#1: What is my old server worth?
Most of the old servers we see passing by really fall under the “old iron” chapter and are no longer suitable for sale. Servers age relatively quickly, after just a few years they have no residual value at all. In general, servers from major brands such as Dell, HP, IBM and Super Micro are still worth something when they are 5 years old or younger. With HP, it is about the generation G7 and younger, with Dell the models with three digits. To have old servers bought up, then you need to know well what you have in your house. So first make a list of the server’s brand, model and generation. Then you can show this list directly to a buyer to find out the selling price.
#2: Don’t expect golden mountains
A 2-year-old server still brings only a fraction of its new price.
So don’t expect mountains of gold.
Almost every day we have people on the phone expecting 1000 euros for their old server, while the real commercial value is at most a few tens of euros.
#3: Create a good server sales list
The more information, the easier buying up the servers.
List the following information:
- Brand
- Generation
- Model
- Number and model of CPU
- Number and size of hard drives
- Type of hard drives
- Memory
With this information, any server buyer can make an offer.
It can sometimes be tricky to gather all this information though, you often have to turn on the server already for this, connect it to a monitor and look at the settings in the setup.
#4: Pay attention to more than just the buyout price
Buying up servers is almost never just about buying them up.
Sometimes the servers have to be removed from a rack, or other computer equipment has to go for recycling.
In addition, there is almost always still sensitive information on the hard disks.
Don’t choose the party with the highest price, but the best service and quality.
For example, there is the WEEELABEX certification, a mandatory certification for companies that destroy data or handle computer waste.
This way you can be sure you are doing business with a good party!
#5: wiping servers
You can wipe servers remotely over the network.
You can do that with Blancco, for example, or with other tooling.
It’s not always feasible, but so it can be convenient to wipe your servers over the network yourself.
Then you have to worry about confidential data a lot less.
#6: having hard drives shredded on site.
At IT Recycling, you can have both your servers bought up, and your hard drives shredded on site. The perfect combination! Shredding a hard disk on location is the safest way to destroy data. Is there privacy-sensitive information on your server? Then this is definitely recommended.
#7: combine everything in one deal
Don’t just make a deal to buy up a few servers.
Try to make a deal with everything in it: the buyout of servers with value, disposal of other old servers and destruction of data.
Everything is then done and done right the first time!
#8: leave the servers to the buyer
In addition, have the servers taken out of the rack by the buyer.
If you haven’t done this before, removing servers from a rack can be a real challenge.
The better buyers will do this for you at no charge in most cases.
#9: clear quotation for server sales
Finally, ask for a good and clear quote. Make only written agreements, without fine print and unclear costs. This should clearly state how much each model of server yields and what services you will receive in addition. Want to sell an old server right away? Then deliver your list and make an appointment at IT Recycling. That way you know the old server sale is going to be all good!