Good use for a relatively powerful spare PC?

[mitchafi]

Well, I just built a new HTPC and now I've got this sitting in a closet:

AMD 3200+
Asus K8V Basic (Socket 754)
64MB Geforce 4 Video card
1GB PC3500 DDR1 Ram
Pioneer CD/DVD Burner
250GB Seagate PATA HDD

I thought about putting linux on it just to mess around and perhaps learn how to use it, but that doesn't sound terribly exciting.

I've also heard that a PC can be turned into a router...is this true, and would it be any better than the regular old linksys router w/ DD-WRT that I've got? Even so, if I remember correctly, this processor draws quite a bit of power, so the rise in my electric bill might not be worth it.

One final thing I could think of was to perhaps run an emulated server for an older MMOG just for kicks so me and a few others could play, but again I know nothing about that, or if this PC would even be powerful enough.

It's still a pretty powerful machine so I'm not ready to give it away quite yet, but if I really can't think of a good use I might just have to. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[somethingsketchy]

A computer based jukebox? You could throw all of your mp3 files onto this build, slap a good set of speakers and you can use it in the kitchen, recreation room, wherever you have a hang out space. A cheap and easy install of an Unix based O.S. (Ubuntu would be a good start) and you can set it up to take requests and whatnot.

Or you can turn it into a media server for your HTPC. Stick this older build in a closet or basement with all of your movie/mp3 files on it and play them through your new HTPC.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

sell it on craigslist?

 

[lxskllr]

File server

 

[0roo0roo]

lol file server..the power consumption just isn't worth it.

 

[corkyg]

I have had that situation for years. I use the second system as a testbed for betaware. Right now it is running Win 7 RC. I also have backup data files in it. And, when I have the kids and grandkids visiting, that is their box and they leave mine alone. ")

 

[WildHorse]

Gift it to a worthy young teenager who can use it this summer.

To you it's surplus (you're having trouble figuring out any use for it) but to that kid it'll maybe be the start of good things to follow.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Distributed Computing. Get that thing crunching.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
Distributed Computing. Get that thing crunching.

:thumbsup:

 

[wolfman11]

I thought about putting linux on it just to mess around and perhaps learn how to use it, but that doesn't sound terribly exciting.

Sounds like the best use of the machine to me (other than the gifting to a teen who needs one)...