What should I do with my old computer parts?

[GrantMeThePower]

I rebuilt my pc recently. I now have an almost complete computer that I don't know what to do with. Should I sell it? Give it away? Is there a use for it that I haven't thought of?

E6600 Core 2 Duo
2 gigs ram (DDR2)
320gb hd + 200 gb hd
8600GT Video Card
Gigabyte mobo..but I dont remember which model.

 

[BeauCharles]

I usually assemble my leftover parts when I get enough and give the PC to a family member. They're always happy to get them.

 

[Bricked]

There's a lot of open source software out there that will let you convert an old box into a file server/NAS/firewall/etc.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

The only downside is that I do not have a case...I reused my old case. So if I retool it for something else it needs to be worth that amount of investment.

 

[jaedaliu]

cases are cheap. If you don't have another use for it, donate it to goodwill or whatever. I'm sure someone you know could use the tax writeoff.

 

[Eeqmcsq]

Perhaps you should keep it as a backup computer. When I was doing stuff on my main computer, such as installing a new card or experimenting with features in the BIOS, it was very helpful to have a second computer up and running so I could quickly search for answers on the Internet without having to boot up my main computer normally again.

 

[BeauCharles]

cases are cheap. If you don't have another use for it, donate it to goodwill or whatever. I'm sure someone you know could use the tax writeoff.

Very cheap. Newegg has tons under $40 and there are lots of recycling places where you can get them for next to nothing.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Perhaps you should keep it as a backup computer. When I was doing stuff on my main computer, such as installing a new card or experimenting with features in the BIOS, it was very helpful to have a second computer up and running so I could quickly search for answers on the Internet without having to boot up my main computer normally again.

I do the same thing with my iMac all the time. You're right...it is super handy.

I thought about an NAS, but I dont know what I'd do with it. I already have a nice big 3TB external that I backup to and I don't rip media.

 

[radhak]

I'm going to end up with a fully functional complete desktop to give away. I'm only going to reuse the SSD and 1TB HDD from it.

It's a Dell pentium 4 with 3 GB memory, and will have a 300GB HDD on it with windows 7 on it (I'm guessing if I don't allow it to activate, the Win 7 will continue to work...?)

Unfortunately, I have tried and failed installing Linux on it. Just does not load, fails at boot (from the Linux CD itself)! Does not even allow booting into Linux Live :wub:! I strongly believe something to do with the motherboard/bios, whatever, but dunno.

so, a full machine with a going-to-be-illegal OS...

 

[nemesiz]

In Europe the European Union introduced the WEEE (Waste, Electrical and Electronic) Directive, to encourage the recycling and recovery of old Electrical goods. In Britain there are a number of Charities which take old serviceable PC's and components to re-cycle or distribute to other worthy causes. While in the US, the various States deal with with similar legislation in various ways, but recycling is still a priority.

Having worked in the UK for a recycling charity, I can understand their mantra, and attitudes in encouraging people to donate their working PC's and equipment to a non-profitable organisation. In turn the bare-bones system, with pre-installed a Operating System is usually sold to individuals on benefit or welfare system, or passed to other organisations. My advice is search the internet or paper in LA for a local charity or organisation that is requesting old, used computers or components.

 

[smitbret]

Perhaps you should keep it as a backup computer. When I was doing stuff on my main computer, such as installing a new card or experimenting with features in the BIOS, it was very helpful to have a second computer up and running so I could quickly search for answers on the Internet without having to boot up my main computer normally again.

unRAID NAS. Stick some HDDs in it, doesn't even matter what size they are. Buy a cheap case for $30 and stick it in a dark room with an ethernet cord connected to it. Use it for backup, media server, etc.

Case + license + flash drive = $100 and done.

www.lime-technology.com

 

[VirtualLarry]

Could probably make $100 off of the parts here in the FS/FT forum.

 

[Raincity]

It would make a fine internet scooter and a backup machine when your main setup is down for the count. In this day of age of cheap tablets and high electricity costs. It really makes no sense to own a backup desktop. I would wait for a sale and get this cheap case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129186 for $20 shipped and call it a day. Pass the system on to somebody who is still slugging it out on a working P-4

 

[JackMDS]

Given your posts in this thread.

1. Give/Donate it to someone who needs it.

2. Head on to the For Sale/Trade forum and sell it.

One thing you should take into consideration, every day it gets down in value.

 

[mvbighead]

If you're into games and you have a buddy with a poor computer, see if you can get him to buy it off of you for a small amount. Or family member.

I've built systems for my brothers this way, and generally doesn't cost me anything.

 

[corkyg]

In addition to several excellent suggestions, your location (South Pasadena, CA) us access to several used computer shops. We have one here in Tucson called Computer Rennaissance. They buy and sell used parts.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

In addition to several excellent suggestions, your location (South Pasadena, CA) us access to several used computer shops. We have one here in Tucson called Computer Rennaissance. They buy and sell used parts.

I did not know those places bought along with sold. There is a computer shop near my house but I thought it was just repair. I'll check them out. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Raincity]

But the cash amount Computer Rennaissance pays for your stuff is down right insulting that its not even worth the gas for the trip.

 

[Blain]

Given your posts in this thread.

1. Give/Donate it to someone who needs it.

2. Head on to the For Sale/Trade forum and sell it.

3. Recover gold from the components.

 

[mfenn]

Given your posts in this thread.

1. Give/Donate it to someone who needs it.

2. Head on to the For Sale/Trade forum and sell it.

One thing you should take into consideration, every day it gets down in value.

True, but it's well into the long tail. It might go down a few cents per day.

 

[Bonesdad]

depending on where you live, there are foundations that take computer parts to build and give to people/students in need. It's also a tax write off for you. It's what I do and it's simple.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Looks like you got your answers:

a) donate to family/charity
or
b) keep as a secondary/test machine

 

[Compman55]

My new test for old hardware:

Try playing a HD flash video off youtube. If it plays smooth, assemble and do what you wish. No need to let working slightly obsolete hardware end up at the fill. If it can;t play the video smooth, scrap the hardware.

This method worked well for me, if it cant play youtube / hulu videos, nearly nobody would even want it for free.

 

[TheStu]

My new test for old hardware:

Try playing a HD flash video off youtube. If it plays smooth, assemble and do what you wish. No need to let working slightly obsolete hardware end up at the fill. If it can;t play the video smooth, scrap the hardware.

This method worked well for me, if it cant play youtube / hulu videos, nearly nobody would even want it for free.

That was my test at the store to see if netbooks had ever reached a performance point that I was willing to deal with. They never did. But I stopped looking when I got an iPad.

 

[max347]

Old? Thats a craigslist 'gaming computer' right there!