Last updated: January 2026
Scrap Price for Expansion Slot Card with Bracket (Without Fan or Heatsink)
If you have an expansion slot card with a metal bracket (but no fan or heatsink), you can still recycle it for value rather than binning it.
These cards often contain gold-plated edge connectors, copper traces, and mixed-grade electronic components that contribute to scrap value when processed correctly.
This page explains what counts as this item type, how pricing is typically worked out, and how to book a recycling collection quickly.
What Counts as an “Expansion Slot Card with Bracket” (No Fan/Heatsink)
This product category usually includes PCB-based add-in cards designed for PCI, PCIe, AGP, ISA, or similar slots, with a metal rear bracket attached.
Common examples include network interface cards (NIC), USB expansion cards, capture cards, audio cards, RAID/SATA controllers, modem cards, and low-profile add-in cards where the cooling parts have been removed or were never fitted.
If the card is a GPU but the fan and heatsink are removed, it may still fit this category depending on the board type and component density.
Quick Sorting Tips Before You Recycle
Keep cards dry and grouped by type where possible, as clean and well-sorted loads often achieve better outcomes than mixed, contaminated scrap.
If you have cards with heavy steel shielding, bulky metalwork, or glued-on plastics, separate them where possible to avoid downgrading the batch.
If you’re unsure, send a WhatsApp photo and we’ll guide you on the best category before collection.
Scrap Price Table for Expansion Slot Cards (Without Fan or Heatsink)
Prices can vary based on grade, quantity, contamination, and overall component density, so the ranges below are typical guide values.
| Card Type |
Typical Condition |
Guide Price Range |
Notes |
| Expansion Slot Card with Bracket (No Fan/Heatsink) |
Mixed / Unsorted |
£2.00 – £6.80 per kg |
Most common grade for general add-in cards |
| High-Density PCIe Cards (Controllers / Pro Cards) |
Clean / Sorted |
£3.00 – £12.50 per kg |
Often higher value due to component density |
| Older Low-Density PCI / ISA Cards |
Dusty / Mixed |
£1.20 – £4.80 per kg |
Lower density can reduce overall yield |
| Gold-Finger Edge Connector Offcuts |
Separated / Clean |
Quoted on assessment |
Usually priced based on grade and contamination |
Pricing is always confirmed at the time of quote to reflect the current scrap market and your specific batch quality.
Popular Models and Card Types People Recycle
These are some of the common expansion card types we see in computer and laptop recycling streams.
If your card matches one of these families, it’s typically suitable for this category (as long as it has the bracket and no cooling assembly fitted).
- PCIe Network Cards: Intel PRO/1000 series, Broadcom NetXtreme adapters, Realtek-based NICs
- USB Expansion Cards: Inateck USB 3.0 PCIe cards, generic VIA/ASMedia chipset cards
- Storage Controllers: LSI RAID cards, Dell PERC controller boards (bracket fitted), SATA expansion cards
- Audio Cards: Creative Sound Blaster PCI/PCIe boards, ASUS Xonar series (where applicable)
- Capture / TV Tuner Cards: older Hauppauge-style tuner boards, PCIe capture cards (without external enclosures)
If you are also clearing other parts from a full system strip-out, you may want to compare values across multiple categories to maximise your return.
Related Scrap Categories
If your load includes mixed electronics from PC tear down, these pages help you check rates and sort efficiently.
Recycling Locations and Drop-Off Options
If you prefer to drop off rather than book a collection, browse nearby options on our recycling locations page.
This helps local businesses, repair shops, and IT recyclers plan the quickest route for compliant disposal.
Find your nearest recycling location
Book Flow: How to Get Your Quote and Arrange Collection
Use the steps below to keep the process fast, accurate, and properly recorded for your recycling paperwork needs.
- Step 1: Count or weigh your expansion slot cards (even a rough estimate helps)
- Step 2: Separate obvious mixed grades (motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and general PCBs)
- Step 3: Message us on WhatsApp with your (Town) and what you have (photos help)
- Step 4: Receive a quote and collection options based on your batch type and quantity
- Step 5: Book a pickup time or choose a recycling location drop-off that suits you
For the fastest response, use the location-based quote button below.
Get a Scrap Quote for Expansion Cards
Computer Recycling and Laptop Recycling: Where Expansion Cards Fit In
Expansion cards typically come from desktop towers, workstations, and servers, but they can also appear in specialist laptop docking systems and external expansion setups.
If you’re recycling full devices, you may also have repairable units that can be separated from scrap to increase overall return.
Examples of devices often stripped for parts or recycled (depending on condition and repair cost):
- Business laptops: Dell Latitude, HP EliteBook, Lenovo ThinkPad (repairs: screens, batteries, charging ports)
- Desktops: Dell OptiPlex, HP ProDesk, Lenovo ThinkCentre (repairs: PSU faults, no-boot issues, RAM upgrades)
- Workstations: Dell Precision, HP Z-series, Lenovo ThinkStation (repairs: GPU replacement, storage controller issues)
- Servers: Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant (repairs: RAID cards, memory errors, backplane faults)
If you’re a repair shop or IT refurbisher, separating repairable stock from scrap-grade components can reduce waste and improve margins.
If you want a local quote with a quick turnaround, use the WhatsApp buttons on this page and mention your Town.
FAQ: Expansion Slot Card Scrap Pricing and Recycling
How is the scrap value of an expansion slot card calculated?
Value is usually influenced by PCB grade, component density, connector plating, contamination (dirt, plastic, excess metal), and whether items are mixed or sorted.
Do I need to remove the bracket before recycling?
Not always, as this product type includes the bracket, but large extra metalwork can reduce grading in mixed loads, so separating bulky metal pieces can help.
What if my card used to have a heatsink or fan?
If the fan/heatsink is removed and the board matches this category, it’s often acceptable here, but the best approach is to share a photo for confirmation.
Can I recycle bulk quantities from office clear-outs?
Yes, bulk quantities are common from IT asset disposal, upgrade cycles, and repair shop clear-outs, and we can advise on sorting for best value.
Do you recycle other boards at the same time?
Yes, many customers combine expansion cards with motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and mixed circuit boards to simplify pickup and improve overall load efficiency.
How do I find a recycling location near me?
Use our
recycling location finder and select the nearest option for your Town.
Helpful Tip: Combine Similar Scrap for Better Sorting
If you’re stripping computers, sort into simple groups: expansion cards, motherboards, RAM, CPUs/ICs, and mixed circuit boards.
This reduces contamination and makes it easier to apply the right pricing category for each batch.
If you need a quick guide, the internal pricing pages above can help you organise your load before contacting us.
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