[mamed]

So far searching for one of these systems has actually been more enjoyable than interacting with anyone who says they will sell me one. Calling universities and hospitals and explaining it has been fun, making posts on Facebook in Unix and sgi groups has been awesome because many people who worked with them in the past will talk at great length about them and some cool chats with random people and even found a couple people in my area although covid has restricted me from checking out their gear. 

However out of all the ads I’ve posted up interacting with people who say they will sell me one on the ad has been cancer. Now if they replied with a price and things moved along than that would be hunky dorey. But it usually is like: hey message me I’ll sell you one, ok great how much , well I’ll go down to the basement and see if it works. Day or two later I message them and ask how it’s coming along then nothing, or they string me along for DAYS DAYS  and then either ghost me or say they have to clean it up and they’ll get back to me, or one night they’ll check the part and see if it works. Like dude I don’t give a crap if it works just give me the darn thing.

I dunno what it is with these people but also talking with them seems to be taxing for them like I’m irritatin them. Like buddy YOU MESSAGED ME SAYING YOU HAD ONE TO SELL.

I think I’ve only been able to mention price twice and if I wait for them to give me an idea about price so we can continue bargaining or if I ask what they want for it they just give me the run around.

I can see why most people just hang around this forum or sgi user group and wait for one to come up. Any other site is pure pain to deal with or eBay and it’s hilarious prices. So far I’ve never seen one dell on there they just sit there.

Well at least I have my cracked up o2 hilarious thing is it was just some random guy on Reddit from the states.

The YouTube guy from Ontario ghosted me too after saying he had a couple he’d think about selling lol.

[weblacky]

Well, this...but with everything! It's not just SGIs man...it's anything of remote value. People often post things for sale and incredibly expect - FULL RETAIL FOR BROKEN/USED ITEMS & DON'T WANT TO DO ANY FURTHER WORK. I mean ANY further work. They feel they are doing YOU the favor of even arranging a meeting time for you to come and pay them...it's that bad. People often don't understand that the last 20% or so of value is extracted by your own effort and time in selling the item, successfully.

For example, this summer I went on a quest for an additional (used) Stihl Kombi powerhead to build out my yard appliance tool base (backup unit for my new main unit, just in case, plus for different uses).

You'd be SHOCKED at the number of people that wanted RETAIL or close to retail for a 6+ year old powerheads or 1/2 retail for "it works, just needs a new carb"....well if that were true and it's so easy...why the heck don't YOU put a carb on to prove that it works...right...because..."other issues". Short story, I found a great deal at pawn shop (KM-85R, so about 13 years old?), haggled them down more and I then threw in ~$120 of new parts (new tank + lines, filters, gaskets, spark plug, new throttle cable and tensioner (overstretched by previous owner), new shaft guide pins, a good cleaning, re-alignment of tank and parts (fitment), and it's running great and it's a two stroke (not a 4MIX like my new KM-131R) so it's lighter but has same power as the mid-range 4MIX KM-94R model. So, I have ~$220 total into it and got a free trimmer shaft with it (~$75 value) that I modded to a wire brush cement cleaner. So I'm happy and should work for 10+ years, but waded through a lot of crap.

Many people have never actually sold anything before and don't understand that it takes work and effort to complete a sale (unless the item is just that hot). People say, "Oh, well I can do get more money if post on offerup or craigslist myself than eBay or consignment". Then they get calls, most calls don't pan out (time wasters), and they realize that there isn't a profit to be had. Unless your expected profit is 4X your cost basis, you'll lose money on eBay or others in time, effort, packing, shipping, hassle.

Collectors will often GIVE the time to sell to other collectors to see items go a to good home and give someone a start at their collection. They feel a personal obligation to do it right, but it's a conscious thing - it still takes effort and can get tiresome.

Also I can relate to the "journey" of SGI collecting, but remember many of us have been collecting for DECADES, and only own several systems...because it took finding the right opportunity, pushing through (with cash being waived in front of faces) to get things moving. SGI systems were being given away around 2003-2013, most of the "giveaways" are done. I understand you are asking for prices, I'm just using the term "give away" as the person selling is HAPPY to get rid of this "old useless computer" that can't run MS Windows.

From the people I've encountered, only the ones actively participating on sites like IRIXNet actually SEE and KNOW their SGI collection on a daily basis. They live and work with it surrounding them (like I do). So we know what's in what shape and what needs work and all that. For everyone else that either has an SGI or thinks they have an SGI...they haven't SEEN the system in 7+ years (minimum), like put hands on it, seen it. They know they have it stored poorly in their garage or whatever (BIG RED FLAG), but don't "know it".

So you come along asking and they say "Oh, I have one I don't use, money time"...so they speak up...and get your hopes up. Then they go looking....and looking...and digging and maybe start finding like an Indigo2 or something that's not hot sh*t at all. OK, then they try to get it out...remembering that they did something with the keyboard and mouse...where...PS/2? Do they even have that...Ughhh. It's not VGA? Oh, yeah I got rid of that special CRT...OK now what?

Then they don't remember the specs...so they power it one and it explodes. Now it's worth 1/10 of what it was, all because they are ignorant and cannot think ahead. Oh, well it was just toy to them anyway. Assuming they even got to the exploding phase. They have lost interest...no amount of money would get them interested (for some reason) and now hate you, hate themselves, hate their life (what it became), and kind of remember when they had some fun with this SGI (that's now exploded) and basically retreat in defeat into a life of livable hatred.

While they aren't all like that, it's like asking someone to break out a childhood toy from 20+ years ago, and prepare it for sale. At some point, it becomes kind of unpleasant. Also people flake in weird ways, you'd think MONEY would improve those odds. It doesn't, people complain about not having money, but offer them some for a little work (like an hour or two) in exchange for $100 or more....they don't see the return in that...you're literally wasting their time with your money.


You'll find what you want eventually man, we all did in the end if you keep on it. Don't give up, just make sure you have cash when that person really comes along and needs it done, now! 90% of all my purchases were in person, driving to get a system. I've only had 2 systems shipped to me (O2 & Octane2).

[mamed]

Well, this...but with everything!  It's not just SGIs man...it's anything of remote value.  People often post things for sale and incredibly expect - FULL RETAIL FOR BROKEN/USED ITEMS & DON'T WANT TO DO ANY FURTHER WORK.  I mean ANY further work.  They feel they are doing YOU the favor of even arranging a meeting time for you to come and pay them...it's that bad.  People often don't understand that the last 20% or so of value is extracted by your own effort and time in selling the item, successfully.

For example, this summer I went on a quest for an additional (used) Stihl Kombi powerhead to build out my yard appliance tool base (backup unit for my new main unit, just in case, plus for different uses).

You'd be SHOCKED at the number of people that wanted RETAIL or close to retail for a 6+ year old powerheads or 1/2 retail for "it works, just needs a new carb"....well if that were true and it's so easy...why the heck don't YOU put a carb on to prove that it works...right...because..."other issues".  Short story, I found a great deal at pawn shop (KM-85R, so about 13 years old?), haggled them down more and I then threw in ~$120 of new parts (new tank + lines, filters, gaskets, spark plug, new throttle cable and tensioner (overstretched by previous owner), new shaft guide pins, a good cleaning, re-alignment of tank and parts (fitment), and it's running great and it's a two stroke (not a 4MIX like my new KM-131R) so it's lighter but has same power as the mid-range 4MIX KM-94R model.  So, I have ~$220 total into it and got a free trimmer shaft with it (~$75 value) that I modded to a wire brush cement cleaner.  So I'm happy and should work for 10+ years, but waded through a lot of crap.

Many people have never actually sold anything before and don't understand that it takes work and effort to complete a sale (unless the item is just that hot).  People say, "Oh, well I can do get more money if post on offerup or craigslist myself than eBay or consignment".  Then they get calls, most calls don't pan out (time wasters), and they realize that there isn't a profit to be had.  Unless your expected profit is 4X your cost basis, you'll lose money on eBay or others in time, effort, packing, shipping, hassle.

Collectors will often GIVE the time to sell to other collectors to see items go a to good home and give someone a start at their collection.  They feel a personal obligation to do it right, but it's a conscious thing - it still takes effort and can get tiresome.

Also I can relate to the "journey" of SGI collecting, but remember many of us have been collecting for DECADES, and only own several systems...because it took finding the right opportunity, pushing through (with cash being waived in front of faces) to get things moving.  SGI systems were being given away around 2003-2013, most of the "giveaways" are done.  I understand you are asking for prices, I'm just using the term "give away" as the person selling is HAPPY to get rid of this "old useless computer" that can't run MS Windows.

From the people I've encountered, only the ones actively participating on sites like IRIXNet actually SEE and KNOW their SGI collection on a daily basis.  They live and work with it surrounding them (like I do).  So we know what's in what shape and what needs work and all that.  For everyone else that either has an SGI or thinks they have an SGI...they haven't SEEN the system in 7+ years (minimum), like put hands on it, seen it.  They know they have it stored poorly in their garage or whatever (BIG RED FLAG), but don't "know it".

So you come along asking and they say "Oh, I have one I don't use, money time"...so they speak up...and get your hopes up.  Then they go looking....and looking...and digging and maybe start finding like an Indigo2 or something that's not hot sh*t at all.  OK, then they try to get it out...remembering that they did something with the keyboard and mouse...where...PS/2?  Do they even have that...Ughhh.  It's not VGA?  Oh, yeah I got rid of that special CRT...OK now what?

Then they don't remember the specs...so they power it one and it explodes.  Now it's worth 1/10 of what it was, all because they are ignorant and cannot think ahead.  Oh, well it was just toy to them anyway.  Assuming they even got to the exploding phase.  They have lost interest...no amount of money would get them interested (for some reason) and now hate you, hate themselves, hate their life (what it became), and kind of remember when they had some fun with this SGI (that's now exploded) and basically retreat in defeat into a life of livable hatred.

While they aren't all like that, it's like asking someone to break out a childhood toy from 20+ years ago, and prepare it for sale.  At some point, it becomes kind of unpleasant.  Also people flake in weird ways, you'd think MONEY would improve those odds.  It doesn't, people complain about not having money, but offer them some for a little work (like an hour or two) in exchange for $100 or more....they don't see the return in that...you're literally wasting their time with your money.


You'll find what you want eventually man, we all did in the end if you keep on it.  Don't give up, just make sure you have cash when that person really comes along and needs it done, now!  90% of all my purchases were in person, driving to get a system.  I've only had 2 systems shipped to me (O2 & Octane2).

true ya, I guess you are right I was getting super disheartened. So far for me this is the worst by a bunch of people I've been treated when trying to buy something from them. I've had similar issues with the famous carb issue haha carb issue to me means: its not the carb and there's probably something seriously wrong. One that was kind of funny thou I was trying to find a honda nx 250 (I wanted a dual sport and loved that look) anyways I found 1 of 2 in Canada actually I think there was a 3rd in BC. He wanted 2500 for the bike with 2 parts bikes so I went to look at it as it looked REALLY nice in the ad. the one in quebec was 2500 as well so he literally just went on the local seller and said ITS WORTH THIS The 2 parts bikes were looking like they sat outside since the 90s and had zero useable parts. The bike itself looked driveable, So he let me take it for a drive and it started bogging down beyond second gear, The plastic were cracked it actually wasn't in great shape  and had new turn signals that actually flapped in the breeze. so when I got back I was like somethings wrong with it ill take it for 1200 and I don't want the parts he refused to sell it without the parts bikes eventually he said ok 1800 for the bike.  I would have went to 15 but he was not going lower than 18 so I left. after I was gone he sent me like 10 messages that he fixed the bogging down thing I was just sitting there like I drove 1.5 hrs no thanks. He did eventually sell it about 7 months later but I'm pretty sure he dropped the price. Personally id just like the decency of a response from people just say no thanks I dont want to sell it anymore just give me a good reason you now what I mean Ill understand but this ghosting stuff is actual cancer.

[Raion]

It's also your timing. Everyone just got over holidays and we have all just started the groove of the new year and stuff. IME, spring and summer are the best times to try and buy.

But in general I understand your situation. It's frustrating to deal with random loons who think an Indy is worth $500. I never pay a penny over $200 for them. Scalpers are retarded.

[kaigan]

It's also your timing. Everyone just got over holidays and we have all just started the groove of the new year and stuff. IME, spring and summer are the best times to try and buy.

The pandemic hasn't helped with vintage computer prices, either. Many of the people who are interested in this sort of hobby have been lucky enough to continue working - and working from home. A lot of traditional outdoor hobbies are limited right now, so people have more money to spend on "toys" like SGI gear. Those who have the gear and need to sell it are trying to get as much as possible, which especially makes sense if the seller is dealing with other financial concerns. So, the market seems to have pushed in the direction that eBay pricing always has been - ridiculously high.

Deals are still out there and prices within the SGI community have still been pretty reasonable, if a little higher than in the past. As Raion said, you just have to watch and wait. I've picked up every SGI I own in the last two years and I've paid below-average prices for pretty much all of them. Keep an eye on eBay, local selling sites like Craigslist, and government surplus auctions, if those are around in your area. Things will show up.

I will also say that I've run into a number of sellers that are difficult to work with, especially in price negotiations. I had a seller on Facebook Marketplace tell me that he was content to sit on a bunch of random old x86 towers "until they become expensive". If they didn't, he'd just toss them. Instead of letting me purchase them for a reasonable price, he wanted to gamble all or nothing. I don't understand some people.

[mamed]

It's also your timing. Everyone just got over holidays and we have all just started the groove of the new year and stuff. IME, spring and summer are the best times to try and buy.

The pandemic hasn't helped with vintage computer prices, either. Many of the people who are interested in this sort of hobby have been lucky enough to continue working - and working from home. A lot of traditional outdoor hobbies are limited right now, so people have more money to spend on "toys" like SGI gear. Those who have the gear and need to sell it are trying to get as much as possible, which especially makes sense if the seller is dealing with other financial concerns. So, the market seems to have pushed in the direction that eBay pricing always has been - ridiculously high.

Deals are still out there and prices within the SGI community have still been pretty reasonable, if a little higher than in the past. As Raion said, you just have to watch and wait. I've picked up every SGI I own in the last two years and I've paid below-average prices for pretty much all of them. Keep an eye on eBay, local selling sites like Craigslist, and government surplus auctions, if those are around in your area. Things will show up.

I will also say that I've run into a number of sellers that are difficult to work with, especially in price negotiations. I had a seller on Facebook Marketplace tell me that he was content to sit on a bunch of random old x86 towers "until they become expensive". If they didn't, he'd just toss them. Instead of letting me purchase them for a reasonable price, he wanted to gamble all or nothing. I don't understand some people.

That's crazy he wouldn't even let you buy it. I've definitely got my feelers out there and am keeping my eyes PEELED lol. Thanks for the tips I just cant wait to get my first one but good things come to those who wait as they say

[jpstewart]

It's also your timing. Everyone just got over holidays and we have all just started the groove of the new year and stuff. IME, spring and summer are the best times to try and buy.

Interesting.  My experience has been the opposite:  that January is the best time to buy.  I don't know if it is people cleaning out their basements as part of a New Year's resolution or if folks are desperate for cash to pay off the post-Christmas credit card bills or what.  But over the years, I've found some very good deals in late December and early January.

Or maybe times have changed, or maybe things are just different where we each live.

Also I can relate to the "journey" of SGI collecting, but remember many of us have been collecting for DECADES, and only own several systems...because it took finding the right opportunity

This is very true.  I've been collecting vintage UNIX workstations for more than twenty years at this point.  There are still some systems (R8K Power Indigo2, VW540) that I really want to get but have never managed to find the right deal in all these years.

My opinion is that there are two approaches one can take:

1. Decide what you want to buy, and wait for it to become available at a price you can live with.
   
2. Decide when you want to buy, and take whatever you can find at a reasonable price.
   

You won't likely be able to get what you want when you want it.  It's one or the other, IME.

[weblacky]

It's always a compromise, you'll likely never get exactly what you want (spec-wise), unless you want to spend your life hunting replacement upgrades for more than you paid for the entire system. You can (eventually) find the system type you want and likely the graphics family. CPU model and extra perks (TRAM, graphics edition, very high density RAM) are harder and normally I don't give too much about CPU speed. As long as newer systems are speced higher than older systems. I'm good.

In terms of "leave no deal on the table" style thinking. Unless they are NEAR FREE (couple hundred or less), I don't normally go for very old systems, nor systems that are abused/beat up (not that I've had many chances on those). Buying a near-dead SGI means you spend your life trying to reassemble replacement parts to make it look great and work again...sometimes you need to know which horse to back in the race. :-)

Some machines are so abused, they are now part machines....it sad to see a great item (especially ones people lust after) mistreated. But it's in the past and unless it super-rare, just let it go. That said I think most of the stuff around is complete systems (not parts) that haven't seen the light of day in a long time. The real fight now is keeping "past-tense collectors" from taking their machines out of storage after nearly a decade and trying to start them!

I'm trying as reasonably fast as I can to get PSU rebuilds going, I think sudden SGI death due to failing PSUs is likely going to be the finishing blow to nearly 2/3rd of SGIs in captivity. I hope people can use common sense or read these posts and DELAY this urge until we have rebuild services in the future, an SGI that's not powered on for many years but worked last time is worth a lot more than an SGI that just went POP!

I'm not saying don't run them, but based on usage pattern and storage...make informed decisions. I know people won't like the prices, but having options available will make at least more than a few SGIs came out of the basement and back into the light when owners investigate and hear of PSU rebuild/purchase options. Then interest will be somewhat invigorated.

In truth, I feel there is always an active pressure between those of us that are active owners and owners that are past-tense but still retain ownership. I'm not saying they don't deserve the systems, but I think their mindset changes from being realistic of "effort in > value/price" to becoming more warped towards effort in < value. They take an old system they haven't properly evaluated or worked on, and post it for sale like it's the jewel of the nile! Anything else is an insult.

I still maintain my opinion that only systems that have been cleaned and gone through (and are well spec'ed) and are turn-key ready demand top-dollar, everything else is likely more sentimental value then actual and needs to be flexible. I understand no one's giving them away anymore, but also consider their increased age and inability to really even get one running a browser to watch Youtube workibly, means they aren't able to meet the basic demands of the multimedia-loving public anymore.

They are museum pieces and teaching aides with a great splash of living history.

They aren't compieting as computers now, but as collector's items and works of art.