October 15, 2026
Some computer processors contain small amounts of gold, concentrated specifically in the gold-colored pins and connectors. Despite their external appearance, these parts are not entirely made of the precious metal, but rather are coated with a thin layer of it that is placed over other base metals, most notably copper.
According to a report published by the American “BGR” website, gold is relied upon in these components due to its high ability to resist corrosion and oxidation, in addition to its vital role in ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the processor and the motherboard.
In the same context, a practical experiment to extract metals from 150 Intel Pentium 4 processors showed a yield of less than one gram of gold, which confirms the small actual quantities present in these units. On the other hand, estimates by Phoenix Refining indicate that some old computer boards, especially those manufactured during the 1990s, may contain quantities ranging from one gram to 5 grams, depending on the quality of the components.
Despite the potential financial value of these minerals, their extraction requires the use of advanced equipment and fine chemicals. This may make the total costs exceed the value of the recovered gold, which favors recycling devices through specialized agencies as the safest and most economically feasible option.
