Best place to find old PCs?

[ViperCTW]

Firstly I apologize if this doesn't belong here. New to the forum and I wouldn't want to get off on the wrong foot.

Some friends and I recently got into the hobby of messing around with older computers. Basically trying out different operating systems and network designs, tinkering around with hardware, seeing if we can get DOS to generate a conscience, stupid and simple stuff. The only problem is we're flat broke college students and can't afford jack.

So my question is, where are good places to find dirt cheap (or dare I say free) computers and accessories? I'm talking about anything from 486 systems and up. I live in Chicago so I have plenty of access to thrift stores and whatnot, but are they really any good for PCs?

Any help is appreciated

 

[Trotter]

www.retrobox.com

www.pcliquidator.com

Try those two, for starters. I've got a list of some others in an old issue of Computer Shopper somewhere. I'll see if I can find it....Oh well, I must have lent that issue out.

Try googling for used computer dealers.

 

[Trotter]

http://www.usedcomputershop.com/pcdesktops.html