this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2023
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Hi,

I know a company here in Japan that sells second-hand computers, cleaned, repaired, and with a 3 years warranty. Lots of the usual suspects (HP, Dell, Lenovo), from entry level office desktops to higher end Xeon workstations/servers. Prices vary, obviously.

As you know, these computers often do not use standard off-the-shelf parts, which can be a problem if the motherboard or PSU fails.

What's your opinion about these computers? Is it worth the pain buying one (for a Linux or BSD based torrenting/seedbox machine, or build a NAS) or should I rather go another route -- either build a PC with standard parts or buy a brand new cheap mini PC?

Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (4 children)

Just because they don't sell their own motherboards separately doesn't mean you can't stick a compatible motherboard in there.

All PC parts, including OEM, follow well established standards and are easily replaceable.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (3 children)

Not entirely true. The big OEMs like HP and Dell often use non-standard motherboards and PSUs.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Worst case: you replace the case and PSU along with the motherboard.

You can use any old case from craigslist. I still use ATX cases from 2004.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

This is incorrect and bad advice. A Dell or Lenovo business class motherboard will not bolt into an ATX case, nor connect to an ATX power supply.

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