Coming to a datacenter corner near you…
Dust off those old systems because it’s the IBM RS6000 Antiques Roadshow!
While this program wouldn’t be incredibly exciting to anyone outside
of the Unix world, there are definitely finds to be had. In our
marketplace of server, storage and networking gear, older equipment can
suddenly jump in value. An outdated system or part will often encounter
an unexpected blip in demand or it could be in such limited supply that
it goes from obsolete to coveted antique.
For example, take the IBM RS/6000 C20 Server. A base
configuration originally sold new from IBM for $11,500 list. As of last
year, these could be picked up for as low as $200 each. Then, something
strange happened in the long-stagnant C20 market. A government or
maintenance client must have made a significant purchase of them as they
suddenly were nowhere to be found. Due to this scarcity, values are on
the rise and the base now sells for upwards of $800. Now that isn’t like
finding a Van Gogh behind a cheap coffee shop canvas, but it’s surely
better to get something back for your gear than to pay somebody else to
scrap it.
The value of components also often jumps due to supply and demand factors. The IBM 2975
10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet feature became a very expensive card last
year. These adapters list for $1,333-$1,600 (depending on which system
they’re being installed into), yet on the used market you couldn’t find
one below $1,600 due to the high demand. Fortunately, they have now
fallen back to a more rational price of around $650 each.
Keep in mind these are sales prices and stocking prices will always
vary based on existing inventory and long-term sales prospects. It’s
normal for equipment to slowly decrease in value – these increases are
very much the exception.
Nonetheless, it’s worth taking a look at that dusty pile of systems
you’ve been meaning to scrap, and take a minute to run it by a remarketer.
You might just find an antique surprise in the lot. If not, we can
typically arrange the freight and take the gear off of your hands.