One of the items that many people have in their homes is an old gaming PC. This device can be put to good use, rather than just taking up space. It is important to consider the following options when deciding what to do with it.
A common choice is to repurpose it as a media center. It is possible to set up software, such as Kodi, to play movies, TV shows, and music. To upgrade its gaming performance, adding new components such as a graphics card, cooling fan, or SSD is beneficial. This will allow for a smoother gaming experience.
Another option is to make use of it as a home server. Setting up a home server for storage, media streaming, or any other tasks can be done through the old gaming PC. It is also useful for hosting personal webpages and accessing resources from remote locations.
Furthermore, it can be used as a development PC. Through setting up Linux, a powerful yet versatile operating system, old gaming PCs can be repurposed for coding, web design, and any other development tasks. It is also a great machine for experimenting with virtual machines.
Finally, old gaming PCs can be sold for a reasonable amount of money. Though its value is nowhere near that of the newer models, selling the device can be a great way to make some extra cash. Through selling components of the computer separately, such as the motherboard, case, and power supply, more money can be earned.
What Else Can We Do With an Old Gaming PC?
One of the other great things that can be done with an old gaming PC is to run a home security system. With the right software installed, the computer can be used to monitor activity inside the home. It is possible to set up motion detectors and cameras, detect intruders, and monitor the perimeter of the house.
In addition, an old gaming PC can be used as a gaming console emulator station. Using special software, it is possible to play old-school console games on the PC. These can range from classic Nintendo games to Sega Dreamcast titles. The device can also be used for playing console game online with friends, sharing screeens and streaming games.
Another great use for an old gaming PC is for testing new programs, operating systems, and applications. Using a Virtual Machine, it is possible to try out different operating systems on the computer. It is also useful for testing software before it is released publicly, as it provides an effective way of detecting bugs and fixing them.
Finally, the computer can be set up as a computer-aided design (CAD) station. CAD programs require powerful machines to run, which could be provided by an old gaming PC. This is great for anyone interested in architectural design, engineering, or animation.
How To Get The Most Out of Your Old Gaming PC?
Getting the most out of an old gaming PC requires proper maintenance and upgrades. It is important to ensure that the device is kept up to date with the latest drivers, software updates, and security patches. Keeping the machine clean, by removing dust and debris, is also essential.
Look into upgrading the hardware if necessary. By adding new components such as a graphics card, cooling fan, or an SSD, it is possible to improve performance and make the device more powerful. This is beneficial for games and other applications as well.
If you intend to use it as a media center, ensure that the right software is installed. Set up a home server, if necessary, to store files and stream media. Connect the device to a TV set or monitor to get the most out of it.
Furthermore, make sure to back up important data on a regular basis. This ensures that all your documents and other files are safe, even if the computer breaks down. Setting up virus protection is also essential for protecting against malicious software.
Finally, keep track of the hardware and its specs. Have a list of all the components, and make sure to check for compatibility if new components are added. This helps to keep the device running optimally.
What Are Some Games To Play On An Old Gaming PC?
There are plenty of games that can be played on an old gaming PC. In addition to modern games, there are often older titles that still hold up today. Here are some suggestions:
RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Pillars of Eternity, and Pathfinder: Kingmaker can be enjoyable. Games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Team Fortress 2 are also great choices. If you are looking for something simpler, retro-style games such as Frogger, Pac-Man, and Tetris are good options.
Strategy games like Civilization V and Age of Empires II offer hours of fun. Adventure games like the Myst series and Monkey Island are also great picks. For arcade action, games like Doom, Overload, and Freedom Force are great options.
Shooters like BioShock, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and Far Cry 3 can provide hours of enjoyment. Likewise, sports titles such as Football Manager and NBA Jam are sure to please. Finally, simulator games like SimCity, Roller Coaster Tycoon, and Flight Simulator can provide hours of entertainment.
What Other Benefits Does An Old Gaming PC Bring?
While playing games and using the computer for development tasks are great uses for an old gaming PC, there are several other benefits that can be gained from using it. One is that it can be used as a media center, allowing you to stream movies, TV shows, and music without having to buy a separate device.
In addition, old gaming PCs can be used as personal servers. With a bit of setup, it is possible to access local files from anywhere in the world, host a website, and share resources with others. It is also useful for setting up online game servers for multiplayer games.
Furthermore, an old gaming PC can be used as a teaching tool. Depending on how it is set up, a PC can be used to learn different programming languages and experiment with different applications. It is also a great way to teach children the basics of computers.
Finally, old gaming PCs make great “gaming consoles.” Using special software, it is possible to play classic console games on the computer. This is a great way to relive the good old days of gaming, without having to buy the latest expensive hardware.
