Things to Do With a Old Computer
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Things to do with a old computer
by prodlad on February 14, 2009
Table of Contents
Things to do with a old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Intro: Things to do with a old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 1: Before you crack it open... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 2: The CD-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Step 3: Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Step 4: Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 5: Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 6: Motherboard, CPU and RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Step 7: Other Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Step 8: Stuff that has been built . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Step 9: The case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Author:prodlad author's website
Hi, I live at the front of the mournes and know more abot eletronics and other rubbsih that a young boy should. I run a website called kidzrkool.co.nr (soon to
be www.krkcrew.com).
Intro: Things to do with a old computer
Step 1: Before you crack it open...
Before you go ripping it open remember that you can reuse the whole computer and not just some of the components.
1.-Install Linux
Linux is an open source OS that you can install on your old computer and use it as a everyday computer, for those of you out there that are not geeks that just basically
means its a OS like windows XP that people give away free that you can use. You could do endless things with linux and there is a distribution to suit every computer.
Ubuntu This is for some of the better spec computers out there. Its is the most like proper a OS and it is the most user friendly. It can easily do everyday tasks like Surfing and
sending email's. I needs:
1 GHz x86 processor
1 Gb of system memory (RAM)
15 GB of hard-drive space
Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024 by 768
Either a Cd/Dvd-drive or a Usb socket (or both)
Internet access is helpful
Ubuntu's system requirements have escalated over the last few released but there is a alternative version based on Ubuntu called Xbuntu
500Mhz x86 Processor (At the very least!)
256 MiB of system memory (RAM)
2 GB of disk space
Graphics card and monitor capable of 800x600 resolution
Puppy Linux This is a slightly less user friendly version of linux. Is is for those less functional PC's with not as good a spec. It needs:
CPU : Pentium 166MMX
RAM : 64MB
CDROM : 20x and up
Damn Small Linux
OK if none of the above options have worked for you, you must really have a scrappy computer. It is very basic and is not user friendly. It requires
486dx or 100% compatible processor
16mb ram (24mb recommended)
dual-speed CDROM (quad-speed or better recommended) (thats 2x or 4x)
1.44mb floppy drive (for boot floppy, if needed)
There are loads more distrabutions try http://www.linux.org/
Now I have never done the following options before so I can't go into detail on how to do them but you can google them:
Turn it into a server (web, printer, file etc.)
Put a big hard driver in it and make it a jukebox
Put a TV tuner into it and a big hard drive and make it a PVR
Use it as a firewall
Use it as a stress reliever
Automate Your Home
Use it as a answering machine
Make the monitor into a aquarium
Make it into a rendering farm
Trade It in
Put it in your car
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Give it away/Donate
There are some more in the comments!
Step 2: The CD-Drive
OK if none of those last options worked for you its now time to crack it open. So lets start with the simple components and work our way up. So the 1st component is the
cd drive.
1.Make it into CD player.
Yes, this one is very simple. All you have to do is take the CD drive and the power supply out and connect them together like they were in the computer. If your PSU is
the ATX standard to make the power supply work without the computer short one of the black wires and then green wire in the big motherboard connector. You can use a
piece of wire or a paper clip or just chop them off and then join them. Now all you have to do is hook speakers or your hifi into the headphone socket on the front of the
drive. Then press the play/fast forward on the front of it.
2.Make it into a laser pointer
If you have a DVD-RW and are not planning to use it in another computer you could turn it into a laser pointer. USE with caution
See HERE
3.Make it into a safe
This makes a great hiding place. What you do is you hollow out the drive and you can use it as a great hiding place! If you are going to attempt this and are smart enough
and can keep the motor mechanism (ie open and close with the open/close switch) I would suggest cutting the two black ground wires off the power connector and
putting them through a basic on/off keyswitch. Therefore if you do let slip about it they wont be able to open it with out the key.
See HERE
4.Make a Roulette Wheel
This is a brilliant idea. If you can never decided who is going to get the coffee or are just indecisive this is the gadget for you!
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 3: Floppy Drive
The humble floppy drive. Gone and almost forgotten. They are handy in even the latest computers for flashing BIOS's and other tasks. There are hundreds of uses for
floppy disks, all you have to do is search Instructables for "floppy disk" but there aren't so many for the drive itself. If you have a MacIntosh floppy drive, your in luck as
there is some uses for them.
1-The eject motor
The eject motor in apple floppy disk drives are very strong and efficiently would make a fine motor for use in a robot or another project.
See HERE
2. A Amp case
If by any chance you have a Apple PC 5.25 Floppy Drive and a Sonic Impact 5066 T-amp or similar you can make a cool case for it. If you were adventurous enough
make it into a slot loading dvd drive.
See HERE
3.Airsoft Landmine
There isn't a guide for this but some people in the comments have mentioned make a mine of of it ie. when you step on it the disks shoots out. It could also be used a a
normal handheld launcher. If you are interested tackle the people in the comments
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 4: Hard Drive
OK, believe it or not you can do alot with a old hard drive. If you have gave your best efforts to try and fix it and its completely dead you can try some of these1. Make it into a clockYes the disc out of a hard drive actually makes a pretty good clock and it looks cool.
See HERE
Or if you think your really good, try this one!
See HERE (If you dare)
2. Use it as a fake
Now you can impress your mates with your USB hard drive thats actually made out of memory sticks.
See HERE
3.Turn it into a rotary input deviceThats basically a wheel that you turn that controls your computer
See HERE
4. Make a tesla turbine
A tesa turbine is a thing that converts air and water motion into eletricty.
See HERE
5.Make a really strong fridge magnet
In hard drives there are super strong magnets...These make great fridge magnets!
See HERE
6.Make it into a safe
This ones pretty simple; gut a hard drive and store stuff inside it
See HERE
7.Simply Use It as a Coaster
Self-explanatory. But the only thing I would say is that if you have a USB cup warmer you could take the heating plate out of it so it would keep your drink warm!
See HERE
Step 5: Power Supply
There arnt as many uses for the power supply but thats not to say the few there is for it isn't good.
1.Convert it to a Bench Top Power Supply
Computer PSU's provide stable voltage with short circuit and thermal protection. Makes it perfect for a bench top Supply.
See HERE for my very own Instructable on the matter
2.Build A Fireworks Launcher
DONT ATTEMPT THIS IF YOU NOT OVER 18 but if you want to risk blowing your head off be my guest.
See HERE
3.Recycle it into a fume extractor.
All you have to do is take the guts out of it and hook the fan up to 12v. Great for soldering!
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 6: Motherboard, CPU and RAM
OK since there isn't many uses for these parts I shoved them all into one step.
ProcessorOK to be honest you can't do alot with a processor but surprisingly you can make a hairbrush and a belt buckle.
1.Gold Plated Hair Brush
This ones pretty self explanatory, get a processor and glue it to a chunk of wood or metal; But heres the link anyway
See HERE (If your not bald)
2.A Geeky Belt Buckle
This ones quite cool but I wouldn't wear it as a everyday belt.
See HERE
_
RAMAt first I didn't think there was much usage for RAM except put them all into one computer and put it to use as in the 1st step, but stranoster brought these to my
attention.
1.RAM comb
To go with your processor hairbrush!
See HERE
2.Make it into a mood light
Surprisingly its possiable.
See HERE
MotherboardYou may be asking me " What possibly can I do with a old motherboard, well the answer is not very much.
1.Make it into a bracelet
I don't really recommend this as the motherboard is full of poisious chemicals but Meh here is the link.
See HERE
2.Make little men/bugs!
This is very cool
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 7: Other Parts
Well not much left now except a few fans, the power switch and LEDs, a few PCI cards and some cables.
Fans
These are quite handy just to have lying around incase one in your proper computer packs up.
1. Hook it up to batteries
If you live in a area where it sometimes gets hot, these are very useful. Hook it up to a 9v battery or wire it up to USB and walla you have your own personal fan.
See HERE
OR
See HERE (Battery Powered)
2.Make a hover craft
Isn't exactly the next age of personal transport but its a start. But don't use x3 9v battery's only use
one.
See HERE
3.Make a air filter
Not a bad idea...
See HERE
4.Make a better air filter
Better but a bit more complicated
See HERE
5.Rav them Out!
See HERE
Power Switch And LED'S
They can't be really reused in a cool fashion but are useful as switches in other projects.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 8: Stuff that has been built
OK, This is a new section to my instructable of photos of what it is actually possible to build from from an old computer so if you built anything from an old
computer email me a photo or two to [email protected] and il feature you in this new section.
Image Notes
1. Fume Extractor By: sensoryhouse
Image Notes
1. PC Grow Case by opencan
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Image Notes
1. Wall Clock by ERCBIENG
Image Notes
1. Back of Wall Clock by ERCBIENG
Step 9: The case
Well now all your left with is the case and the dust bunnies. There's not really much to do with the case except except make it look cool by adding a few LED'S . Anyways
I hope you enjoyed pwning your old computers.
Sorry if some of the words are messed up, I tried to spell check it on my wii Internet but it messed it up, as a result of that possibly some of he links wont work. If some
dont please tell me. Also my grammar and spelling isn't that good in the first place and a special thanks to cflowers for featuring it on The daily hack
If you have any more ideas or suggestions I'd like to hear them.
OK, I'm adding a new section to my instructable of photos of what it is actually possible to build from from an old computer so if you built anything from an
old computer email me a photo or two to [email protected] and il feature you in the new section.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Related Instructables
How to Build a
Computer from
spare parts by
Visas3714
Reuses for
legacy
computers.
(Photos) by
Computothought
Plywood
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Homemade CD
Player or Stand
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drive (video) by
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Repairing basic
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment
knexsuperbuilderfreak says:
view all 273 comments
Mar 10, 2011. 3:36 PM REPLY
That 1st pic is sweet if you could go there and grab parts
ndinitz says:
Mar 9, 2011. 9:43 AM REPLY
Also you can make a hot plate from a processor, there is an 'ible somewhere...
And you can make my Ram Module Key Fob: http://www.instructables.com/id/RAM-Module-Key-Fob/
Computothought says:
Aug 20, 2010. 2:13 AM REPLY
Nice instructable. I used to use pentium one/two computers computers for disk-less thin clients via ltsp (linux terminal server project. The pentium machines
allow you to use a faster machine to do the processing. Also too, even if a computer component as a hold might not be working, its parts can be used for
other things i.e. scanners, printers, and drives can be used for cnc, robotics, and etc. I have ripped a few stepper motors from old 5 1/4 inch drives for
computer controlled projects. Have several p1 based robots too.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 9:13 AM REPLY
What those flat pancake stepper motors? I've a 5 wire one here that could barely lift up a fly. I'm not seeing any 200 oz/in+ stepper motors coming out of
junk home computers. Which is marginal torque for a CNC machine. As much as I like to strip stuff for parts I don't find old PCs all that great of sources.
I've gutted 2 mini computers, now they're goldmines!
Computothought says:
Feb 27, 2011. 11:15 AM REPLY
The stepper motors from old 5 /12" drives are not exactly pancakes, There are a lot of duties where stepper motors can be useful where he-man
torque is not required i.e. for controlling the direction of a lightweight ota dtv antenna or as part of a robot. You adapt. In any case, I prefer to look at
they can do and not what they can not. Even a simple diode can be used as part of a crude temperature sensor that when calibrated could become
part of a pc based sous vide system. Old pc's are a gold mine to me. You are right though a mini computer has it's advantages. Do not see any of
them any more around here.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 12:53 PM REPLY
Well the ones I've seen all have been of the flat variety. For CNC you need a fair amount of torque, more than PC steppers provide. You brought
it up. Anyhow this is all I've ever used out of stripped PCs in descending order of use:
1. The empty PSU case with power plug. a project box
2. The bundle of wire hanging out of the PSU. for wire
3. CPU heatsink. re-machined can be used as a heatsink for other things
4. Front case LEDs. they're LEDs
5. The guide bar in inkjet printers. its metal bar stock, though newer ones are lighter and less useful.
6. Fans. they're fans
7. The case itself. Sheet metal
8. Flyback diodes. They are big heavy diodes, though not simple ones.
Hardly the mother load. Last mini computer I got must have been over 10 years ago now. I prefer vintage commercial electronic scrap for
stripping. Way more useful high quality parts. Consumer grade electronics are engineered to be pretty worthless. They have to be, companies
aren't operating charities.
I didn't include the CRT as I'm often a little leery about stripping those for several reasons. What do I do with the tube etc. They usually have a
nice selection of caps in them and a better selection of heatsinks, some power transistors etc. Overall more useful electronic components than
can be found in the rest of a computer, but some drawbacks unique to them as well. Lots of corona dirt!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Computothought says:
Feb 27, 2011. 2:55 PM REPLY
Cool.
iMake says:
Feb 26, 2009. 2:24 PM REPLY
A friend of mine made a key chain out of some old ram chips. anyone know what parts of the pc should not be rubbed on skin? cut? digested? I think ram is
fairly safe? Thanks for this compilation! Its great to reuse these old products! Recycling is grand! ****
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 5:51 PM REPLY
On older electronics, the solder, as it contains LEAD
metrogdor22 says:
Dec 21, 2010. 9:35 AM REPLY
Generally I wouldn't eat anything out of a computer. But as far as skin contact, I think most of it is safe. Though I wouldn't go poking around in the Power
Supply, because they have big capacitors that can carry power for a little while.
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 5:56 PM REPLY
i wouldnt eat anything out of anything electronic full stop!...without going into a heavy chemistry lesson, apart from the LEAD content of PCB's, the
next dangerous things are the electrolytic capacitors, dont open one of those and suck on it...!!!
As for the rest, unless you put the bits into a blender and make a PC milkshake, i think you are pretty safe.
Give the power supply 10-15 mins..and its safe!
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:40 AM REPLY
You might consider it if you read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Canticle_for_Leibowitz
prodlad says:
Feb 27, 2009. 8:41 AM REPLY
I think it is but i could be wrong, but i defintly no that parts of a motherboard is poisious
tomm0505 says:
Nov 7, 2010. 8:22 AM REPLY
I know that there is arsenic in some part of a computer.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:47 AM REPLY
LEDs are Gallium Arsenide which is a crystal of arsenic or something. But it seems pretty harmless to me.
cm0002 says:
May 29, 2009. 10:58 PM REPLY
depends on when the motherboard was produced if its post 2006 it contains NO poisonous chemicals because of EPA (or was it 2005) if its before i
would be careful
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 6:01 PM REPLY
But electronics and boards don have printed on them something like..TADAAAA!!!
I was born in 2006?
You will still find stuff in shops now from the far east that uses solder that isnt lead free, and in no way compliant with current regulations in any
way!
hondagofast says:
Jun 2, 2009. 6:32 PM REPLY
So I shouldn't eat the motherboard out of a C64?
mage says:
Jun 8, 2009. 12:58 AM REPLY
i hear those motherboards tastet like popcorn shrimp :D
ursostupid says:
Feb 23, 2011. 12:38 PM REPLY
Seriously no offense, but its voila not walla. It's french. Great Instructable though.. I love it. I'm using my fan and my hard drive.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Sky Woulf says:
Feb 23, 2011. 11:38 AM REPLY
with a hack saw, dremel, etc you can cut all the falt surfaces out to have a supply of sheet metal for other projects, then build you a smelter to "ingot" the rest
for resale, or to have metal you can cast for other projects.
Computothought says:
Jan 24, 2011. 4:52 AM REPLY
I still run a web server on a pII. I have a robot that runs on a p1.
Older pcs are great for hardware interfacing and will do what the average micro-controllers can do. If you can interface a pc you can interface a microcontroller.
Now if your pc is dead, it is not worthless.
Old mice can be used for crude video and or for robot sensors.
Stepper motors from drives can be used for robotic projects or cnc machines.
Leds, switches as well as a mutitude of other electronic parts can all be reused.
Fans can be adapted and moved to newer machines. You can even reuse the wire. the case can be used for a shelf. Even and old xt with two floppy drives
is like a goldmine to me. it is all how you look at it.
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Jun 20, 2009. 9:42 PM REPLY
That poor computer! What did it do to it's owners to deserve that?? Let them RIP, after you have RIPPED out all the componants, naturally.
prodlad says:
Aug 27, 2009. 5:00 AM REPLY
freeze, crash, blue sceen
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Aug 27, 2009. 5:07 AM REPLY
Ah, the good old BSOD. Nothing like a good error message.
cdousley says:
Jan 1, 2010. 4:59 PM REPLY
i gt an hp laptop brand new windows 7
Two days later....
BSOD i restarted it it was back to normal
10 minutes later.........
BSOD i restarted it it was back to normal
lol true story
droyce4596 says:
Jan 3, 2011. 7:12 PM REPLY
That happened to my HP laptop when I got it too!
But, I had Windows Vista.
It scared the the crap out of me because I thought it was a goner and that would have sucked because my cousin told me HP motherboards
in laptops overheated easily and I would hate it if he was right :)
But, I think It just got too hot because I was gaming and had my laptop sitting on a blanket.
cdousley says:
Jan 9, 2011. 9:58 AM REPLY
ive had mine get too hot that way but no blue screen luckily
account3r2 says:
Sep 18, 2010. 6:03 PM REPLY
i thought microsoft fixed the bsod to not appear on windows vista + but i guess not
REA says:
Jun 11, 2010. 2:12 PM REPLY
i got 5 BSoDs in 10 minutes the first week i got my computer. good ol' Vista!
Airwolf1 says:
Jun 15, 2010. 1:54 PM REPLY
Got a BSOD during Vista setup on my new HP laptop, BEAT THAT!
REA says:
touché. that takes some skills at failing!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Jun 15, 2010. 2:36 PM REPLY
cdousley says:
Jun 21, 2010. 8:36 PM REPLY
if i could afford it i would go mac....
REA says:
Jun 21, 2010. 9:34 PM REPLY
trust me, you dont want a mac. they do a crap job at making durable hardware, and its tedious working with it. buy a decent
PC thats at the most 5 years old and install Linux on it if you dont want Windows.
dogboy12457 says:
Jun 25, 2010. 5:47 PM REPLY
i know what you mean by crap hardware. my imac g5 crapped out on me and i took it to get repaired. cost 570$, 500 for
new motherboard and 70 for labor. about a year goes by and the same thing happens. what happened is when apple
made the motherboard the capacitors on it cant stand the heat of the computer. And instead of the guys fixing the
capacitors they just put a new motherboard in it. the problem with that is that it has the same capacitors in it as the ones
that broke. however i found an instructable (http://www.instructables.com/id/Imac-G5-DIY-capacitors-repair/) that tells how
to replace them. i did that and it has been working fine ever since.
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 9, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY
lol i tryd to get the bsod i cant get it to go on my test pc
j_wo says:
Jan 4, 2011. 10:38 PM REPLY
If you really want to crash your computer, just open Notepad and type this
@echo off
:START
start CRASH.bat
GOTO START
save it as "CRASH.bat" and then double click it.
It won't harm your computer, it'll just overwork your RAM and should cause a BSOD.
account3r2 says:
Sep 18, 2010. 6:05 PM REPLY
try putting in a really low amount of ram in and try opening a bunch of stuff
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 12:54 PM REPLY
well it depends how good your pc is.i was trying to biuld one once, and while it was setting up, i got the BSOD because the ram failed
halfway through
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 22, 2010. 4:44 PM REPLY
MoBo intel D865GRH (2004) 1.5GB ddr400 single ch of ram WD Green 320GB hdd FX5200 creative labs 24bit
cpu 3.2
ram 4.2
desktop graphics 2.0
gaming 3.0
primHDD 5.9
BTW i got a nice scor on my hardisk
lol this old MoBo is bit strong
if i had the money il get some nice upgrad for see how bad @$$ i can get it
i wanna get the 3.2GHz cpu SSD sapphire HD 4600 agp and ddr400 dual channel kit 2x1gb and 2x512mb
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 9:07 PM REPLY
you should get a 750W psu to put on top of that!
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 22, 2010. 10:56 PM REPLY
yea now is just the money i need lol
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Jan 1, 2010. 9:01 PM REPLY
welcome to the wonderful world of windows, my friend.
i reinstalled xp on my laptop last week, and discovered the hard way that i had no drivers for most of the internal devices.
my sound still doesn't work.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 9:09 PM REPLY
this wouldn't be a dell, would it? even if it is, try googling "(insert laptop name here) sound drivers", i got the drivers for mine that way. you
might just get lucky
Bob Phil McMooow says:
May 22, 2010. 11:08 PM REPLY
no results for Toshiba Portege M300 Synaptics Audio drivers. I got a driver scanner and installer program, so now it works.
on top of that, I was supplied with a new laptop anyway.
drresearch says:
Apr 2, 2010. 5:31 AM REPLY
Windows is not so great in my opinion. If you use Linux you would not have almost any problem with drivers. Just to let you know, if, for
example, you buy a printer, you don't need to install it, just about plug it in and it will work!
ivaneduardo747 says:
May 15, 2010. 12:12 PM REPLY
Linux is great specially on old hardware, where Windows fails miserably because the lack of drivers on the web.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:32 AM REPLY
Not so great on new hardware though. I never got the on board sound for this system to work. I had to throw an old Sound Blaster
into it.
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 12:55 PM REPLY
dont forget windows NEEDS RAM. lots of it
GENERALCHAOS says:
that soo tru
view all 273 comments
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
May 9, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY
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Things to do with a old computer
by prodlad on February 14, 2009
Table of Contents
Things to do with a old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Intro: Things to do with a old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 1: Before you crack it open... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Step 2: The CD-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Step 3: Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Step 4: Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 5: Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Step 6: Motherboard, CPU and RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Step 7: Other Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Step 8: Stuff that has been built . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Step 9: The case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Author:prodlad author's website
Hi, I live at the front of the mournes and know more abot eletronics and other rubbsih that a young boy should. I run a website called kidzrkool.co.nr (soon to
be www.krkcrew.com).
Intro: Things to do with a old computer
Step 1: Before you crack it open...
Before you go ripping it open remember that you can reuse the whole computer and not just some of the components.
1.-Install Linux
Linux is an open source OS that you can install on your old computer and use it as a everyday computer, for those of you out there that are not geeks that just basically
means its a OS like windows XP that people give away free that you can use. You could do endless things with linux and there is a distribution to suit every computer.
Ubuntu This is for some of the better spec computers out there. Its is the most like proper a OS and it is the most user friendly. It can easily do everyday tasks like Surfing and
sending email's. I needs:
1 GHz x86 processor
1 Gb of system memory (RAM)
15 GB of hard-drive space
Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024 by 768
Either a Cd/Dvd-drive or a Usb socket (or both)
Internet access is helpful
Ubuntu's system requirements have escalated over the last few released but there is a alternative version based on Ubuntu called Xbuntu
500Mhz x86 Processor (At the very least!)
256 MiB of system memory (RAM)
2 GB of disk space
Graphics card and monitor capable of 800x600 resolution
Puppy Linux This is a slightly less user friendly version of linux. Is is for those less functional PC's with not as good a spec. It needs:
CPU : Pentium 166MMX
RAM : 64MB
CDROM : 20x and up
Damn Small Linux
OK if none of the above options have worked for you, you must really have a scrappy computer. It is very basic and is not user friendly. It requires
486dx or 100% compatible processor
16mb ram (24mb recommended)
dual-speed CDROM (quad-speed or better recommended) (thats 2x or 4x)
1.44mb floppy drive (for boot floppy, if needed)
There are loads more distrabutions try http://www.linux.org/
Now I have never done the following options before so I can't go into detail on how to do them but you can google them:
Turn it into a server (web, printer, file etc.)
Put a big hard driver in it and make it a jukebox
Put a TV tuner into it and a big hard drive and make it a PVR
Use it as a firewall
Use it as a stress reliever
Automate Your Home
Use it as a answering machine
Make the monitor into a aquarium
Make it into a rendering farm
Trade It in
Put it in your car
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Give it away/Donate
There are some more in the comments!
Step 2: The CD-Drive
OK if none of those last options worked for you its now time to crack it open. So lets start with the simple components and work our way up. So the 1st component is the
cd drive.
1.Make it into CD player.
Yes, this one is very simple. All you have to do is take the CD drive and the power supply out and connect them together like they were in the computer. If your PSU is
the ATX standard to make the power supply work without the computer short one of the black wires and then green wire in the big motherboard connector. You can use a
piece of wire or a paper clip or just chop them off and then join them. Now all you have to do is hook speakers or your hifi into the headphone socket on the front of the
drive. Then press the play/fast forward on the front of it.
2.Make it into a laser pointer
If you have a DVD-RW and are not planning to use it in another computer you could turn it into a laser pointer. USE with caution
See HERE
3.Make it into a safe
This makes a great hiding place. What you do is you hollow out the drive and you can use it as a great hiding place! If you are going to attempt this and are smart enough
and can keep the motor mechanism (ie open and close with the open/close switch) I would suggest cutting the two black ground wires off the power connector and
putting them through a basic on/off keyswitch. Therefore if you do let slip about it they wont be able to open it with out the key.
See HERE
4.Make a Roulette Wheel
This is a brilliant idea. If you can never decided who is going to get the coffee or are just indecisive this is the gadget for you!
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 3: Floppy Drive
The humble floppy drive. Gone and almost forgotten. They are handy in even the latest computers for flashing BIOS's and other tasks. There are hundreds of uses for
floppy disks, all you have to do is search Instructables for "floppy disk" but there aren't so many for the drive itself. If you have a MacIntosh floppy drive, your in luck as
there is some uses for them.
1-The eject motor
The eject motor in apple floppy disk drives are very strong and efficiently would make a fine motor for use in a robot or another project.
See HERE
2. A Amp case
If by any chance you have a Apple PC 5.25 Floppy Drive and a Sonic Impact 5066 T-amp or similar you can make a cool case for it. If you were adventurous enough
make it into a slot loading dvd drive.
See HERE
3.Airsoft Landmine
There isn't a guide for this but some people in the comments have mentioned make a mine of of it ie. when you step on it the disks shoots out. It could also be used a a
normal handheld launcher. If you are interested tackle the people in the comments
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 4: Hard Drive
OK, believe it or not you can do alot with a old hard drive. If you have gave your best efforts to try and fix it and its completely dead you can try some of these1. Make it into a clockYes the disc out of a hard drive actually makes a pretty good clock and it looks cool.
See HERE
Or if you think your really good, try this one!
See HERE (If you dare)
2. Use it as a fake
Now you can impress your mates with your USB hard drive thats actually made out of memory sticks.
See HERE
3.Turn it into a rotary input deviceThats basically a wheel that you turn that controls your computer
See HERE
4. Make a tesla turbine
A tesa turbine is a thing that converts air and water motion into eletricty.
See HERE
5.Make a really strong fridge magnet
In hard drives there are super strong magnets...These make great fridge magnets!
See HERE
6.Make it into a safe
This ones pretty simple; gut a hard drive and store stuff inside it
See HERE
7.Simply Use It as a Coaster
Self-explanatory. But the only thing I would say is that if you have a USB cup warmer you could take the heating plate out of it so it would keep your drink warm!
See HERE
Step 5: Power Supply
There arnt as many uses for the power supply but thats not to say the few there is for it isn't good.
1.Convert it to a Bench Top Power Supply
Computer PSU's provide stable voltage with short circuit and thermal protection. Makes it perfect for a bench top Supply.
See HERE for my very own Instructable on the matter
2.Build A Fireworks Launcher
DONT ATTEMPT THIS IF YOU NOT OVER 18 but if you want to risk blowing your head off be my guest.
See HERE
3.Recycle it into a fume extractor.
All you have to do is take the guts out of it and hook the fan up to 12v. Great for soldering!
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 6: Motherboard, CPU and RAM
OK since there isn't many uses for these parts I shoved them all into one step.
ProcessorOK to be honest you can't do alot with a processor but surprisingly you can make a hairbrush and a belt buckle.
1.Gold Plated Hair Brush
This ones pretty self explanatory, get a processor and glue it to a chunk of wood or metal; But heres the link anyway
See HERE (If your not bald)
2.A Geeky Belt Buckle
This ones quite cool but I wouldn't wear it as a everyday belt.
See HERE
_
RAMAt first I didn't think there was much usage for RAM except put them all into one computer and put it to use as in the 1st step, but stranoster brought these to my
attention.
1.RAM comb
To go with your processor hairbrush!
See HERE
2.Make it into a mood light
Surprisingly its possiable.
See HERE
MotherboardYou may be asking me " What possibly can I do with a old motherboard, well the answer is not very much.
1.Make it into a bracelet
I don't really recommend this as the motherboard is full of poisious chemicals but Meh here is the link.
See HERE
2.Make little men/bugs!
This is very cool
See HERE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 7: Other Parts
Well not much left now except a few fans, the power switch and LEDs, a few PCI cards and some cables.
Fans
These are quite handy just to have lying around incase one in your proper computer packs up.
1. Hook it up to batteries
If you live in a area where it sometimes gets hot, these are very useful. Hook it up to a 9v battery or wire it up to USB and walla you have your own personal fan.
See HERE
OR
See HERE (Battery Powered)
2.Make a hover craft
Isn't exactly the next age of personal transport but its a start. But don't use x3 9v battery's only use
one.
See HERE
3.Make a air filter
Not a bad idea...
See HERE
4.Make a better air filter
Better but a bit more complicated
See HERE
5.Rav them Out!
See HERE
Power Switch And LED'S
They can't be really reused in a cool fashion but are useful as switches in other projects.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Step 8: Stuff that has been built
OK, This is a new section to my instructable of photos of what it is actually possible to build from from an old computer so if you built anything from an old
computer email me a photo or two to [email protected] and il feature you in this new section.
Image Notes
1. Fume Extractor By: sensoryhouse
Image Notes
1. PC Grow Case by opencan
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Image Notes
1. Wall Clock by ERCBIENG
Image Notes
1. Back of Wall Clock by ERCBIENG
Step 9: The case
Well now all your left with is the case and the dust bunnies. There's not really much to do with the case except except make it look cool by adding a few LED'S . Anyways
I hope you enjoyed pwning your old computers.
Sorry if some of the words are messed up, I tried to spell check it on my wii Internet but it messed it up, as a result of that possibly some of he links wont work. If some
dont please tell me. Also my grammar and spelling isn't that good in the first place and a special thanks to cflowers for featuring it on The daily hack
If you have any more ideas or suggestions I'd like to hear them.
OK, I'm adding a new section to my instructable of photos of what it is actually possible to build from from an old computer so if you built anything from an
old computer email me a photo or two to [email protected] and il feature you in the new section.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment
knexsuperbuilderfreak says:
view all 273 comments
Mar 10, 2011. 3:36 PM REPLY
That 1st pic is sweet if you could go there and grab parts
ndinitz says:
Mar 9, 2011. 9:43 AM REPLY
Also you can make a hot plate from a processor, there is an 'ible somewhere...
And you can make my Ram Module Key Fob: http://www.instructables.com/id/RAM-Module-Key-Fob/
Computothought says:
Aug 20, 2010. 2:13 AM REPLY
Nice instructable. I used to use pentium one/two computers computers for disk-less thin clients via ltsp (linux terminal server project. The pentium machines
allow you to use a faster machine to do the processing. Also too, even if a computer component as a hold might not be working, its parts can be used for
other things i.e. scanners, printers, and drives can be used for cnc, robotics, and etc. I have ripped a few stepper motors from old 5 1/4 inch drives for
computer controlled projects. Have several p1 based robots too.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 9:13 AM REPLY
What those flat pancake stepper motors? I've a 5 wire one here that could barely lift up a fly. I'm not seeing any 200 oz/in+ stepper motors coming out of
junk home computers. Which is marginal torque for a CNC machine. As much as I like to strip stuff for parts I don't find old PCs all that great of sources.
I've gutted 2 mini computers, now they're goldmines!
Computothought says:
Feb 27, 2011. 11:15 AM REPLY
The stepper motors from old 5 /12" drives are not exactly pancakes, There are a lot of duties where stepper motors can be useful where he-man
torque is not required i.e. for controlling the direction of a lightweight ota dtv antenna or as part of a robot. You adapt. In any case, I prefer to look at
they can do and not what they can not. Even a simple diode can be used as part of a crude temperature sensor that when calibrated could become
part of a pc based sous vide system. Old pc's are a gold mine to me. You are right though a mini computer has it's advantages. Do not see any of
them any more around here.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 12:53 PM REPLY
Well the ones I've seen all have been of the flat variety. For CNC you need a fair amount of torque, more than PC steppers provide. You brought
it up. Anyhow this is all I've ever used out of stripped PCs in descending order of use:
1. The empty PSU case with power plug. a project box
2. The bundle of wire hanging out of the PSU. for wire
3. CPU heatsink. re-machined can be used as a heatsink for other things
4. Front case LEDs. they're LEDs
5. The guide bar in inkjet printers. its metal bar stock, though newer ones are lighter and less useful.
6. Fans. they're fans
7. The case itself. Sheet metal
8. Flyback diodes. They are big heavy diodes, though not simple ones.
Hardly the mother load. Last mini computer I got must have been over 10 years ago now. I prefer vintage commercial electronic scrap for
stripping. Way more useful high quality parts. Consumer grade electronics are engineered to be pretty worthless. They have to be, companies
aren't operating charities.
I didn't include the CRT as I'm often a little leery about stripping those for several reasons. What do I do with the tube etc. They usually have a
nice selection of caps in them and a better selection of heatsinks, some power transistors etc. Overall more useful electronic components than
can be found in the rest of a computer, but some drawbacks unique to them as well. Lots of corona dirt!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Computothought says:
Feb 27, 2011. 2:55 PM REPLY
Cool.
iMake says:
Feb 26, 2009. 2:24 PM REPLY
A friend of mine made a key chain out of some old ram chips. anyone know what parts of the pc should not be rubbed on skin? cut? digested? I think ram is
fairly safe? Thanks for this compilation! Its great to reuse these old products! Recycling is grand! ****
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 5:51 PM REPLY
On older electronics, the solder, as it contains LEAD
metrogdor22 says:
Dec 21, 2010. 9:35 AM REPLY
Generally I wouldn't eat anything out of a computer. But as far as skin contact, I think most of it is safe. Though I wouldn't go poking around in the Power
Supply, because they have big capacitors that can carry power for a little while.
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 5:56 PM REPLY
i wouldnt eat anything out of anything electronic full stop!...without going into a heavy chemistry lesson, apart from the LEAD content of PCB's, the
next dangerous things are the electrolytic capacitors, dont open one of those and suck on it...!!!
As for the rest, unless you put the bits into a blender and make a PC milkshake, i think you are pretty safe.
Give the power supply 10-15 mins..and its safe!
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:40 AM REPLY
You might consider it if you read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Canticle_for_Leibowitz
prodlad says:
Feb 27, 2009. 8:41 AM REPLY
I think it is but i could be wrong, but i defintly no that parts of a motherboard is poisious
tomm0505 says:
Nov 7, 2010. 8:22 AM REPLY
I know that there is arsenic in some part of a computer.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:47 AM REPLY
LEDs are Gallium Arsenide which is a crystal of arsenic or something. But it seems pretty harmless to me.
cm0002 says:
May 29, 2009. 10:58 PM REPLY
depends on when the motherboard was produced if its post 2006 it contains NO poisonous chemicals because of EPA (or was it 2005) if its before i
would be careful
jomac_uk says:
Dec 24, 2010. 6:01 PM REPLY
But electronics and boards don have printed on them something like..TADAAAA!!!
I was born in 2006?
You will still find stuff in shops now from the far east that uses solder that isnt lead free, and in no way compliant with current regulations in any
way!
hondagofast says:
Jun 2, 2009. 6:32 PM REPLY
So I shouldn't eat the motherboard out of a C64?
mage says:
Jun 8, 2009. 12:58 AM REPLY
i hear those motherboards tastet like popcorn shrimp :D
ursostupid says:
Feb 23, 2011. 12:38 PM REPLY
Seriously no offense, but its voila not walla. It's french. Great Instructable though.. I love it. I'm using my fan and my hard drive.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Sky Woulf says:
Feb 23, 2011. 11:38 AM REPLY
with a hack saw, dremel, etc you can cut all the falt surfaces out to have a supply of sheet metal for other projects, then build you a smelter to "ingot" the rest
for resale, or to have metal you can cast for other projects.
Computothought says:
Jan 24, 2011. 4:52 AM REPLY
I still run a web server on a pII. I have a robot that runs on a p1.
Older pcs are great for hardware interfacing and will do what the average micro-controllers can do. If you can interface a pc you can interface a microcontroller.
Now if your pc is dead, it is not worthless.
Old mice can be used for crude video and or for robot sensors.
Stepper motors from drives can be used for robotic projects or cnc machines.
Leds, switches as well as a mutitude of other electronic parts can all be reused.
Fans can be adapted and moved to newer machines. You can even reuse the wire. the case can be used for a shelf. Even and old xt with two floppy drives
is like a goldmine to me. it is all how you look at it.
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Jun 20, 2009. 9:42 PM REPLY
That poor computer! What did it do to it's owners to deserve that?? Let them RIP, after you have RIPPED out all the componants, naturally.
prodlad says:
Aug 27, 2009. 5:00 AM REPLY
freeze, crash, blue sceen
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Aug 27, 2009. 5:07 AM REPLY
Ah, the good old BSOD. Nothing like a good error message.
cdousley says:
Jan 1, 2010. 4:59 PM REPLY
i gt an hp laptop brand new windows 7
Two days later....
BSOD i restarted it it was back to normal
10 minutes later.........
BSOD i restarted it it was back to normal
lol true story
droyce4596 says:
Jan 3, 2011. 7:12 PM REPLY
That happened to my HP laptop when I got it too!
But, I had Windows Vista.
It scared the the crap out of me because I thought it was a goner and that would have sucked because my cousin told me HP motherboards
in laptops overheated easily and I would hate it if he was right :)
But, I think It just got too hot because I was gaming and had my laptop sitting on a blanket.
cdousley says:
Jan 9, 2011. 9:58 AM REPLY
ive had mine get too hot that way but no blue screen luckily
account3r2 says:
Sep 18, 2010. 6:03 PM REPLY
i thought microsoft fixed the bsod to not appear on windows vista + but i guess not
REA says:
Jun 11, 2010. 2:12 PM REPLY
i got 5 BSoDs in 10 minutes the first week i got my computer. good ol' Vista!
Airwolf1 says:
Jun 15, 2010. 1:54 PM REPLY
Got a BSOD during Vista setup on my new HP laptop, BEAT THAT!
REA says:
touché. that takes some skills at failing!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
Jun 15, 2010. 2:36 PM REPLY
cdousley says:
Jun 21, 2010. 8:36 PM REPLY
if i could afford it i would go mac....
REA says:
Jun 21, 2010. 9:34 PM REPLY
trust me, you dont want a mac. they do a crap job at making durable hardware, and its tedious working with it. buy a decent
PC thats at the most 5 years old and install Linux on it if you dont want Windows.
dogboy12457 says:
Jun 25, 2010. 5:47 PM REPLY
i know what you mean by crap hardware. my imac g5 crapped out on me and i took it to get repaired. cost 570$, 500 for
new motherboard and 70 for labor. about a year goes by and the same thing happens. what happened is when apple
made the motherboard the capacitors on it cant stand the heat of the computer. And instead of the guys fixing the
capacitors they just put a new motherboard in it. the problem with that is that it has the same capacitors in it as the ones
that broke. however i found an instructable (http://www.instructables.com/id/Imac-G5-DIY-capacitors-repair/) that tells how
to replace them. i did that and it has been working fine ever since.
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 9, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY
lol i tryd to get the bsod i cant get it to go on my test pc
j_wo says:
Jan 4, 2011. 10:38 PM REPLY
If you really want to crash your computer, just open Notepad and type this
@echo off
:START
start CRASH.bat
GOTO START
save it as "CRASH.bat" and then double click it.
It won't harm your computer, it'll just overwork your RAM and should cause a BSOD.
account3r2 says:
Sep 18, 2010. 6:05 PM REPLY
try putting in a really low amount of ram in and try opening a bunch of stuff
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 12:54 PM REPLY
well it depends how good your pc is.i was trying to biuld one once, and while it was setting up, i got the BSOD because the ram failed
halfway through
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 22, 2010. 4:44 PM REPLY
MoBo intel D865GRH (2004) 1.5GB ddr400 single ch of ram WD Green 320GB hdd FX5200 creative labs 24bit
cpu 3.2
ram 4.2
desktop graphics 2.0
gaming 3.0
primHDD 5.9
BTW i got a nice scor on my hardisk
lol this old MoBo is bit strong
if i had the money il get some nice upgrad for see how bad @$$ i can get it
i wanna get the 3.2GHz cpu SSD sapphire HD 4600 agp and ddr400 dual channel kit 2x1gb and 2x512mb
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 9:07 PM REPLY
you should get a 750W psu to put on top of that!
GENERALCHAOS says:
May 22, 2010. 10:56 PM REPLY
yea now is just the money i need lol
Bob Phil McMooow says:
Jan 1, 2010. 9:01 PM REPLY
welcome to the wonderful world of windows, my friend.
i reinstalled xp on my laptop last week, and discovered the hard way that i had no drivers for most of the internal devices.
my sound still doesn't work.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 9:09 PM REPLY
this wouldn't be a dell, would it? even if it is, try googling "(insert laptop name here) sound drivers", i got the drivers for mine that way. you
might just get lucky
Bob Phil McMooow says:
May 22, 2010. 11:08 PM REPLY
no results for Toshiba Portege M300 Synaptics Audio drivers. I got a driver scanner and installer program, so now it works.
on top of that, I was supplied with a new laptop anyway.
drresearch says:
Apr 2, 2010. 5:31 AM REPLY
Windows is not so great in my opinion. If you use Linux you would not have almost any problem with drivers. Just to let you know, if, for
example, you buy a printer, you don't need to install it, just about plug it in and it will work!
ivaneduardo747 says:
May 15, 2010. 12:12 PM REPLY
Linux is great specially on old hardware, where Windows fails miserably because the lack of drivers on the web.
pfred2 says:
Feb 27, 2011. 8:32 AM REPLY
Not so great on new hardware though. I never got the on board sound for this system to work. I had to throw an old Sound Blaster
into it.
zack247 says:
May 22, 2010. 12:55 PM REPLY
dont forget windows NEEDS RAM. lots of it
GENERALCHAOS says:
that soo tru
view all 273 comments
http://www.instructables.com/id/Things-to-do-with-a-old-computer/
May 9, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY
