View Full Version : What to do with old PC's?
Well i have an old PC hanging about and dont know what to do with it.
Ive looked into all the obvious stuff like server, media PC, File server etc and i dont really need anything like that or ive already got it!
What i do need is an Amp to run my audio from my DVD player and gaming rig.
Can i turn an old PC into a amp with a bit of sticky back plastic and a match box? :oops:
Its a P3 1GHZ.
512 ram
CD drive
errr. Thats about it.
I think i might just looking at putting it in a new case.....The bin! :lol:
Mat :?
Lovefist233
09-08-07, 20:02
it would make a decent file server, you could fill it with HDDs.
it could be used for web access, you could try out different linux distros on it, do experimental stuff that you're afraid to do on your main PC
you could fit it in the boot of your car and use it to run an in-car entertainment system or you could donate it to charity or use it as a doorstop
Ive put linux on it and wasnt that impressed. I wanted a really fast booting OS.
Ive just put XP on it and taken everything i can out to see how fast i can get it to boot. Quite fast at the moment even though when its booted it looks like crap :shock:
I dont really want to spend much money on it. If at all any!
Saving for a new car, Although if i get through any more e-mails with cheap 8800 ultras on i might be tempted :cry:
Lovefist233
09-08-07, 23:17
linux is very slow to boot isnt it? not much fun when it does boot either
Slow to boot - maybe... but if it's a file server, why would you turn it off???
Send the old PC's off to Africa and other third world countries like France, where the poor kids have something to create viruses on.
Haha. I think thats what happens in most cases! :lol:
Im hoping to break the sub 10 seconds tonight with it. But i dont know what to do with it after :?
[Removed at the request of the author]
So does anyone know any really advanced way to get boot up times down?
Ive done all the ususal ones i can find on the net.
I cant help thinking if it was a faster PC it would be quicker....But thats common sence! :cry: :lol:
Turn off unnecessary services? HP Printing and Imaging for example. All Linux distros come with that by default, and it takes a while to start it at boot.
Ive found a list of services that need to be running so i can disable the rest of them. There is nothing else on the PC apart from windows so no 3rd party programs or services running...Only microshaft :lol:
I might break apart the old case and make a new desktop one but i cant see much point as i dont have a use for it...
It might just be my rig for messing about with :?
Hmmm it's pretty low spec really, there lots it COULD do, but it may just be more effort than it's worth.
But, as said, you could try messing with other OSs on it. Anything to get you away from Windoze is a blessing!
try and get it as many viruses as possible, that'd be funny!, then do a virus scan and post a screenie!
[quote:31aea20dbd=\"mattbot2\"]try and get it as many viruses as possible, that'd be funny!, then do a virus scan and post a screenie![/quote:31aea20dbd]
Thats if he would be able to run a virus scan after there all on his pc lol
You dont want to know how old of a PC i have. AMD somthing (begins with D) abou 64MB Ram and a 4GB Hard Drive.
Anyone Want to buy that top of the range limited edtion pc for only £6,000 ??
[quote:178b57ffd4=\"Micky007\"]You dont want to know how old of a PC i have. AMD somthing (begins with D) ?[/quote:178b57ffd4]
Duron.
And that's nothing. I have an AMD K5, circa 1996, which is still running Windows just fine, and even an old Intel 80386 (33MHz), the first 32-bit processor from the late 1980's. I haven't got a motherboard for that beast anymore, though.
Oldest box I have which is stall capable of running (but has been retired to the airing cupboard for now) is a P1 150mhz.. It gets used every so often when i feel like playing with a small Linux release, but less frequently now!
I have a 486 that i could get linux onto, maybe that very small version. 95 went on there fine.
[quote:e8184b4855=\"Aaron\"]Oldest box I have which is stall capable of running (but has been retired to the airing cupboard for now) is a P1 150mhz.. It gets used every so often when i feel like playing with a small Linux release, but less frequently now![/quote:e8184b4855]
Wont it get a bit hot in there!? :shock:
Im only 20 so the oldest PC i remember is my brothers Amiga 500 :twisted:
Floppy disk anyone? :lol:
My C64 had tapes - or 5.25\" floppies - or cartridges!!!
I miss her :(
oh yeah.. The first computer I properly used was a BBC Model B.. Those were the days... 2Mhz and 32k of ram...
Ive still got this hanging around. I took the case apart as it was crap so its now running in a cardboard box...Hehe.
Im looking at putting it in my draw and using it as my download/file server.
For safety i would like to put it in a proper case and then in my draw. So i need a small case. My draw size is 360w x 330d x 160h MAX.
Anyone know of a small micro ATX case?
Cheers
Mat :D
I guess not then. Why are all the micro-atx cases out there HUGE?
Expensive too :cry:
Is your drawer metal or wood?
If it's wood - just build away!
If it's metal - you can easily drill into it and then screw motherboard standoffs in - turning the botton of the drawer into a motherboard tray...
Just remember to add fans or it won't last long.
a pc in a drawer, id be apprehensive about putting it in a wooden draw just in case it combusted!
Wood is also a very good insulator, so you will need extra cooling.
indeed, insulation in pc terms is not good :) id also still be worrying about things combusting due to the heat that is produced by some components
At two fans that are cut into the front of the drawer
one intake one output, then the airflow should be okay.
Lunacy, i thought i was mad. Does no one have a problem with electrics, heat and wood? Perhaps i should fashion a stylish beech computer case on my next day off as no one seems to sell any ;)
[quote:b4cfd34afb=\"Lynx\"]At two fans that are cut into the front of the drawer
one intake one output, then the airflow should be okay.[/quote:b4cfd34afb]
Both at the front?
Thats hardly ideal, the outake will just take the air straight from the intake, and then the intake from the outake; feedback stylee, unless you employ some sort of air channeling.
What about water cooling? :P
Tell you what i'd do with your old pc's....
I'd get em in the bin! :o
[quote:f3d6a7d240=\"coiler\"]Tell you what i'd do with your old pc's....
I'd get em in the bin! :o[/quote:f3d6a7d240]
What coiler of course means it that you will take them to your designated recycling centre where the hazardous components can be stripped out and dealt with safely.
Right?
[quote:3f2ca2c644=\"alexnifty\"][quote:3f2ca2c644=\"coiler\"]Tell you what i'd do with your old pc's....
I'd get em in the bin! :o[/quote:3f2ca2c644]
What coiler of course means it that you will take them to your designated recycling centre where the hazardous components can be stripped out and dealt with safely.
Right?[/quote:3f2ca2c644]
Indeed - anything else would be a contravention of RoHS and WEEE regulations...
i just thought he meant put them in that big black plastic thing with wheels on... usually emptied once a week...
No what I actually meant was put them in the errrr pc recycling bin, you know those black ones a lot of people have outside their house (not the green garden waste ones)
To further reduce your carbon footprint I advice purchasing a 10 shot repeater firework, lighting the fuse, throw in bin, close lid firmly and then run away :oops: :oops: :oops:
http://www.cheshirefire.co.uk/images/Gallery_001/Wheelie1%20arson.jpg
[quote:6bfe1ca134=\"tystar\"]i just thought he meant put them in that big black plastic thing with wheels on... usually emptied once a week...[/quote:6bfe1ca134]
No no no...
RoHS and WEEE!!!! RoHS and WEEE!!!!!!
See?
ps. do not be alarmed if the bin lid flies open upon each of the 10 shots going off, hot molton plastic may spray you in the face. This is completely normal
my recomendation in order not to hurt your eyes is to wear suitable protection like this http://images.hobbytron.com/SD-SD-MASK2-lg.jpg
Its gonna need some LED fans to keep the visor from misting up.
Apparently 'Silent Eagles' are good...
try this mask instead http://www.lonewolfpaintball.com/images/masksmall_05.gif
or this one http://i.n.com.com/i/ne/p/2007/American-Flag-Vader_400x600.jpg
Forget that add some Sharkoon LED blues to Tystars mask and were onto a BINYOURCASE-ECOFRIENDYWINNER
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c400/pault123/fanman.jpg
I'm sure were all RoHS and WEEE compliant now!
thank god for that.
i'm posting the patent now for the safety outfit....
im shocked by your safety suit, its sorta like some form of outfit from a sci fi channel b film. Anyway would it not be quicker to employ the use of two 10 shot repeaters? Thats more spray of molten plastic and more demand for your sci fi channel b film safety suit ;)
i suspect that wou.d be over kill but hey why not
perhaps the use of some form of accelerant may also be an idea?
[quote:fdc7aa80a7=\"bouncyb\"]im shocked by your safety suit, its sorta like some form of outfit from a sci fi channel b film. Anyway would it not be quicker to employ the use of two 10 shot repeaters? Thats more spray of molten plastic and more demand for your sci fi channel b film safety suit ;)[/quote:fdc7aa80a7]
I think you could be onto something here BB!
Wait....
How about a x20 shot repeater (only one fuse bonus)
http://www.fireworks.com/images/products/G-062-th.jpg
and a astra banger?
http://www.fireworkmuseum.co.uk/banger.jpg
this is what will happen if the safety suit is not worn.....
http://bob.bob.bofh.org/~giolla/photos/fireworks05/guy3.jpg
You are crazy ppl :shock:
I think this is a clean up job for HOVERCAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/128338636875781250hovercat.jpg
http://cucinatestarossa.blogs.com/weblog/images/cat.jpg
ah but you see, my cat has already doned its safety suit for such a clean up job.
incase the cat is not fully equiped superdog can also be on hand.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m58/bibik_modern/superdog.jpg
http://www.funnypop.com/pictures/data/505/173Supercat.jpg
ill have you know that super cat is far superior and can handle anything thrown at he/she ;)
yeah but superdog is far more loyal
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m58/bibik_modern/superdog.jpg
This sounds like a job for Bruce Kitty
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128344381222343750izattacksmall.jpg
no superdog is led, supercat does what it needs to do :D
fight time i think.
http://www.extremefunnyhumor.com/pics/kittie%20kungfu.jpg
be prepared for war
http://content.ytmnd.com/content/d/7/f/d7f0511808dc946155a6ed6ff6bf4c7a.jpg
Ceiling cat is watching over this post be cautious :o
http://www.gojeffpowell.com/myspace/spider-pig.jpg
and so is spider pig!
this is the only spiderpig allowed
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/423693417_6a253f156f_m.jpg
[quote:22373c37af=\"tystar\"]this is the only spiderpig allowed
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/423693417_6a253f156f_m.jpg[/quote:22373c37af]
im sorry but you appear to be using a none official spider pig ;)
how can a spiderpig be a spiderpig if it doesnt have 8 legs......
surely the simpson pig is just a pig upside down and therefore not a real spiderpig.
Its all about the inflight meals
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128342170733281250inflightmeal.jpg
[quote:eb8de20e7e=\"tystar\"]how can a spiderpig be a spiderpig if it doesnt have 8 legs......
surely the simpson pig is just a pig upside down and therefore not a real spiderpig.[/quote:eb8de20e7e]
Ban :twisted:
Your logic is not welcome.
I'll fix this thread in a jiffy
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128340812179843750cansomeonehan.jpg
lol, well their isnt such a thing as a spider pig anyway so its all accademic
Back to what should be done with old PCs;
http://www.komar.org/bbq/mm/bbq-pc.jpg
Thread hijack!!! :shock: :lol:
http://users.kymp.net/p305543a/pics/pegasos_microwave_casemod2.jpg
need i say any more?
[quote:4e8d81945b=\"bouncyb\"]http://users.kymp.net/p305543a/pics/pegasos_microwave_casemod2.jpg
need i say any more?[/quote:4e8d81945b]
THe yellow outstretched arm on this pic looks very similar to
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128340812179843750cansomeonehan.jpg
You microwaved HOVERCAT!! :oops:
[quote:7ac641fc6a=\"bouncyb\"]http://users.kymp.net/p305543a/pics/pegasos_microwave_casemod2.jpg
need i say any more?[/quote:7ac641fc6a]
I suspect cooling may be an issue here....
Coiler how many Sharkoon fans will we need :)
alternative move the pc to the fridge
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3393/062gk.jpg
Anyway does anyone know what the fastest cpu my pc will take??
http://www.rustylime.com/article_images/528.jpeg
[quote:d43602c006=\"tystar\"]alternative move the pc to the fridge
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3393/062gk.jpg[/quote:d43602c006]
Its surprising how badly a fridge does at cooling a PC... They are not meant to be able to handle active heat loads - ie something constantly producing heat for an extended period of time.. They are made to cool down the air inside the fridge once its closed, and the temperature will not actively increase...
:)
[quote:e63dc7f8f9=\"Aaron\"][quote:e63dc7f8f9=\"tystar\"]alternative move the pc to the fridge
-snip-[/quote:e63dc7f8f9]
Its surprising how badly a fridge does at cooling a PC... They are not meant to be able to handle active heat loads - ie something constantly producing heat for an extended period of time.. They are made to cool down the air inside the fridge once its closed, and the temperature will not actively increase...
:)[/quote:e63dc7f8f9]
Change the record, people always say that on any forum where pictures like that get posted.
I can see pipes running about on the inside of that fridge which suggests some water cooling is going on. The fridge is just for kicks and giggles.
ah yeah, I didnt see that.. good spot..
However, if it was relying purely on the fridge, then the record should stay exactly how it is.. ;)
Forget cooling - i'm starving marvin - Time for lunch!
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128344054147187500muncheiz1.jpg
be careful, you could join the obesity epidemic. check me after and before
http://notexactlyrocketscience.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/fatmouse.jpg
[quote:4ac10e7479=\"tystar\"]be careful, you could join the obesity epidemic. check me after and before
http://notexactlyrocketscience.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/fatmouse.jpg[/quote:4ac10e7479]
Don't like the look of yours much...
I wouldn't touch yours with mine.
anyway perhaps back to the topic in question, what to do with old computers.
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