FIVE Cool Things To Do With Old PC Parts
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ifix.gd Save $10 on orders of $50 or more at iFixit! with code TQFIX at the link above, but act quick because the sale is only on for 48 hours after this video goes live! (US & Canada only) So, you upgraded your PC, and now you have a bunch of old PC hardware sitting around. Here are some ideas for what to do with that old system! Leave a reply with your requests for future episodes. ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv
The video surveys practical, upcycling style ideas for old PC parts, turning what many would discard into functional and engaging reuse projects. It opens by acknowledging that aging hardware often outlives its usefulness in typical builds, then presents concrete pathways to keep the parts productive. One suggested path is converting an old PC into a robust home router, noting that underpowered consumer hardware can struggle with network tasks while a decade-old machine can outperform a typical router in some scenarios, provided you install a network card and a free routing/firewall OS. The host emphasizes that such a setup requires more configuration effort than plug-and-play consumer gear but rewards you with a customizable, crash-resistant network appliance. Beyond networking, the video recommends breathing new life into aging systems by upgrading modestly,adding SSDs, RAM upgrades like DDR3, or even moving to lighter operating systems such as Chrome OS Flex to regain responsiveness for everyday tasks like web browsing, productivity, and video calls. The discussion extends to repurposing old GPUs for retro gaming through compatible titles and community mods, and to using surplus GPUs for distributed computing projects like Folding at Home to contribute to scientific research. Finally, it suggests establishing a dedicated home NAS to centralize media storage, enable remote access across the home network, support surveillance or smart-home services, and preserve older mechanical hard drives by reusing them in a centralized storage solution. The overarching takeaway is that old PC parts can be remarkably versatile, offering practical value through routers, upgraded workstations, retro gaming, distributed computing, and home storage,often with a small upfront cost and careful selection of compatible components. The video invites viewers to share their own repurposing ideas, and teases additional episodes on selling or repurposing gear in future content.
Topics · technology · hardware · home-server · pc-recycling · retro-gaming