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!

  • dogbert_2001@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    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.

      • dogbert_2001@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        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.

        • HoustonBOFH@alien.topB
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 year 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.

      • KyotoBeerNinja@alien.topOPB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Indeed, and even the case can be tricky. I think you sometimes have to drill the case if you want to install a standard motherboard.