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!
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.
Not entirely true. The big OEMs like HP and Dell often use non-standard motherboards and PSUs.
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.
It really depends. I’ve seen PCs that use nonstandard parts just so you must use original parts, and systems which made use of new things like 12 volt only PSU really early and had great designs for easy access in a compact machine.
I try avoid, on server sometimes its not possible.
I like Supermicro because have some ATX form factor MB with standard connectors
If the price is right, and parts are easy to find while not being a rip off, they’re OK. You just have to ensure the machines don’t have design problems that will lead to quick failures such as poor thermal management.
If they meet your need at your price level there’s no problem. For years, my homelab consisted solely of Dell boxes from eBay and the dell refurb site.
I built the latest one myself since it was the cheaper way to get all the features I wanted in a single box.
