UPFRONT/LIVE
There’s Money in That Box of Old Cables
Before you dispose of that knot of cords, separate the treasure from the trash
YOU MAY THINK those old electronics cords you’ve been hanging on to are useless, but before you get rid of them, check to see if you can mine them for some cash. Fans of classic tech have created a market for missing cables. Here are a few to look for (prices may fluctuate).
CABLE: DISPLAYPORT
LOOKS LIKE:
Usually black and similar to an HDMI cable but with one angled corner (versus two for HDMI) on the connector on each end.
RESALE VALUE: $5 to $150, depending on length
CABLE: SCSI (SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE)
LOOKS LIKE:
Usually beige or black, with wide heads on both ends that have a small row of tiny holes or pin-like metal teeth. These cables can be round or flat.
RESALE VALUE: $18 to $50
CABLE: DVI (DIGITAL VISUAL INTERFACE)
LOOKS LIKE:
Cord colors vary. Each end has a wide connector with rows of pins and two screws.
RESALE VALUE: $5 to $45
CABLE: APPLE 30-PIN CONNECTOR
LOOKS LIKE:
White, with a base on one end about an inch wide and a USB connector on the other end.
RESALE VALUE: $5 to $15
CABLE: NINTENDO GAMECUBE COMPONENT
LOOKS LIKE:
Gray, with the words “Nintendo GameCube” on one end and three prongs (red, blue and green) on the other end.
RESALE VALUE: $150 to $200
CABLE: XBOX HIGH-DEFINITION DISPLAY
LOOKS LIKE:
Black, with a wide slot on one end and five prongs (green, blue, white and two red) on the other end.
RESALE VALUE: $60 to $90
There is one prominent online reseller (usedcable.com) that buys such products. Or you can list your items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy or Mercari. Used video game stores may buy gaming cables. You can also look for a vintage computer festival in your community to find prospective buyers. —Chris Morris