Hi. I usually disassemble a total of about 15 computer towers/laptops per year. I stock pile the CPU’s and RAM for later sale on ebay. I’ve decided not to sell the components anymore but rather refine the gold as a hobby for fun. I’ve been researching on this site for a month now and it’s a wealth of information. I’ve determined I’m only going to save RAM fingers, CPU’s and IC/BGA/PROM chips. As flashy as computer pins/connectors look, I just don’t think the yield vs. time is there for me.
I find depopulating boards very enjoyable but I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time with the tiny IC chips that have 6 to 8 legs total. Do they typically even contain gold? I’m saving any and every IC chip at this point.
Now since I started looking for IC chips, I’ve noticed just about anything electronic contains them. Radios, CD/DVD players, Microwaves, Air conditioners, LCD/LED TV’s, Printers, ect. I understand that there’s a 100 variables to this question, but do those device chips “typically” contain the gold content that computers do? I know for a fact that the chips are not as plentiful compared to computers. Nothing is pre 1999 that I find usually.
I attached a picture of the tiny chips too. Thanks!
I find depopulating boards very enjoyable but I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time with the tiny IC chips that have 6 to 8 legs total. Do they typically even contain gold? I’m saving any and every IC chip at this point.
Now since I started looking for IC chips, I’ve noticed just about anything electronic contains them. Radios, CD/DVD players, Microwaves, Air conditioners, LCD/LED TV’s, Printers, ect. I understand that there’s a 100 variables to this question, but do those device chips “typically” contain the gold content that computers do? I know for a fact that the chips are not as plentiful compared to computers. Nothing is pre 1999 that I find usually.
I attached a picture of the tiny chips too. Thanks!