& Public Surplus : These sites host government auctions where you can find retired or broken office equipment from schools and local agencies.
Sourcing locally often means you can get items for free or significantly cheaper since you save the seller from paying recycling fees.
: Many towns have dedicated e-waste drops. While policies vary, some centers may allow you to purchase or take items before they are processed. where to buy broken computers
Finding broken computers is a great way to source cheap parts, practice microsoldering, or "Frankenstein" a functional machine together. Depending on whether you want to bid on bulk lots or find a single project, here are the best places to look:
: A community-driven marketplace where you can often find people willing to sell broken hardware for just the cost of shipping. Local & Community Sourcing & Public Surplus : These sites host government
: Use the "Condition" filter to select "For parts or not working" . This is the safest bet because of eBay's Buyer Protection.
: Some locations have dedicated electronics sections (like Goodwill's "The Grid") that sell untested or older hardware for very low prices. While policies vary, some centers may allow you
: Small PC repair shops often have a "boneyard" of machines that customers never picked up or were too expensive to fix. They may sell these to you for a small fee just to clear space. Quick Tips for Buyers