Note: Please consider that the PGM (Pt, Pd, Rh) content might change from one catalytic to another (with the same serial #) due to its condition affected by mileage, weather conditions, etc. *Assay made with Niton XLT3GOLDD+
When it comes to gold recovery from electronic waste, ceramic CPUs are a significant source for small recyclers and dealers due to their gold content. With each model and type of CPU, the quantity of recoverable gold varies widely, influenced by factors like design era, processing power, and production specifications. Here, we outline data on specific CPU models and highlight valuable insights on ceramic capacitors and mixed component lots.
Gold Content by CPU Model
Based on both data and general industry experience, ceramic CPUs vary in their gold yield,
with “two-side gold” CPUs typically offering more gold than “one-side gold” models. Below is a detailed breakdown of gold content across several popular ceramic CPU models:
AMD 386: Yields approximately 9.69 grams of gold per kilogram (Kg).
AMD 486: Provides 5.73 grams of gold per Kg.
Intel 486: Similar to the AMD 486, with 5.73 grams per Kg.
AMD Duron: A lighter yield with about 2.2 grams per Kg.
Intel Pentium Pro: Contains 3.56 grams of gold per Kg.
Cyrix 6×86: Yields around 2.95 grams of gold per Kg.
These values highlight the variability in gold content by CPU type, where certain models like the AMD 386 yield significantly higher quantities of gold compared to more recent or less gold-dense models like the AMD Duron. This information is critical for recyclers to make informed decisions about which CPUs might be worth targeting for gold recovery.
Mixed Lot of Ceramic Capacitors and Small Components
For smaller recyclers, processing mixed lots of ceramic capacitors and other small components can also yield substantial quantities of gold and other precious metals. Based on findings from a 105 Kg lot, the following averages were observed:
Gold: Approximately 6.3 grams per Kg of material.
Palladium (Pd): About 1 ounce across the entire lot.
Silver (Ag): Approximately 570 grams in the total lot.
These results emphasize the value found in ceramic capacitors and mixed electronic components, which can contain a diverse range of precious metals beyond just gold.
Key Takeaways for Small Recyclers
Gold Recovery Potential: While some CPU models like the AMD 386 are highly
valuable for gold recovery, others may yield less. Sorting CPUs by model can help maximize returns.
Ceramic Capacitors as a Resource: Mixed lots of ceramic capacitors and small
components, while seemingly less targeted for recycling, can provide not only gold but also palladium and silver, making them an efficient source of multiple valuable metals. Metal-Specific Yields: Beyond gold, smaller recyclers should note that substantial amounts of silver and palladium can be extracted, adding value to the recycling process.
For small recyclers and dealers, this data is a practical guideline for optimizing gold recovery efforts. Prioritizing higher-yield CPUs, and not overlooking mixed lots of ceramic capacitors, can provide both economic and operational benefits in a competitive market.
