Gold in an IBM 34

[Guest.Visitor]

Our school has an old IBM System 34 to dispose of. I am told there are gold components in the machine that can be sold. If that is true, can you suggest the best way to sell those components for the most return? Thanks.

[D.Handy]

Bill, I haven't heard of anyone doing something like that since gold was closer to $1000/ounce, and they were trying to salvage the gold from a 360, not a S/34. (And I do mean 360, not S/36.) To the best of my knowledge, there is not enough gold on the contacts, etc of a S/34 to get *any* return for the value of the gold it contains. You'd be doing real good to find someone willing to haul the 5340 system unit away for free, regardless of their intended usage. Most people have to pay to have it removed, due to the size and weight. Your best bet would be someone who wants one for the nostalgic value or as a museum piece. Up thru the 1960's, IBM used a lot more gold in the machines to eliminate problems with corosion on the contacts, etc. But then, with what they charged for those machines, they could. Good luck. Doug PS - When was the S/34 retired? The last S/34 I personally knew of in active use was retired last year.

[Guest.Visitor]

Most people in the business charge about $1500 to $2000 to dispose of old computer gear; many older computers contain extremely hazardous materials. The gold in a computer is worth about a tenth of the energy cost to extract it.