos into the auction - people like these as verefication. But pls dont forget to add a line in the auction, where you explain that the results, stability and error free RAM were obtained with the system as a whole and that it doesnt have to work out that way, if the components are placed into a different system!

Awesome tips! That's the suggestion I really need! Thanks a lot man!!!!!!

 

[Bill_Bright]

No need to low-level format. Just a wipe will do.

 

[ChevyOwner]

Note too, the operating system license used on this old computer is an OEM/System Builders license that came with, or was purchased for this computer, it MUST go with the computer (or at least the motherboard)! And that is per the "legally binding" terms of the license you agreed to abide by when you continued using the license on the computer. If you piecemeal out the parts, the license (and all copies of the software) MUST go with the motherboard, or be destroyed.

That may be EULA or what ever its called. However Microsoft really does not care if you don't include the OEM/System builder copy with the computer, or at least they never cared with my OEM copy of XP. I just had to call them and explain that it was removed from the previous PC, would only be used on one PC, and they would activate it on the new build. While this may have changed for 7, or 8. If what I have read about Windows 10 is true, and virtually all PCs running 7 SP1 or 8.1 get a free upgrade genuine or not...well then I really doubt they would not activate the copy.

 

[Bill_Bright]

That may be EULA or what ever its called. However Microsoft really does not care if you don't include the OEM/System builder copy with the computer, or at least they never cared with my OEM copy of XP. I just had to call them and explain that it was removed from the previous PC, would only be used on one PC, and they would activate it on the new build. While this may have changed for 7, or 8. If what I have read about Windows 10 is true, and virtually all PCs running 7 SP1 or 8.1 get a free upgrade genuine or not...well then I really doubt they would not activate the copy.

They do care, very much! But called them and told them up front what was going on. That is a big difference from getting a copy and allowing it to be installed on several computers of different owners.

W10 will be free (for awhile anyway) so different issue there too.

 

[ChevyOwner]

They do care, very much! But called them and told them up front what was going on. That is a big difference from getting a copy and allowing it to be installed on several computers of different owners.

W10 will be free (for awhile anyway) so different issue there too.

Well saying you cant reuse it at all, and being allowed to re use it are not the same thing either. So don't get after me when you're the one that said you cant reuse it at all. Microsoft also has a way to detect every computer that has a pirated copy of Windows installed even the copies that report genuine to the user, and does not really do anything about them other then write it down.

So from the typical users standpoint what I said is true, and you don't even get the option to call MS for activation until it has failed activating online a few times.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well saying you cant reuse it at all, and being allowed to re use it are not the same thing either. So don't get after me when you're the one that said you cant reuse it at all.

What??? I didn't get after you! What's with getting all huffy and personal now? You aren't even the OP!!! Again, you said you called them and explained the situation. In other words, you did the up front thing and they let you slide. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, I say kudos to you for calling them.

So from the typical users standpoint what I said is true, and you don't even get the option to call MS for activation until it has failed activating online a few times.

That's the same as saying its okay as long as you don't get caught. Just because something is technically possible does not make it legal. The fact of the matter is, the EULA is a legally binding document. Just because Microsoft "chooses" to let someone slide (as is their right) for reusing their license does not mean they cannot seek prosecution against someone else who does the exact same thing.

It is like putting a No Trespassing sign on your property. Joe may sneak through every day and never get caught. It is still wrong and Joe knows it. A little old lady may walk through, but you let her slide because she asked first. But Jim comes through and brings his buddies who throw trash on your property so you call the cops and have them arrested.

..., and does not really do anything about them other then write it down.

Not true at all! They often let individuals slide because it takes too much time and effort to make it worthwhile. There are about 1.4 billion Windows systems out there. 1 or 2 here and there are not even a drop.

But if they see the same keycode being used 100s of times, they will and do go after them - when they can.

 

[ChevyOwner]

That's the same as saying its okay as long as you don't get caught. Just because something is technically possible does not make it legal. The fact of the matter is, the EULA is a legally binding document. Just because Microsoft "chooses" to let someone slide (as is their right) for reusing their license does not mean they cannot seek prosecution against someone else who does the exact same thing.

I'm not saying it's okay as long as you don't get caught.

From Windows 8.1

Can I transfer the software to another user?
You may transfer the software directly to another user, only with the licensed computer. The transfer must include the software, proof of purchase, and, if provided with the computer, an authentic Windows label including the product key. You may not keep any copies of the software or any earlier version. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.

Microsoft has changed the EULA after Windows XP, but should be no surprise to anyone.

From Windows XP

13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER.
Internal.
You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer.

Transfer to Third Party.
The initial user of the Software may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This transfer must include all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to all the EULA terms.

There you have it, it is in the EULA that what I said is just fine.

 

[Bill_Bright]

You need to look again. That XP reference is for the retail license, not the OEM for regular consumers.

And as you noted with your OEM reference, the software must go with the computer.