Don’t worry if your old PC parts are outdated. You can still find ways to use them. Some obvious options include recycling them or donating them to others. But you can also get creative: repurpose parts for DIY projects, use them as backups, or even sell them online. To give you an idea, we have made a list of things you can do with your old PC parts.
What to do with old computer parts?
Wondering what to do with your old computer parts? Check out some cool ideas below:
Build a Low-Powered PC
If you have enough parts, you can make a new machine, even if it’s not the most original idea. An old computer can be a great home server for sharing files or downloading torrents all day, or as a home theater PC for watching movies and TV shows without needing much power. If you don’t have an old case, you can use a cardboard box or integrate the computer into your desk or entertainment center for household integration.
DIY Projects
If you have lots of parts and want some fun, turn them into a DIY project! You could make an aquarium from an old PC case. Wondering what you can do with old motherboards and graphic cards? Turn them into a coffee table or anything else you can imagine. Look for ideas online or come up with your own cool decorations for your geek cave.
Repurpose the Parts Individually
You can give old parts new life! Like turning an old hard drive into an external one easily. Just get a simple case for it. Or make an external DVD drive from an old DVD drive. Got extra NVIDIA graphics cards? You can add one to your computer for better gaming if your current one isn’t super strong. And if you’re handy, you could even make an external graphics card for gaming on your laptop. Not every part can be reused like this, but before tossing them, check if they can help your current setup.
Sell Them Online
Maybe you don’t need that old Intel Pentium 4 and AGP graphics card anymore, but someone else might find them useful. If you’re not using them, try selling them on sites like Craigslist or eBay. You could sell them separately or build a couple of computers with them and sell those. You might not make a lot of money, but it’s a way to earn some extra cash. Plus, you’ll be helping someone else find the parts they need. Just be careful when selling online to avoid any problems.
Reuse and Recycle
If you’re done with your old parts and don’t know what to do with them, don’t toss them in the trash. They might have stuff in them that’s not good for the environment. Your city might have more options. Just do a quick search online to find a free and responsible way to get rid of them.
Donate to Charity
Lots of charities help out by giving computer stuff, training, and support to groups that don’t have much access to technology. They’ll take your old PC and give it to someone who can still use it. This way, your computer won’t just end up in a landfill. It’s a good deal for everyone involved!
Gift it to a Family Member
Lots of old computers can still do simple stuff, which makes them great for giving to kids or family members who are just starting to explore the world of computers. When you give them your old computer, they can use it to do basic computer activities and learn how to take care of it too.
Use as a Game Server
Lots of old PCs can be used to run a game server. The server doesn’t have to show the game’s graphics like the players’ computers do. Changing an old PC into a game server can give you a special online place to play with friends. You won’t have to pay each month like you would for renting a server. Starting with a Minecraft server is a good idea, but lots of other old games also let you use a dedicated server.
Upgrade It
If you want to make your old computer work better, upgrading it is a good idea. The best upgrades are usually adding more RAM and getting a new storage drive. If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM, it might be slow, so adding more can help it run faster, especially if it has less than 4GB. Also, changing the old hard drive to a newer solid-state drive can make your computer quicker to respond. But not all computers can be upgraded, so it’s important to check before you buy new parts.
Turn It Into a Home Security System
If you want to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there, an old computer can do the trick. You can connect security cameras, called “IP cameras,” to it through your Wi-Fi. These cameras can record what’s happening and send it to your computer. You’ll need special software to manage the cameras, and iSpy is a popular free choice.
Know What to Do with Old PC Parts Today
There’s plenty you can do with your old PC parts, such as its motherboard and more. Build something cool with DIY projects, repurpose them for new uses, or sell them online for extra cash. If you’re not sure what to do, donate them to charity or give them to family members. Want to level up your old PC? Upgrade it with more RAM or a new storage drive. Or, turn it into a home security system or a game server for fun times with friends. With endless possibilities, your old computer parts can still have a big impact!