http://www.3dfx.ch/gallery/d/38055-1/DSCN3134.JPG

Dear friends;

I'm sure some of you have figured out that I will be parting with some of my collection soon. It is true, I will be selling or trading 99% of the consumer boards and boxes in my possession.

There are one or two prototypes being parted with, but only a handful so don't get your hopes up.

The reasons are twofold-

1) I'm not doing anything with them and they are taking up much space. Rather than just have them sitting unseen in an attic I prefer to let them go. This will give me more incentive to work on other pieces.

2) I'm running into health issues. Having parts of your body start to fail at an alarming rate will focus the mind in a most wonderful manner. Nothing life threatening but option limiting for sure.

I'd prefer to husband my resources for time with my daughter than get distracted by lesser issues.

The advice I seek is how to do this? I did contact a few people quietly but in my opinion that has not worked out to well and I'm considering either a simple lot sale, Ebay auctions (small lots) or a auction sale here on the board.

That way is as fair as possible with the least amount of friction.

Thank you for your time, most of the items can be found here-

http://www.3dfx.ch/gallery/v/3dfx_collectors/collectors_gdonovan/2009+sale_001/?g2_page=1

Gary Donovan

Edit-

1) If you need any details of the picture shown above explained, please just ask.

2) The cards on the Quicksilver II are all new, most in sealed boxes. Several cards on the right side are new too, but I forget what.

3) The Spectra 2500 is complete, it is only to be sold with the Pure3d2 boards as a complete 3 card set. Yes the Witchdoctor setup is 100% functional.

4) The white box on the lower right contains 5 brand new sealed Voodoo II's in original 3dfx shipping container.

5) Closeups of all items are shown in the gallery link.

if you want to make maximum profit sell it in single listings here or over ebay

if you are nice you ask the other collectors and make small bundles

Gary,  

As you can imagine the only advice I would really give is just to take care of yourself and your family, that in the end is the most important part.  The rest will simply follow in turn.

As to how you should sell off these items is truely about the audience.  With eBay you might get some higher prices and more views, but it could go to someone who truely does not care as much as people on this board might. (by that I mean the enthusiasts)  Your best choice would probably be the boards, as there are no fee's involved, and the items would go for what they are worth.  There is also the bigger picture, that I will not try and explain as it is different in everyones eyes.  That of course is just my opinion, the final decision is up to you.  Take care Gary. (in every way possible)

-Brendan

Here or eBay, but I wouldn't sell them all at once. If possible i'd go for one generation per month or per two weeks at most. That would give people a chance to bid on more than if you would sell everything in one go. Makes bidders happy and you too because you'll probably get more money that way :P

Oh, and best of wishes with your health. (That's how you say it in English right? Haven't used that phrase in a long time).

NitroX infinity wrote on 29.08.09 at 20:09:43:

Oh, and best of wishes with your health. (That's how you say it in English right? Haven't used that phrase in a long time).

Thanks!

Frankly all that is available for me is a holding action, no cures. A few months ago I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis) in my knees, back and hands.

I'm on an anti-inflammitory drug that helps out my knees and hands fairly well but the back... well that is another story. I rode a roller coaster with my daughter over a month ago and I'm STILL paying for it. All I can do is take pain relief, nothing else can be done aside from physical therapy.

It could be worse, life has been pretty damn interesting and I have been blessed with a wonderfull daughter and girlfriend (finally) there are far worse fates.

Take good care of yourself, Gary!

Selling the items in one generation per period seems to be a good one (just like Nitrox said). Other people have done so and it gives people time to think about the items they want to buy and they can think in advance because they know which generations are still to come :).

@ Gary

It's good to hear you are staying positive in light of your situation.  Sounds like you've got some wonderful family to keep your spirits up.  I wish you all the best.

Hey I hope you will get better soon. Atleast I wish you the very best.

Family first!!

Are you sure you want to sell your stuff?

Hey Gary,

I wish you all the best mate !
Take care of your Health, it`s only one that you have.

I hope you will get better soon.

Radu.

Btw, have a look at how TM30 sold his collection, should be helpfull.

razrx wrote on 29.08.09 at 20:44:54:

@ Gary It's good to hear you are staying positive in light of your situation.  Sounds like you've got some wonderful family to keep your spirits up.  I wish you all the best.

The irony of it all- I secured a very good long term job with excellent health benefits & paid off my house in 15 years!

I was ready to relax and start doing expansions & upgrades to my home while restoring my first musclecar that I have owned since 1986.

Just as I get in sight of the "finish line" God has other plans for me, lol.

http://www.thedodgegarage.com/rwd_mopars/gtx_2.jpg

Tritop wrote on 29.08.09 at 21:35:26:

Are you sure you want to sell your stuff?

Even if reason #2 was not a factor I would be sure.

What good is the items if they are not used and admired?

The attic is no place for them, I'd rather let them go.

Hey Gary, so sorry to hear about your problems, I hope things will improve for you soon.

I sent you an email with more details.

NitroX infinity wrote on 29.08.09 at 21:43:36:

Btw, have a look at how TM30 sold his collection, should be helpfull.

I agree 100%, forum sale would rock, I'm quite sure you'll sell them much faster than on ebay this way and you'll get a fair price too, you can easily put a minimum price for each and there will be a lot of items that will go a lot highert than MP.

What else can I say, a health problems is the worst problem a man can have, money come and go, but when you are not feeling well you can't enjoy anything, life is a pain  :(

Another great collection will vanish, but some other collections will become bigger  ;D

Hi Gary

First of all, I wish all the good thoughts and forces for you to get healing process against that health situation.  

In my opinion, Ebay might be better place to sell you items, because as we all know, there are other sites than this.

One common thing of different sites is, that they all look items in Ebay...  ;)

Regards
Kokohemmo

Gary,
I am so sorry to hear your health situation, I just want to say take care of yourself and family, good luck to you.

Hi Gary,
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Hope things will be better for you in future.

Regarding the sale I think a forum auction with 5min rule would be a good option for all parties involved.

Best wishes for you and your family,
G1nX

Hi Gary,

I don't really know you that well, but you seem like a really valuable member of the community and I have been through health issues myself last year and had to quit my job. I had to sell alot of my collection of computer gear to keep me afloat during the period of having no income so I can relate to you, im also a type1 diabetic so I know what it's like having body parts fail(pancreas!) Anyway, don't give up hope. All this sickness is just part of life and you will be a stronger person if you overcome it. Just remember you have your family there to support you and im sure the members of this community are behind you aswell.

Kind Regards,

Matthew.

WHOA! Not good! :o

Sorry to hear about the health issues @Gary - rest-up and take good care of yourself my friend! ;)

As for the sale...

1) A forum sale would be good - but eBay would prove better for higher $$$. 8-)

2) I'd recommend selling the RARE items LAST - otherwise people wont bid higher for the lesser (more common) 3Dfx stuff. ::)

Nuff said! :)

paulpsomiadis wrote on 31.08.09 at 20:04:49:

WHOA! Not good! :o Sorry to hear about the health issues @Gary - rest-up and take good care of yourself my friend! ;) As for the sale... 1) A forum sale would be good - but eBay would prove better for higher $$$. 8-) 2) I'd recommend selling the RARE items LAST - otherwise people wont bid higher for the lesser (more common) 3Dfx stuff. ::) Nuff said! :)

Chances are I'll be rolling out the unboxed stuff first on the forums and move up from there, I'd rather avoid Ebay as I'm tired of the theft from them via fees.

Gary sorry to hear about the bad news mate.

I agree that a forum auction would be the way to go, although you would get more on ebay the hassles of non paying bidders and fees can be a nightmare. At least if you sell them on here you'll know what home they're going to. I've still got some of your key chains from years back lol!!!

Good luck man, I hope you can find some lasting relief for your health issues.  

It's sad to hear that... Take care of you and of your family!
...and remember that we are a community :)

Before anything else: take care mate, get well and be well. Health and family should be first and foremost.

Reading this I also have an advice if you'd care to listen. Sell only rare and valuable stuff whats worth selling and do it either here or Ebay. If you dont have money issues, give away everything else to friends, or kids that never saw 3dfx before - it will save u valuable time and bring much more fun and good will. They might even be put to good use and not only in a display case. Think about it.

elfuego wrote on 01.09.09 at 19:35:34:

Sell only rare and valuable stuff whats worth selling and do it either here or Ebay. If you dont have money issues, give away everything else to friends, or kids that never saw 3dfx before - it will save u valuable time and bring much more fun and good will.

Most people would go "eh, an old video card?"

I'd rather have them go to someone who cares ;-)

This is really a heart touching story. Be brave and have faith, never give up.  I wish you best luck with your health and family. Selling this amazing collection might be hard, hope it all ends well.

Hope everything works out. Thats an amazing collection you have. My jaw almost hit the floor when I scrolled down.   :) Especially the boxed and sealed voodoo 2 cards. Wow.

Darn, bad to hear that....

I'm feeling my "frame" aching everyday as well, it just gets more worse every year. The wheels of time seldomly stop or slow down, even if it seems so once a while.

Anyway, hope you get better soon.
At the end of the day, quality of life is paramount, although we often tend to forget that over our work and such. If you don't move it into high position, it tends to do that all by itself the hard way eventually...

best wishes Gary,hope you will get better soon..

ps47 wrote on 02.09.09 at 22:21:56:

best wishes Gary,hope you will get better soon..

Please don't take this the wrong way- While I'm happy to have such friends and wishes for better health it is unfortunate my health will not get better.

I understand that the human thing to do is to wish for someone to get well, in the case of degenerative arthritis health only runs in one direction.

The well direction ain't it  :P

Hoist a glass of your favorite ale and wish me the best of luck! With care and pain medication I'll be around for some time as long as I don't get too stupid.

that's what I had in mind-there will always be better days,and worse days..so I just hope you will be able to get as many of those better ones as possible :)


now lets have a look at that gallery,maybe its time for an early x-mas present..

ps47 wrote on 03.09.09 at 08:28:00:

that's what I had in mind-there will always be better days,and worse days..so I just hope you will be able to get as many of those better ones as possible :)

Ah, thank you very much! I will try my best to do so!

Gary,
Sorry to hear what your going through, time is not always kind to people (I just had four stints put in and I'm not even 40 yet). Do what you can and spend as much time with your daughter as you can.

It may hurt some days after doing things like the roller coaster ride but it's something that you're giving her that she'll keep forever, memories. That, you can't put a price on.

As far as the cards go, I agree with most to stick with forum bids. Might take a little longer but with out the hassle of fees and getting what is fair is probably the best way. I know I'd be interested in a 12 meg V2 card.

Good luck man,

Jand.  

I will start an auction on the FF forum this sunday-

Auction will start with the unboxed and boxed voodoo graphics and proceed through the generations. 10/15 per week

Any prototypes will be listed last.

Once an item is up on the board it will not be available for private transactions. It runs till it is done.

I can "hold" items till all auctions are completed and total won items can be shipped at one time to save on shipping costs. All that I ask is payment be made for individual items as won, shipping can be paid after you are done bidding/winning.

I will absorb the paypal fees for payment of items, shipping however is actual cost +3% to cover paypal fees.

I may alternate auctions between here and VA forum to be fair, auctions will not be run on both at the same time unless it is a very rare item.

Is this all fair?

I cant wait|! :)

Sounds fair Gary, but please do link to the VA forums on here. I rarely check that forum.

Thanks!

I have updated the gallery with a sub-folder, it seems I'm missing a few boxed boards!

I either sold them at one time or I overlooked a box in the attic and will recheck.

Also the Voodoo II Wicked boxed I'm going to keep as I am the original purchaser =)

I have a few of the mini boxes V3 from Asia I'm thinking of keeping too but may or may not let those go.

gdonovan wrote on 05.09.09 at 16:56:45:

I will start an auction on the FF forum this sunday-

Any news ? Here, in Europe, Sunday is almost gone  ;)

RaverX wrote on 06.09.09 at 20:53:58:

gdonovan wrote on 05.09.09 at 16:56:45: I will start an auction on the FF forum this sunday- Any news ? Here, in Europe, Sunday is almost gone  ;)

The start will be later today but ended during reasonable hours next sunday, I'm tied up fixing a broken well pump today =(

Nice. Good luck with that pump.

RaverX wrote on 06.09.09 at 20:58:42:

Nice. Good luck with that pump.

Ended up replacing the old one with a new unit, better but something still isn't right. It was pushing 20 years old so I don't mind the upgrade... There might be a crack in the suction line underground.

Time to break out the shovel!

Quote:

There might be a crack in the suction line underground.

UGH! Not good! :-/

paulpsomiadis wrote on 07.09.09 at 22:13:15:

Quote: There might be a crack in the suction line underground. UGH! Not good! :-/

What else could go wrong???

Last night before shutting down I applied a handfull of security updates to my main PC and now have nothing but a rolling reboot at startup.

>:(

Can't even get into safe mode.

I hate working from a laptop..

Just to ease my mind, you haven't started any auctions yet, right?

NitroX infinity wrote on 10.09.09 at 18:50:04:

Just to ease my mind, you haven't started any auctions yet, right?

No auctions, need to get the main box up and running first

Edit- Main box back online, reloading everything now

gdonovan wrote on 06.09.09 at 20:54:51:

The start will be later today but ended during reasonable hours next sunday

Any news ? Normally the first auction should have ended tomorrow, but ... not even started yet  :'(

Don't get me wrong, I know you have problems with health and the house and the computer (problems tend to come in pack), but I'm just dying here to see some cards and their prices  ::)

RaverX wrote on 12.09.09 at 20:21:38:

gdonovan wrote on 06.09.09 at 20:54:51: The start will be later today but ended during reasonable hours next sunday Any news ? Normally the first auction should have ended tomorrow, but ... not even started yet  :'( Don't get me wrong, I know you have problems with health and the house and the computer (problems tend to come in pack), but I'm just dying here to see some cards and their prices  ::)

Tommorrow morning Eastern Standard Time I'll try to get some of the Voodoo Graphics boards posted.

Auction has started and added a few more this afternoon since they are mostly "low end" boards.

Gary

http://www.3dfx.ch/gallery/v/3dfx_collectors/collectors_gdonovan/2009+sale_001/?g2_navId=x30a38ea4

A bunch of box shots (open) have been added, some edits (I was missing one or two items, found one or two new items)