CPU S Grade (Gold Cap Ceramic CPU) Buying scrap price

Learn more about CPU Scrap Classification

CPU-S Grade (Gold Cap Ceramic IC, No Gold Legs, Standard Ceramic CPU)

What Qualifies as CPU-S

CPU-S Grade is one of the processor categories defined by the Ohata CPU Classification System. Unlike conventional CPU classifications based on manufacturer, processor model, clock speed, or original retail value, the Ohata system evaluates processors according to their package construction, physical characteristics, recoverable material profile, completeness, and overall condition.

CPU-S primarily includes Gold Cap Ceramic ICs without gold legs and standard ceramic CPUs. Typical examples include white, purple, and gray ceramic processor packages that feature a visible gold-plated cap but do not have gold-plated legs or pins. Although these processors were manufactured by different companies for various computing platforms, they are grouped together because they share similar package construction and recoverable material characteristics.

Every processor is individually inspected before a final CPU-S classification is assigned. Physical construction—not processor brand or specifications—determines the final buying grade.

Visual Identification Guide

CPU-S processors can usually be identified through their ceramic package construction and visible gold cap. Correct identification should always be based on the complete processor package rather than the manufacturer or printed model number.

Gold Cap Ceramic IC (No Gold Legs)

The primary CPU-S category consists of ceramic integrated circuits fitted with a gold-plated cap while lacking gold-plated legs or pins. These processors typically have a square ceramic body with a gold cap attached to the top surface.

The absence of gold-plated legs is one of the easiest ways to distinguish CPU-S from higher ceramic CPU grades.

Standard Ceramic CPU

Standard ceramic processors also qualify for CPU-S when their package construction matches the Ohata CPU Classification requirements. These processors may have ceramic bodies in various colors but share similar engineering characteristics and recoverable material profiles.

White Ceramic CPU

White ceramic processors are among the most recognizable CPU-S packages. Their ceramic construction provides excellent durability while the gold cap contributes to their recoverable precious metal content.

Purple Ceramic CPU

Many older processors use purple ceramic packages with a gold-plated cap. Depending on their overall package construction and pin configuration, these processors may qualify for CPU-S after inspection.

Gray Ceramic CPU

Gray ceramic processors are less common but may also belong to CPU-S when they satisfy the physical requirements of the Ohata CPU Classification System.

What Does Not Qualify as CPU-S

Not every ceramic processor belongs to CPU-S.

The following processors are generally classified elsewhere:

• Gold cap with gold legs → CPU-SSS

• Ceramic CPU with gold legs but no gold cap → CPU-SS

• Ceramic CPU with metal heat plate → CPU-B

• Fiber package processors → CPU-A, CPU-C, or CPU-D depending on construction

Whenever classification is uncertain, the complete processor package is physically inspected before a final buying grade is assigned.

Common Sources of CPU-S Processors

CPU-S processors are commonly recovered from:

• Desktop computers

• Professional workstations

• Enterprise servers

• Industrial control equipment

• Telecommunications systems

• Scientific instruments

• Medical electronics

• Military and embedded computer systems

Many CPU-S processors originate from legacy computer systems manufactured during the ceramic CPU era and continue to enter the recycling stream through equipment upgrades, IT asset disposition (ITAD) projects, electronic dismantling, and industrial equipment replacement.

Why CPU-S Has Recycling Value

CPU-S processors are valued because of their ceramic package construction and recoverable precious metal content.

Unlike modern fiber processors, ceramic CPU packages were designed for durability, long service life, and stable electrical performance. Their ceramic substrate, gold-plated cap, internal bonding wires, and precision semiconductor package contribute to their recycling value.

Although CPU-S processors generally contain less recoverable precious metal than premium ceramic CPUs with gold-plated legs, they remain an important category within the Ohata CPU Classification System due to their construction quality and recoverable materials.

The buying value of a CPU-S processor is determined by the complete processor package rather than any single visible feature.

Buying Standards

Higher purchasing values are generally offered for CPU-S processors that are:

• Complete and unmodified

• Clean and dry

• Properly sorted as CPU-S

• Free from excessive corrosion

• Free from glue, epoxy, thermal compound, or heavy contamination

• Removed from heatsinks, motherboard sections, and unrelated electronic scrap

Proper preparation before delivery helps improve inspection efficiency and supports accurate classification under the Ohata CPU Classification System.

Common Reasons for Reduced Purchasing Value

Purchasing values may be reduced when processors are:

• Mixed with other CPU grades

• Broken ceramic packages

• Missing gold caps

• Burned or heavily corroded

• Covered with excessive contamination

• Still attached to heatsinks or printed circuit boards

• Mixed with miscellaneous electronic scrap

Processors that are damaged or incomplete may be assigned to another CPU grade following inspection.

Common Misclassification Guide

CPU-S vs CPU-SSS

CPU-SSS processors have both a gold cap and gold-plated legs or pins. CPU-S processors have a gold cap but do not have gold-plated legs. This is one of the easiest ways to distinguish these two premium ceramic CPU grades.

CPU-S vs CPU-SS

CPU-SS processors normally have gold-plated legs but no gold cap, while CPU-S processors have a gold cap but no gold legs. Although both use ceramic packages, the package construction differs significantly.

CPU-S vs CPU-B

CPU-B primarily includes ceramic processors fitted with a metal heat plate rather than a gold cap. Large BGA chips with visible gold tabs also belong to CPU-B. The top surface of the processor is one of the quickest visual differences.

CPU-S vs CPU-C

CPU-C mainly includes fiber processors, Slot CPU modules, and plastic processors with gold-plated legs. CPU-S processors use ceramic package construction rather than organic fiber substrates.

Inspection and Classification

Every CPU-S shipment is individually inspected before the final buying grade is confirmed.

Inspectors evaluate:

• Ceramic package construction

• Gold cap configuration

• Presence or absence of gold legs

• Physical condition

• Completeness

• Cleanliness

• Recoverable material profile

• Quantity submitted

Processor manufacturer, processor model, clock speed, computing performance, and original retail value are not the primary factors used during classification.

Official Ohata CPU-S Classification Statement

A processor may be officially classified as CPU-S Grade when its ceramic package construction, gold cap configuration, recoverable material profile, physical characteristics, completeness, and overall condition satisfy the requirements of the Ohata CPU Classification System.

CPU-S primarily includes Gold Cap Ceramic ICs without gold-plated legs and standard ceramic CPUs. Classification is determined through physical inspection rather than processor manufacturer, model number, processor specifications, or original selling price. Final purchasing prices are confirmed after inspection according to current market conditions and the official Ohata CPU Classification System.

Ready to Sell CPU-S Processors in Richmond?

Once you believe your processors match the CPU-S characteristics, you don’t need to confirm the final grade yourself. The next step is simply to check the current buying information, keep the processors intact and prepare them for inspection.

STEP 1 – Check Today’s Buying Prices and Sort Your Materials

Before visiting our Richmond yard, please review the latest Canadian e-scrap buying prices and identification guides in the Ohata Scrap Wiki.

You can also use Ohata.AI Vision 1.0 Beta 1.0 to investigate an unfamiliar circuit board. Upload a clear photograph, and the tool can analyze visible features, such as the board’s shape, CPU socket, integrated circuits, connectors and component layout, to suggest what type of board it may be.

Buying prices and conditions may change with the market, so checking the applicable item page before you leave can help you understand how your material should be prepared.

Whenever practical, separate your e-scrap into groups such as:

• Computer motherboards

• Hard drives and HDD controller boards

• Server boards

• Laptop motherboards and logic boards

• Telecommunications boards

• CPUs and memory modules

• Power supplies and cables

• Other or uncertain electronic scrap

You don’t need to assign every item a final grade yourself. If something is unfamiliar, keep it in an “uncertain” group and use Ohata.AI for a preliminary photo-based identification.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours, and no appointment is required for most ordinary drop-offs.

If you have a large commercial load, palletized shipment or an unusual type of material, please contact the Richmond team before visiting so we can prepare for your arrival.

STEP 2 – Bring Your E-Scrap and Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

Please bring your electronic scrap together with a valid government-issued photo ID.

Examples may include:

• British Columbia Driver’s Licence

• BC Identification Card

• BC Services Card with photo

• Canadian passport

• Permanent Resident Card

• Other valid government-issued photo identification

Business sellers may also be asked to provide company information or supporting documentation when applicable.

Clearly separated and labelled material is usually quicker to inspect. If possible, prepare the approximate weight and quantity for each group before visiting.

Please also remember that computers, servers, hard drives and solid-state drives may contain personal or business information. Back up anything you need and follow your own data-security requirements before the equipment leaves your control.

STEP 3 – Visit Our Richmond E-Scrap Buying Yard

Our Richmond yard is located at 11220 Voyageur Way, Unit 7, Richmond, BC, V6X 3E1. Before leaving, you can check the route and current traffic information through Google Maps.

1. Look for the Ohata sign

When you arrive at the property, first look for the Ohata Resource Canada Inc. sign on the building. Once you find it, continue around to the rear of the building, where our warehouse entrance is located.

When you see this sign, continue around to the rear of the building.

2. Continue to the Rear Warehouse Entrance

Drive carefully around the building and look for the vertical Ohata sign beside the rear entrance. This vertical sign is the easiest landmark for finding our receiving warehouse.

Follow the route around the building to reach the warehouse.

The vertical Ohata sign identifies the correct warehouse entrance.

3. Park Directly in Front of the Warehouse

If you arrive by car, you may park directly in front of the Ohata warehouse entrance while your e-scrap is being received.

Once you reach the warehouse, please park and wait there. A member of our team will come to assist you with your material.

If you have difficulty finding the rear entrance, please call or message us:

Telephone and WhatsApp: +1 (236) 888-1086

For large commercial loads or palletized shipments, please contact the Richmond team before visiting so we can prepare for unloading.

When you arrive:

• Bring smaller quantities to the receiving area.

• Ask a staff member for assistance with heavy or larger loads.

• Our team will inspect, sort and weigh the material.

• The applicable buying category and condition will be confirmed.

• The final buying price will be determined after physical inspection.

• Payment will be processed according to the current purchasing policy.

Walk-in customers are welcome during regular business hours. Most visits don’t require an appointment, but advance contact is recommended for commercial, palletized or unusually large loads.

You can review directions, parking and visitor information on the Richmond yard access page.

Helpful Tips Before Your Richmond Visit

• Check the current Canadian buying prices before travelling.

• Use Ohata.AI when you need help identifying an unfamiliar item.

• Take clear front-and-back photographs before requesting an initial review.

• Separate different board and equipment categories whenever practical.

• Keep damaged, wet, burned, corroded or contaminated items separate.

• Remove unrelated garbage and unnecessary packaging.

• Don’t cut boards or remove major components unless you understand how the separated materials will be evaluated.

• Back up and erase data-bearing devices according to your requirements.

• Bring valid government-issued photo identification.

• Contact Ohata Resource Canada Inc. before bringing a large commercial or palletized load.

Published online prices are references and may change. Final acceptance, classification, measured weight and buying price are determined after physical inspection.

Learn more about Ohata's CPU recycling classifications

• CPU SSS Grade ( Gold Cap ceramic CPU) buying scrap price

• CPU SS Grade Buying scrap price

• CPU A Grade Buying scrap price

• CPU B Grade Buying scrap price

• CPU C Buying scrap price

• CPU D Grade (Slot CPU/ CPU Module)

• CPU E Grade (Plastic IC and Processor Chips) Buying scrap price

• CPU F Grade ( Damaged,Dirty and Mix CPU) Buying scrap price