New source for modding supplies

[Mach]

For modders in the US, give your local Goodwill a call. Some of them have started a new store called Computer Works. They're recycling computers and selling them as whole systems or parts. I just got back from the one in Houston where I picked up a Linksys WRT54G for $20. They've got MB, CPUs, PSUs, cables...pretty much everything. As you might imagine, much of its older versions but for modding, the potential is huge. They probably had 50 or 60 cases on hand; some of which were server and other non-standard form factors.

The guy who runs the place says that they have stores in Texas in Austin, Houston, and Waco but there is similar stores in Massachusetts and California that he knew about.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UdQdiSb7gT4/SiHVQJqzRvI/AAAAAAAAExY/GAhXVvW09O8/s800/IMG_0006.JPG


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UdQdiSb7gT4/SiHVOpAamZI/AAAAAAAAExU/dWSXBvUaJIg/s800/IMG_0003.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UdQdiSb7gT4/SiHVMh25PtI/AAAAAAAAExQ/k1RB4PF0Xxs/s800/IMG_0002.JPG

[Axis Machine]

I wish I could vist that store I wonder if they have anything like that in my area?

[altec]

ROAD TRIP! :twisted: I need a road trip real bad! Maybe this fall I'll make the trip down! Or maybe they'll start one in the MD/DC area! :)

[Eclecticos]

They usually have a weekly auction at the local goodwill store.
You can also check out the auctions at ShopGoodwill (http://www.shopgoodwill.com/).com

Looks like allot of Dimensions, Presarios, and Emachines in that second picture.
There is one rouge Sony Vaio on the top shelf next the the home depot box. :)

[Mach]

@Eclecticos - Thanks for the tip. Although why they went to a private auction instead of Craiglist or Ebay is unusual. The mix of stuff in the Misc category is amusing Gas Mask next to a Hello Kitty toaster.

The have quite a few Dells both desktop and laptops with an absolute stack of slimline cd and floppy laptop drives.

@Altec - I wouldn't roadtrip for it unless I was road tripping to Austin for Maker Faire and swung by their store. It's a pretty cool find if you're local but not worth it if you're burning gas to get there.

@Axis Machine - Give Goodwill or your local donation charity a call. It's all gotta go somewhere.

[Funk]

What area of Houston is this in? I go down to Humble about 4 times a year. I'm going to have to check this place out. I haven't seen or heard of any around me =(

[sloppyc]

Man, the one around here doesn't have that kind of stock.

[199Crazy]

Omfg Mod Heaven!!

[theashmonkey]

damn we need one of those shops this side of the pond!

[Mach]

Here you go Funk

http://www.houstoncomputerworks.org/

[cpt_jr]

goodwill+computers = cheap computers
cheap computers= low risk mods
low risk mods= more mods
more mods = awesome

therefor goodwill = awesome