Scrap Motherboard Buying in Canada | Ohata Shoji Canada Inc.

Ohata Shoji Canada Inc. purchases scrap computer and server motherboards for material recovery. We work with businesses, recyclers, and IT operators across Canada, and review material based on board type, generation, and attached components.

With more than 25 years of experience in metal recycling through our parent company, Ohata Shoji Japan (established in 1998), we apply long-standing evaluation practices to motherboard recycling and material recovery in Canada.

Motherboards do not need to be functional. Boards that are outdated, damaged, or no longer usable are commonly accepted for recycling purposes.

Motherboard purchasing

We purchase a wide range of computer and server motherboards as circuit board scrap. Because the material is evaluated for metal recovery, functionality is not required.

Boards that no longer boot, have failed components, blown capacitors, or are obsolete due to system upgrades are all suitable for review. Both desktop and server-grade boards are accepted.

Motherboard purchases

Computer motherboards

In addition to standard desktop boards, we also handle server motherboards from data centers and enterprise equipment.

Server motherboards

If your boards are mixed or you are unsure of their classification, that is not a problem. Photos and a brief description are sufficient for an initial review.

How we classify motherboards

Motherboards differ by generation, primarily due to changes in CPU sockets, memory types, and system architecture. These differences affect how boards are categorized during evaluation.

The examples below illustrate common motherboard generations we regularly receive. You are not required to identify these details before contacting us.

CPU: Socket 1, Memory: SIMM

CPU: Socket 3, Memory: SIMM

CPU: Socket 5, Memory: SIMM

CPU: Socket 8, Memory: SIMM

CPU: Socket 8 x 2 (Dual)

CPU: Socket 7, Memory: SIMM

CPU: Socket 7, Memory: SIMM and DIMM compatible

CPU: Slot 1, Memory: DIMM

CPU: Slot 1 x 2 (Dual), Memory: DIMM

CPU: Socket 370, Memory: DIMM

CPU: Socket 370 x 2 (Dual), Memory: DIMM

CPU: Socket A (Socket 462), Memory: DIMM

CPU: Socket A (Socket 462) x 2 (Dual), Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket 423, Memory: RIMM

CPU: Socket 478, Memory: DIMM

CPU: Socket 478, Memory: RIMM

CPU: Socket 478, Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket 479, Memory: DDR2

CPU: Socket 563 (CPU socket for AMD mobile CPUs), Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket 603 (for servers) x 4 (Quad)

CPU: Socket 604 (Server) x 2 (Dual), Memory: DDR (ECC)

CPU: Socket 754, Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket 939, Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket 940 (Server) x 4 (Quad), Memory: DDR

CPU: Socket AM2, Memory: DDR2

CPU: Socket AM3, Memory: DDR3

CPU: Socket AM3, Memory: DDR? (Notebook)

CPU: LGA775, Memory: DDR2

CPU: LGA775, Memory: DDR2 (ECC)

CPU: LGA771 (Server) x 2 (Dual), Memory: DDR2 (ECC)

CPU: LGA1366, Memory: DDR3

CPU: LGA1366 x 2 (Dual), Memory: DDR3

CPU: LGA1156, Memory: DDR3

CPU: LGA1155, Memory: DDR3

CPU: Atom (Bolt-on = Non-removable), Memory: DDR2

CPU: Socket 959 (Sun Microsystems), Memory: Unknown

For CPU socket information, please also see What is a Motherboard CPU Socket?

Preparation guidelines: remove the CPU cooler

You may leave the CPU installed (slot-type CPUs must be removed). Please remove the CPU cooler (fan and heatsink) from the top of the CPU before bringing boards in.

CPU cooler (fan and heatsink) on the motherboard

CPU cooler removed from the motherboard, leaving only the CPU

CPU removed from the motherboard

If the heatsink removed from the CPU cooler is made entirely of aluminum, we will purchase it separately as an aluminum heatsink.

Aluminum heatsink

You may receive a higher return by removing the CPU and bringing it in separately. That said, CPUs are small and light, so the labour to remove them may outweigh the difference. Please decide what works best for your process, but be sure to remove any slot-type CPUs as noted above.

CPU removed from the motherboard (the square part at the top of the photo)

Please be sure to remove any slot-type CPUs.

The small heatsink on top of the chipset does not need to be removed.

Heatsink on top of the chipset

Preparation guidelines: remove the back panel

Please remove the back panel from the rear connector area.

Motherboard back panel

If the motherboard is still attached to a steel bracket or other support, please remove the support as well. We ask that you bring in the motherboard only.

Keep motherboards dry

Motherboards are purchased for metal recovery, including precious metals such as gold and silver. Because these metals are present in very small amounts, extra weight from moisture can affect grading and may reduce value.

Please ensure boards are dry before delivery.