What determines your computer's resale value

Your computer's worth depends on five things: what model it is, how old it is, what condition it's in, how much storage and memory it has, and what the current market is paying for that exact combination right now. A MacBook Pro from 2019 in good condition with 16GB of RAM will sell for more than an identical model with 8GB, and both will be worth less than a 2021 version. The same machine might fetch $400 on Facebook Marketplace and $350 on eBay because different buyers use different platforms.

The processor matters more than almost anything else. A computer with an older processor—even if it's only three years old—drops in value faster than one with a current-generation chip. Storage capacity also moves the needle: a 512GB drive is worth noticeably less than a 1TB drive in the same model year. Cosmetic damage (dents, scratches) hurts resale value less than functional problems (keyboard issues, battery that won't hold charge, screen damage).

Key Takeaways

  • Check the exact model, year, processor, RAM, and storage capacity of your computer before looking up its value anywhere.
  • Use eBay's completed listings (not active listings) to see what buyers actually paid for your model in the last 90 days.
  • Condition matters: a working computer with cosmetic damage is worth 60–80% of the same model in mint condition.
  • Local sales (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist) usually fetch 10–20% more than shipping-based sales because the buyer avoids shipping costs.
  • Specialized sites like Decluttr and Gazelle offer when ready quotes but typically pay 20–30% less than private sales.

How to find your computer's model and specs

You need the exact model number and year before any price lookup will be accurate. On a Windows machine, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer," select Properties, and write down the manufacturer, model name, and Windows version. For the processor and RAM, open Settings, go to System, then About—you'll see the processor type and installed RAM listed there. For storage, right-click your C: drive, select Properties, and note the total size.

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select About This Mac, and you'll see the model (MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, etc.), the year, the processor, the RAM, and the storage capacity all on one screen. Write all of this down or take a screenshot. If you're selling a laptop, also note the battery health: on Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and type powercfg /batteryreport; on Mac, hold Option and click the battery icon in the menu bar to see the condition.

Using eBay completed listings to price your computer

eBay's completed listings show you what people actually paid, not what sellers are asking. Go to eBay.com, search for your exact model (for example, "MacBook Pro 15-inch 2019 16GB 512GB"), then on the left side click "Show only" and select "Sold listings." This filters to machines that actually sold in the last 90 days. Look for listings that match your specs as closely as possible—same year, same processor, same RAM and storage, and similar condition.

Ignore the outliers: one person might have paid $800 for a machine in perfect condition while another paid $300 for one with a cracked screen. The middle range of prices is what your computer is probably worth. If you see 10 sales of your model, and they range from $350 to $550, your machine is likely worth somewhere in that band. Write down the range and the condition descriptions so you know what price matches your computer's actual state.

Condition ratings and how they affect price

Condition is usually rated as Mint (looks new, no visible wear), Excellent (very light cosmetic wear, fully functional), Good (visible wear but fully functional), Fair (noticeable wear or minor functional issues), or Poor (major damage or significant functional problems). A computer in Mint condition sells for 100% of the market price. Excellent condition is typically 85–95% of that price. Good condition is 70–85%. Fair condition drops to 50–70%, and Poor condition is 20–50%.

Functional problems hurt worse than cosmetic ones. A keyboard that sticks, a battery that won't charge, or a screen with dead pixels will drop your price more than a dent in the case or worn palm rest. If your computer has a functional issue, test it thoroughly before listing: try every key, charge the battery fully and time how long it holds power, open and close the screen repeatedly, and run a video or photo on the display to check for dead pixels or discoloration. Buyers will test these things themselves, and honesty about problems builds trust and prevents returns.

Where to sell your computer and what each platform pays

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are local sales platforms where you meet the buyer in person. You avoid shipping costs and delays, so you can usually ask 10–20% more than you'd get from a shipped sale. The tradeoff is that you handle the transaction yourself, meet a stranger, and have no buyer protection if they claim the computer doesn't work after they leave. Always meet in a public place, bring the power adapter and any original cables, and let the buyer test the machine thoroughly before handing it over.

eBay lets you ship nationwide or worldwide, which reaches more buyers but costs you 12–15% in fees (eBay's cut plus payment processing) and requires you to cover return shipping if the buyer claims the item arrived damaged or doesn't match the description. You also wait 2–3 weeks for payment after the buyer receives the machine. Specialized buyback sites like Decluttr, Gazelle, and Best Buy Trade-In offer when ready quotes and handle shipping for free, but they typically pay 20–30% less than private sales because they resell the machines themselves and need margin. Use these sites if you want the fastest, simplest transaction rather than the highest price.

Adjusting your price for age and market trends

Computers lose value fastest in the first two years, then more slowly after that. A one-year-old computer is worth roughly 60–70% of its original retail price. A three-year-old computer is worth 40–50%. A five-year-old computer is worth 20–30%, unless it's a high-end model or has specs that are still competitive. These are rough ranges—the actual number depends on the processor, because a five-year-old computer with a current-generation processor is worth more than a two-year-old computer with an outdated one.

Market trends also shift the value. When a new MacBook model launches, older MacBooks drop in price because buyers prefer the new version. When a new Windows processor generation comes out, laptops with the old processor become less desirable. If your computer uses an older processor, expect to price it lower than the eBay completed listings suggest, because those listings may include newer models. Conversely, if your computer has a very recent processor, you may be able to ask more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my computer won't turn on?

A computer that won't power on is worth 10–20% of what a working model would fetch, because the buyer has to pay for repair or parts. Try plugging it into a different outlet and holding the power button for 30 seconds; sometimes this works. If it still won't start, be honest about it in your listing and price accordingly. Some buyers repair computers for resale and will still purchase it.

Should I factory reset my computer before selling it?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset this PC," then choose "Remove everything." On Mac, restart while holding Command+R to enter Recovery Mode, then use Disk Utility to erase the drive and reinstall macOS. This removes your personal files and makes the buyer's setup easier. It also shows you've taken care of the machine.

Is it worth selling a very old computer?

Computers older than 7–8 years are usually worth $50–150 unless they're rare or high-end models. If the shipping cost is $15–20, your profit margin shrinks. Consider donating it instead for a tax deduction, or selling it locally on Facebook Marketplace where you avoid shipping costs. Some schools and nonprofits also accept old computers.

How do I know if a buyer on Facebook Marketplace is legitimate?

Check their profile for a history of completed sales and reviews from other sellers. Ask to meet in a public place during daylight, bring someone with you, and let the buyer test the computer thoroughly before handing it over. Never agree to ship first and receive payment later, and never accept payment methods you can't verify (like wire transfers or gift cards).

What if my computer has a cracked screen?

A cracked screen drops the value to 30–50% of what a working screen would fetch, because screen replacement is expensive. Be clear about the damage in your listing and price it accordingly. Some buyers repair computers and will still purchase it, but many won't.