The amount of gold in old computers is very small.
Old laptops and desktop computers are often described on the internet as hidden treasure chests. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Various videos and articles talk about quickly making a profit by dismantling outdated electronic devices and extracting precious metals from them. However, the reality is quite different from the sensational announcements.
Experts say that many devices do indeed contain gold, but the amount is so small. Extracting this amount at home is often practically unfeasible.
According to industrial standards, the amount of gold in one old laptop is approximately one hundredth of a gram, and in a desktop computer, about two hundredths of a gram. Even though the price of gold is high on the world market, the value of the metal extracted from a single device is only a few dollars.
Therefore, the popular belief that a large fortune can be found in a forgotten computer does not correspond to the real economy. Gold is not used in electronics without reason.
It conducts electricity very well and is much more resistant to rust or corrosion compared to other metals. These very properties make it valuable for creating reliable connectors, contacts, printed circuit boards, and microchips that work for a long time.
Manufacturers use gold not to make the device a luxury item, but as a very thin layer to ensure stable operation and reduce malfunctions. This advantage makes gold extraction difficult.
Gold inside a computer is not in large pieces or in a form that can be removed with simple tools, but rather in a very thin coating or microscopic amounts inside complex elements. To extract it, careful dismantling of parts, chemical processing, and special methods are required.
This process not only requires a lot of labor but can also be hazardous to human health if performed outside industrial conditions. Experts emphasize that although gold extraction is theoretically possible, it is rarely profitable for individuals.
To obtain just one gram of gold, a person would have to dismantle dozens, sometimes hundreds, of old devices. This requires a lot of time, space, and technical knowledge.
The income gained often does not cover the expenses, including materials, equipment, and safe disposal costs. The simple processes shown in short videos on the internet do not reflect the real scale of difficulties.
Nevertheless, the fact that extraction at home is unprofitable does not mean old electronics are worthless. On the contrary, they are an important source of recyclable materials.
Proper recycling is an effective way to protect nature and benefit the economy.
