desktop scrap worth only $5 once parted?

Originally Posted by justinm001

I run a computer company and get tons of desktops and servers. We tore apart 40 P4 desktops and our calculations ended up with only about $240 or so plus the cases. Below is the local pricing (columbus OH) we found with weights once we tore apart. I was expecting around $10 a desktop but i guess not. Does this sound pretty normal? I figured we'll do much better with servers and networking.

P4 motherboards 55lbs*$1.85 =$55
Memory 2.5lbs*$15.50=$38.75
Floppy 9oz*.12=$1
P4 no pins 1*$4.60=$4.60
P4 w/ pins 13oz*$6.30=$4.70
CD Boards 4.25lbs*$3.15=$12.60
copper/alum heatsinks 18.5lbs*$.80=$14.60
alum heatsinks 14lbs*$.40=$5.70
CD drives 53.5lbs*$.12=$6.40
power supplies w/o wires 133.5lbs*$.21=$28.09
PS wires 12.25lbs*$2=$24.50
misc wires 3.5lbs*$.55=$1.90


Also have IDE cables 8lbs
power supply tips and other tips. 5lbs

My presumption is this would only be reasonable work for you as filler work.
If you are in the scrap business, you have to be in the scrap business to make a consistent, relatively (to other industries) low margin. Honestly, it is the way the business functions.