Quick Summary
- There is anywhere between 0.1 to 0.5 grams of gold in a single CPU.
- If a gram of gold is worth $60, you’ll typically get $30 worth of gold from a single CPU. To make a profit, you’ll have to dismantle hundreds of CPUs to extract a significant amount of gold.
- Gold is commonly present in many processors because of its durability, ability to withstand corrosion and rust, malleability, and compatibility with other materials.
- You can extract gold from a processor using the chemical bath method. Ensure to exercise care, as some of these chemicals are toxic.
In today’s digital era, where technology continues to shape and revolutionize our lives, it’s easy to overlook the incredible value hidden within the devices we rely on daily. One such marvel of engineering is the computer processor, the unsung hero behind the seamless execution of countless tasks. However, beyond its computational prowess lies a surprising secret—an often overlooked treasure trove of precious metals, with gold leading the way.
Within every computer processor, carefully constructed from layers of intricate circuitry and semiconductor materials, lie minuscule traces of gold that play a vital role in their functionality. While gold may not be the primary component, its remarkable conductivity and corrosion resistance make it indispensable in ensuring reliable electrical connections and preventing degradation over time.
A processor’s pins, caps, and internal wiring contain gold because it is a very malleable conductor. However, expect only low quantities at roughly 0.1 to 0.3 grams per processor. In addition, despite soaring gold prices, you won’t make a fortune collecting and selling this gold from CPUs.
In this article, we explore the inner workings of computer processors, aiming to answer the burning question: How much gold is contained within these seemingly unassuming electronic components?
How Much Gold is in a CPU?
The amount of gold in computer processors varies from model to model. Different processors have different quantities of gold.
Usually, the older models (e.g., 386 and 486) have the highest quantity of gold, inside the pins, internal wiring, and processor caps. Still, don’t expect to find more than 0.5 grams of gold in your antique processor.
Older processors with the highest amount of gold include the following:
- Intel Pentium Pro
- Intel 386 and 486
- AMD K5
- Intel 8000
By comparison, newer models rarely contain gold, thanks to cheaper alternatives. If your newer processor does contain gold, expect coatings to be less than one micron thick.
How Much Money Can You Make from the Gold in Computer Processors?
Unfortunately, you won’t get rich from harvesting gold from old computer processors — at least not unless you have thousands and thousands of grams.
Currently, a gram of gold is worth $60. At best, you’ll get about $30 worth of gold from a single CPU. On average, you might score between $6 and $10.
The best way to make bank from the gold in your computer processor is if you’ve scoured close to 100, at which point you might make anywhere between $600 and $3,000.
But it’s still money to be made if you can get your hand on these old processors for free – or if you have some at home. For example, if you have 100 processors, you can get anything from $600 to $3,000 worth of gold out of them.
Why is Gold Used in a Processor?
Most CPUs contain gold because of its conductivity and durability. However, there are other benefits that gold provides.
Corrosion-Free & Durable
Gold is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Unlike other metals, it does not form oxides or tarnishes when exposed to air or moisture. This property makes gold ideal for long-term use in electronic devices, as it helps maintain stable electrical connections over time, preventing degradation or signal loss due to corrosion.
In addition, gold’s excellent durability and stability make it well-suited for such environments. It can withstand the heat generated by the processor without losing its conductivity or physical integrity, ensuring the long-term reliability and functionality of the CPU.
Malleable & Ductile
wires without fracturing or breaking. This property allows for the precise deposition of gold layers onto specific contact points within the CPU during manufacturing. The ability to mold gold into various shapes and sizes ensures accurate placement and optimal electrical conductivity within the processor.
The flexibility of gold allows it to be drawn into thin wires or filaments. These gold wires can bond, connect different components, or conduct electrical signals within the CPU. The flexibility of gold wires enables them to be routed through intricate pathways and tightly packed circuitry, facilitating seamless integration and compact design of the processor.
Strong Connectivity
Gold is compatible with various soldering processes used to assemble electronic components. It forms solid and reliable bonds with other metals, making it suitable for connecting wires, pins, and other elements within the CPU. Gold’s compatibility with soldering techniques ensures robust and secure connections, minimizing the risk of electrical failures.
Limited Interactions with Other Materials
Gold exhibits inert behavior, meaning it does not react readily with other substances or materials commonly found in CPUs. This inertness prevents the formation of unwanted compounds or reactions that could negatively impact the CPU’s performance or stability.
Can You Extract Gold from CPUs at Home?
Getting the gold out of your computer’s processor is not easy. In addition, performing this task at home will require many precautions, as you will handle potentially toxic chemicals and sharp tools.
If attempting to extract gold from your CPU, adhere to the following precautions:
- Wear solid rubber gloves, eye goggles, and a safety mask to protect you from inhaling chemical fumes.
- Ensure you’re in a spacious, well-ventilated area with no flammable materials around.
- When handling sharp tools, do so carefully, and never remove your gloves.
- Never leave the materials you use during the process unattended.
How Do You Extract Gold from the Processor?
Apart from the safety items listed above and the processor(s), you will also need a screwdriver, an ATX power supply tester, cable testers, and multi-testers.
You’ll also need borax, hydrogen peroxide, muriatic acid, and methyl hydrate.
The Chemical Bath Method
As its name suggests, the chemical bath method involves soaking your processor (and motherboard) in a bath of chemicals to break down the precious metals. Doing so separates other materials from the processor other than gold. From the process, you’ll mine copper, zinc, and nickel. However, these metals are far less monetarily valuable.
Perform the chemical bath by following these steps:
- If your processor has an aluminum cap, remove it with anything else you can remove — carefully use a sharp tool like a screwdriver.
- In a bucket large enough to hold your items, mix muriatic acid and a 2% to 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 2:1. This will activate the acid, and it will start bubbling.
- With your safety gear properly equipped, place the processor in the liquid, and it will start dissolving it.
Important: The fumes released during this process are hazardous and could harm your eyes or even cause you to faint. Always wear protective gear.
- As the acid breaks down the gold, it will start floating in flakes on top of the liquid. Remove these flakes with wooden tools (like a soup spoon) or a sieve.
Final Words
While extracting gold from a processor and selling it may seem lucrative, you won’t typically harvest enough to make more than a few dollars. Thus, you may want to rethink your plan to purchase old computers and harvest their parts.
Plus, your skill level will dictate how easy the process will be. Instead, your best bet is to invest in the best laptop for personal use and enjoy it as it is!