What do YOU do with an extra PC?

[InflatableBuddha]

Donate to a charity. They use the parts to fix up and refurbish old machines for non-profits and recycle old or broken parts.

 

[mmntech]

I have parts littering my basement. Trying to restore an old Athlon 64 X2 system for my mom to use. Needs a new HDD and fresh copy of Windows though.

 

[ultimatebob]

Wipe it then install a new Linux OS or make it a hackintosh just to learn something new.

Then use it as a file back up server or media streaming server.

I just ordered a replacement for my 3 year old Core 2 Duo based laptop at home. I should give this plan a try.

 

[Skunkwourk]

Internet box for guests/occasional gaming rig for older single core non-widescreen games.

 

[Brainonska511]

Depends what I need. Assuming I had only one computer to start with for everyday use:

If it was the specs were decent and had HDMI out - HTPC. Otherwise, sell it/part it out/give to family member...

I don't think I'd want to use a separate computer as a file-server. Hard drives are more than big enough to store everything I need on my primary machines. I'd rather backup to drives that I can turn on/off (and/or use W7 backup features to another internal drive). Plus, the electrical costs of running a computer 24/7.

 

[ahenkel]

My current spare computer is upstairs as a spare for BFBC2

 

[1sikbITCH]

As the workstations on my job get replaced I am allowed to have the old ones to do as I please. I keep them until I find someone who can't afford a computer, or when I have too many of them I strip the memory, chip, and hard drive an haul them to the dump.

However, I currently have about 20 sticks of 256mb DDR and a bunch of 40-80gb IDE drives and P4 chips that are just about obsolete.

So unless the entire computer can be salvaged and I have room to store it, I'm to the point of just junking the old ones entirely. Once the current computers start to be replaced, I'll be able to find uses for the parts again.

Edit - as for my own use, I have a computer hooked up to almost every TV in the house with Mediaportal on most of them so I can watch content from the server in the basement. I have no more conceivable use for any more computers.

 

[Malak]

There are always charities.

 

[edro]

4) Setup as a Farmville script that automatically posts newly crafted goods to eBay.

I have made over $20,000 so far.

 

[Brainonska511]

4) Setup as a Farmville script that automatically posts newly crafted goods to eBay.

I have made over $20,000 so far.

Hello, IRS?

I'd like to report....

lol

 

[ch33zw1z]

Pr0n box.

 

[muskie32]

Fold on it!

 

[KMFJD]

run 2 of my 5 wow instances when/if i multibox

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

For me, Hackintoshing (E5200 @ 4GHz, G41MT-D3, 4GB DDR3, 640GB WD Blue)

 

[ichy]

Play around with various linux distros. Install backtrack one the old machine, teach myself to break into servers.

 

[Lean L]

I do unspeakable things to them....

 

[Exterous]

I have gifted a couple to family and will probably continue to do so (But I have plenty of computers already)

 

[Tattare]

I keep a few in the garage for nostalgia and to heat it when im working out there. The ole 300a w/peltier yukon keeps the place mighty warm.

The others usually get recycled into other peoples pc's, replacement parts, or traded off.

 

[JTsyo]

Upgrade mom/dad/gf's computer with my old parts.

this

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Use it as a file server. WHS or something like that.

 

[rasczak]

fap machine

 

[ultimatebob]

fap machine

Why do you need a dedicated machine for THAT?

 

[Ruger22C]

Sell it..

Unfortunately, I can't.

I have 4 extra, decent computers and 1 that's almost finished.

 

[xSauronx]

mine is used as file server/web proxy, can run a vm ok if i want to test something. also let my kids use it for movies and games.

 

[nsafreak]

Depends on the number of extra PCs that I have. Went through not too long ago and got rid of all of my extra PCs except for one and gave them to charity. The one I kept I have running Amahi doing a variety of duties.