How your Sun hardware is restored
Every system, board, and module in this showroom is pulled from real 1990s–2000s machines. Before anything is listed, it goes through a repeatable restoration and test process so you know what you're getting.
1. Intake & visual inspection
- Check for missing plastics, broken latches, cracked boards, and bent pins.
- Verify labels, part numbers, and revisions so you receive the exact model you expect.
- Restore cosmetics to like-new where possible: replace plastics from spares, repair damage, and repaint/re-prime panels so the machine looks and feels new, both visually and mechanically.
2. Deep cleaning
- Disassemble to access fans, heatsinks, power supplies, and filters.
- Blow out dust, clean contacts, and remove old grime from vents and bezels.
- Clean plastics and metal panels with appropriate non-corrosive cleaners.
- Lubricate major moving components (fans, drive rails, hinges) where appropriate for quiet, long-term operation.
3. Electrical and component checks
- Inspect capacitors for bulging, leaking, or heat stress; recap when necessary.
- Check for previous rework, lifted pads, or damaged traces.
- Verify fans, PSUs, and cabling before first power-up.
4. Power-on & burn-in
- Initial power-on while watching voltages, fan behavior, and error LEDs.
- Memory tests and CPU stress tests appropriate to the platform (where possible).
- Drive tests on spinning disks and SSDs; unhealthy drives are replaced or not sold as "tested".
5. OS & firmware verification
- Check firmware revisions and update where sensible for stability.
- Verify that the system boots to the OBP/firmware prompt or a known-good OS image.
- Every machine is restored to original factory level or better, with custom modifications where sensible to improve longevity, reliability, and speed.
Every listing states whether an item is tested, refurbished, or for parts.
If something doesn't meet the standard, it doesn't get listed as working hardware.