My computer stopped turning on, so I took it to a technician. They found that it would only start after removing the graphics card, which I believe is an old GeForce GT 610. I'm currently using the integrated graphics instead, but I'm not sure what to do with the faulty card. I don't want to sell it without warning someone if it could prevent another computer from starting too. Should I give it away, sell it for parts, or take it somewhere for electronics recycling?
3 Answers
If nobody wants it, take it to an electronics-waste recycling facility. That’s better than putting it in regular trash, since graphics cards contain components that should be processed as e-waste. You can also ask a computer repair shop whether they accept old hardware for parts.
You could try testing it in another compatible computer first, but only if you’re comfortable doing that and the power supply and motherboard are suitable. Since the card already caused a no-boot problem, I wouldn’t risk valuable hardware just to confirm it’s dead. Label it clearly as non-working if you give it away.
A working GT 610 is worth very little these days, and if it prevents the computer from starting, it should be treated as faulty. Don’t sell it as a working card. You could list it for free or very cheaply for pickup, clearly stating that it may be defective and is intended for testing, repair, or parts.
Giving it away locally with a clear warning sounds like the most practical option.