Monoblock from an old laptop. Home server from an old laptop
Desktop PC sales have been steadily declining over the past few years, while laptop sales have been steadily increasing. However, a desktop computer can easily be given a new life by simply upgrading its main components, but this, as a rule, cannot be done with an old laptop.
Of course, some parts of the laptop can be improved, but if your laptop has already passed a certain age, then improving its performance will be problematic, and in many cases almost impossible. As a result, the machine has only one path left - to the trash bin.
But we have a few ways to help turn your old laptop into something more useful. The easiest way to get the most out of an old system is to reuse its internal components, such as memory, hard drive, and in some cases, even the processor.
But this is not the only possibility. If you adapt your laptop for use with other home devices, it can even take on a new life. With its help, you can, for example, improve game consoles or even upgrade another home computer. In any case, you shouldn't get rid of your old laptop just yet.
1. Take it apart
If your laptop fell down the stairs, just doesn't work, or if you're not in the mood for an upgrade, there are at least some parts you can salvage. First of all, it is logical to pay attention to the hard drive - by purchasing a USB cable for a small amount, you can quickly create an external portable hard drive.
Depending on the amount of RAM installed, you can remove the memory cards and use them in another computer, or simply sell them, for example, on eBay. Both the hard drive and memory are easily removed from most laptop computers with a screwdriver, so even a user with minimal computer knowledge can remove them.
Another option is a laptop optical drive. It can be used for a PC used as a home theater.
Finally, if you really don't mind disassembling your laptop, you can try removing the processor and display. You can sell both of these components as spare parts, but if you don't want to get rid of them, you can use the monitor for yourself (see method #2).
2. Use an old monitor as a second screen
Although it is technically possible to separate the screen from the laptop, for it to function properly as a monitor, it still needs to be connected to the laptop's motherboard. To use it as a separate monitor, you should purchase a controller and use it to connect the screen to another laptop or PC.
The procedure is not that simple, so technical knowledge will be very useful.
As an alternative, you can try networking the resources of your video card using special software. In this case, a free utility called ZoneScreen will come in handy.
3. Upgrade components
Although a laptop is inherently virtually impossible to upgrade, there are still a number of things that can help breathe new life into an old machine. If your laptop just can't run some of the latest programs, adding more RAM can help.
Adding memory to a laptop is one of the most cost-effective ways to really improve its performance, and it's also an easy task. Depending on the laptop model, you can install up to 4 GB of RAM when using a 32-bit OS.
Memory is usually located under the bottom panel of the laptop and looks like a pair of slots in which chips are fixed. Specialized programs will help you find out the amount and type of memory supported by a laptop; you can easily find them on the Internet.
Upgrading your hard drive will not only give you more storage space, but it will likely make Windows and other applications run faster thanks to the increased spinning speed of the drive. Don't forget to create a backup copy of all data or a disk image in advance, for example, using Paragon Drive Backup 9.0 Express.
Upgrading your optical drive will be necessary if it is broken or you need a drive with a wider range of capabilities. If you do not find a suitable built-in model, then use an external drive, which is relatively cheaper and more portable. The processor and video card in laptops are usually designed without upgrading.
Take a closer look at your laptop for additional upgrade options. If there is an option to update the processor, then it’s worth checking to see if the current cooling system can handle the updated version? There is a danger that it won't.
4. Replace Windows with Linux
Windows is a very resource-intensive operating system, especially Windows Vista. Therefore, many of the latest software applications will be very slow on older hardware. Linux is not at all that demanding, nor are the applications running on it.
A laptop that takes ages to boot into Windows will float during an easy Linux installation. Nowadays, Ubuntu also suffers from the fate of being a bit overloaded with resource-intensive software, so try lightweight alternatives like Puppy Linux, Damn Small Linux, or, to get the most out of the OS, use gOS.
5. Turn it into an automated home server
Hollywood loves the idea of a computer-controlled home, where you can walk through the rooms and tell the computer to turn on the lights, make coffee, or open the curtains. While this may seem like a fantasy, a certain degree of automation is entirely possible. To control all this, you only need one low-power computer or an old laptop.
One of the most well-known systems is the X-10, which connects to electrical wiring and controls switches, outlets and motors. With their help, she opens and closes curtains, and also turns on a number of other devices. The system is controlled using software installed on a laptop. A special unit is connected to the power outlet, and a serial/USB port is connected to the laptop.
The software allows you to schedule events, take control of a device, and if your computer is connected to the Internet, you can even control your automated devices while away from home. In addition, there is also a voice control function, but it will require some training and persistence in use.
However, since this software is very low-maintenance, it is especially suitable for older laptops, and since they consume little energy, you won't have to worry about huge electricity bills.
6. work on it from an external monitor
One of the most common ways your laptop screen gets damaged is when you forget something like a pen on the keyboard and close the lid. Replacing the screen is an expensive operation, but a damaged screen does not mean that the laptop cannot be used, since most models are equipped with a port for an external monitor.
It's not very convenient to work in front of a broken screen, so you can treat the laptop like a regular PC, connect an external keyboard, mouse and monitor to it, and then put the laptop out of sight. One idea is to use a document stand that you can bolt to the back of your new monitor and then place your old laptop in it. If there is a special option in the laptop’s BIOS, then you can turn it on using an external keyboard or mouse.
7. Give it away
As long as your laptop doesn't actually break, there are plenty of people who will be happy to use it. Think carefully about charity. Most charities usually donate equipment that is old and unusable, so people who supposedly receive it for free still have to pay to be able to use the donation.
At the same time, many schools do not want to accept outdated equipment, since it is no longer possible to teach children with it. However, there are many organizations that will be happy to accept old laptops, so check charity websites for a list of such organizations.
Since many people don't need a super-powerful, all-powerful machine for email and the Internet, why not give an old laptop to a friend or family member who only needs the basics? A laptop running gOS (see method No. 4) would be an ideal option.
8. Turn it into a server
We tend to think of servers as huge, noisy boxes housed in air-conditioned rooms, but home servers can be surprisingly low-power devices. This means that even a relatively low-power laptop has the potential to be used as a primary server, with very little setup required.
The laptop also has the advantage of being small in size, so it can be tucked away neatly. Most laptops usually have good power-saving features, and if the laptop doesn't have built-in wireless, then simply using a USB or CardBus adapter will suffice.
Install it in your printer, add an external hard drive for extra storage, run the printer setup file, install the latest version of Windows Media Player and you have a home server that can be hidden behind a closet and used easily and safely by the whole family.
9. Turn it into a wireless bridge
Take a look around and you'll find that there are several devices in your home, such as an Xbox 360, a media center, or an Internet radio, that have an Ethernet port but lack wireless connectivity.
Microsoft is investing a huge amount of money into making its own wireless adapter for the Xbox, but with your laptop's wireless connectivity, you can create a bridge between your wireless network and wired devices.
To use your laptop as a bridge, you need to connect it to your Xbox or other device via an Ethernet port and set it up wirelessly.
10. Create a Digital Photo Frame
If you've ever been eyeing a digital photo frame for yourself, but didn't buy it because of the crazy price, and if you don't mind a little manual labor, then you can make one yourself.
The basic idea is to separate the screen from the main part of the laptop, connect it all separately and have it work as usual. There are several ways to display photos, the choice of one or the other depends on what OS you are using for your laptop, whether the hard drive, disk drive and wireless connection are in working order.
If the hard drive is still working, then the easiest option is to install the operating system on it and collect all the photos in a specific folder. If you have a working wireless connection and are using Windows as your operating system, you can use a great app called Slickr that displays all your photos as a screensaver.
If your hard drive isn't working, but you have an optical drive, you can create a bootable CD or DVD with photos on it.
There are many more ways to give a second life to an old laptop, and in this matter it all depends only on your imagination. The main thing is don’t throw it away!
If you have a non-working laptop lying around somewhere, do not rush to throw it away or sell it to buyers for pennies. From almost any laptop you can make several useful things that will be useful to you. Previously, we showed how to remove an LCD matrix from a laptop and make a monitor with TV function out of it, and today we will tell you how to use other valuable components - a hard drive and a disk drive.
Winchester
If the laptop's hard drive is working properly, you can turn it into a portable drive that connects to any computer via a USB port and does not require additional power. To do this, you need to purchase a special housing or adapter. The most important thing is to choose the right box. Look at which interface the hard drive is connected through - SATA (on the left in the photo) or IDE (on the right) - and select a case with the same connector. In the case of connecting via SATA, you still need to decide what speed you need - medium via USB 2.0 or high via USB 3.0. The connection standard is indicated in the box specifications, but some sellers (for example, on AliExpress) may lie, so it is better to check this point with them separately. Empty hard drive cases are sold in computer stores and on the Internet. In China they cost from 150 rubles with free delivery.
Assembling a portable hard drive is very simple: disassemble the box, insert the hard drive into it and connect it to the computer with a regular USB cable. If the disk is detected, then everything is fine, you can use it. If the disk is not recognized, you need to make sure that it is working (the first sign is that it is slightly noisy and you can hear the plates spinning inside). You may have to use a special disk program and format it. If nothing helps, then either the disk itself or the box is faulty.
Disk drive
In the same way, you can make an external “cutter” from a laptop CD or DVD drive; for this, again, you will need an external box. As in the case of a hard drive, the drive can be connected via an IDE or SATA interface, and the choice of box will depend on this.
A housing for an external disk drive is a rather exotic product; you are unlikely to find it in local computer stores, but on Ebay, AliExpress and other similar sites they are presented by many sellers and are relatively cheap.
The remaining components of the laptop (case, motherboard, RAM, battery, fan, keyboard, cables, connectors) are unlikely to be useful to you; they can be thrown away or sold, even cheaply. It is better to leave the power supply, it is expensive and may fit another laptop or will be useful to you in the future.
Old laptop models break down very quickly. The operating system cannot cope with the incoming information that needs to be transmitted to the user. If there is such equipment left in the house, you can give it a second life without investing any special money or effort.
Update (upgrade)
If the equipment slows down and freezes, the reason may be viruses or system failures. It happens that Windows forcibly installs a newer operating system without deleting the previous files. Naturally, after such an update the laptop malfunctions. To troubleshoot problems, you should clean your computer or install lighter operating systems, for example, Linux, Chromium, Lubuntu.
If after cleaning the laptop continues to work with difficulties, it should be used for another purpose.
TV
Broadcasting television programs does not require high performance. Connection is possible through a provider that provides several points, Internet access or an external tuner.
If old equipment is not able to perform modern tasks, it can be used for old games that were once on consoles.
Models that have good screen resolution can be mounted on the wall as a photo frame. You need to find a beautiful picture, buy a frame and place your laptop screen in it.
This idea is only feasible for modern laptops. Outdated technology does not have enough capabilities for broadcasting and viewing. Additionally, to implement the idea you will have to spend money on auxiliary equipment.
If there is a router in an apartment or house, and the Internet reception is poor at a distance or disappears altogether, its transmission can be improved by strengthening the signal. At the same time, you don’t have to buy additional equipment if you have an old laptop. It can be used as an access point. To do this, you will need to download the Switch Virtual Router application and install it.
To store information you will need to install the Pogoplug program.
If the battery discharges quickly, the problem is in its cells. Some of them fail. You can disassemble the laptop battery, take out the 18650 cells and make a portable charger.
Monitor
A broken laptop is hung on the wall and used for its intended purpose. You can connect a wireless keyboard to it and surf the Internet at any time of the day.
Tablet
To implement the idea, you will need to purchase a Zmartframe touch screen.
To work, you will need a lens, black tape, a white sheet of cardboard attached to the wall, and a cardboard box.
An old laptop can be used to monitor events happening in the next room. To do this, you will need to download the ISpy application and use your laptop as a webcam.
Analysis
Elements of equipment can be sold or used separately for their intended purpose. For example, hard drive, drive, hard drive, etc.
In the era of new technologies, technology is not only improved, but also given a new life. The above ideas will help not only save money on the purchase of additional equipment, but also add novelty and originality to your home leisure.
With the help of simple techniques, you will be able to configure and retrofit your laptop, after which it can be used as a server for creating and storing data backups, a torrent client with 24x7 operation, and a network video recorder.
Streaming data: the video is stored on the server and played via a local network on a smartphone or tablet. And it's all very simple! All you have to do is turn your old laptop into a server by following our simple tips. Don't rush to send your old laptop to the landfill: it can be useful as a home server. Using simple techniques, you will be able to adapt your computer to continuous operation and install the appropriate software, the capabilities of which exceed the functionality of a NAS.
Old laptops in most cases do not have enough computing power, but for server tasks it is more than enough. It is much more important to have a high-speed interface such as eSATA, FireWire or Gigabit Ethernet. Laptops equipped with rather power-hungry desktop processors or devices with a USB 1.0 interface (manufactured before 2002) are not suitable for this.
The laptop can be installed in any cool, ventilated place, since the server can be controlled from a distance. The fastest and most reliable way to connect a laptop to a router is a network cable. If you plan to use a printer on the network, it must be connected directly. To use it as a digital video recorder, the laptop requires a DVB-T digital receiver or an antenna connector.
Increasing disk space
One of the most important conditions for the operation of a home server is sufficient disk space. But on older laptops it is often quite limited. This means that you need to add a reliable storage device to your laptop. You can, of course, replace the old hard drive with a new one with a capacity of up to 750 GB. But this entails the need to reinstall the operating system and programs. Therefore, we recommend connecting an external hard drive.
STORAGE: 2.5 OR 3.5 INCH?
The advantage of 2.5-inch hard drives is their compactness and noiselessness, as well as the absence of a power supply. When the home server goes into standby mode, they turn off and do not consume power. However, their capacity is no more than 1 TB, and they are relatively expensive. Larger 3.5-inch models at similar prices have more capacity, but they require a power supply that drains power even in standby mode. In short, for those who need a drive with a capacity of at least 1 TB for constant use, we recommend choosing a 3.5-inch hard drive, otherwise a 2.5-inch model is sufficient. When purchasing, you also need to pay attention to the interface used, since there are significant differences in speed between them.
WHICH INTERFACE IS BETTER?
Any laptop suitable for working as a server is equipped with USB 2.0 ports. But this old standard, with a throughput of about 25 Mbps, will bottleneck an external hard drive with four times the data transfer speed. However, depending on the type of home network, USB 2.0 speed may be quite sufficient. For example, if your router or laptop is not connected via Gigabit Ethernet, they can only communicate at 12 Mbps. The speed of information exchange between computers connected in a wireless local network is also low - up to 20 Mbit/s. However, if you do not regularly have to “drive” many files of several gigabytes in size across the network, these figures are quite acceptable.
If the laptop is equipped with an ExpressCard slot, you can connect a controller with USB 3.0 ports to it. Although the laptop is equipped with USB 2.0 ports, when purchasing a hard drive, you should choose a model with USB 3.0. It can be quickly filled with data from a modern PC, and then connected to a laptop that functions as a server. If you work with a gigabit network and plan to store high-definition video on your home server, USB 2.0 will not suit you due to its low bandwidth. Therefore, if possible, use an eSATA or FireWire hard drive if your laptop has one of these interfaces. If you have an ExpressCard slot, you can connect a controller with two USB 3.0 ports, and to it a hard drive that supports the high-speed standard.
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL SATA HARD DRIVE
As a last resort, you can try to replace the unnecessary optical drive with an additional hard drive. Some manufacturers offer chassis for installing hard drives in the DVD drive bay (for example, Dell, Lenovo and HP). If the optical drive is connected via SATA, then if you have certain skills, you can route the SATA/eSATA cable through the open compartment.
Is your outdated and under-performing laptop sitting idle? This will not work! Find out what you can do with your old laptop and how to get the most out of it!
1. Old, but remote: giving the laptop a second life
Let's start with the most obvious: before you make something out of your laptop, you need to try to turn it on. And not all old laptops will pass this test. Even if a year ago, when you plunged the laptop into the depths of the mezzanine, the machine was working properly, this does not mean that it will work now. Failure to start the laptop will result in repair or replacement of individual parts. However, you don’t have to bother with this and do things differently. How exactly - read on.
If you still managed to start the laptop, then the first thing it will need with a 99% probability is replacing the thermal paste. Depending on what kind of performance you want to achieve from your laptop, you will need to install an operating system that uses the computing power of the machine sparingly. For example, Lubuntu or Chromium OS. As a last resort, Windows XP will do.
Well, now you have a working laptop that can be used for its intended purpose or converted into something less functional.
2. Using an old laptop: TV, kitchen computer, arcade machine
If a laptop is so old that it can't handle games and other modern tasks, then it can be turned into a highly specialized device aimed at tasks that do not require high performance. For example, an outdated laptop will make a good alternative to a small wall-mounted TV, and you can do it yourself:
If you or your loved one loves to cook, then make her a kitchen computer in which recipes will be stored. It’s good if the device still has Internet access. Also, do not forget about the program in which timers are set. Here is an example of such a homemade machine:
If you are an avid old-school gamer who remembers the era, then why not build an arcade machine with your own hands?
Or simply use an old laptop as a digital photo frame hung on the wall:
3. Making an emergency hotspot out of an ancient laptop
Even if you bought a router and set up Wi-Fi, this does not mean that wireless Internet is available in every corner of your home. Sometimes thick walls and concrete floors, as well as the distance to the Wi-Fi distribution point, interfere with the signal. So why not turn an old laptop into an Internet distribution point instead of spending money on a signal booster?
Here's how it's done:
4. Turn a weak laptop into a media center
Do you like watching movies? Then, with an old laptop, a couple of free hours and a little patience, you can turn an outdated machine into a completely modern media center that can be connected to any TV. This training video will help you with this:
5. Short throw projector from an old laptop
If you don’t have a TV at hand, you can do without it by watching movies right on the wall! Making a projector from a laptop is very easy. To do this you will need a plastic lens, some tools and straight arms. All this will cost you only $5! Detailed instructions for turning a laptop into a projector are here:
You can even do without a cardboard box:
6. Old laptop as a cloud server and PC
Indeed, why not use an outdated machine as a server? Moreover, to create your own server you do not need to have the skills of a system administrator. This is done like this:
And if the laptop does not have enough computing power, then why not build a PC on its basis using a motherboard and other hardware?
7. How to make a tablet from an old laptop
Even if your laptop does not have a touch screen, it can be turned into a tablet. To do this, you can use a purchased frame to turn a regular monitor into a touchscreen like the Zmartframe. As a result, you will get something like this:
And if you don’t want to spend $100 on a frame, then use improvised materials to assemble a stylus for your laptop screen:
8. Making a monitor out of an old laptop
If the hardware of your ancient laptop is broken or so outdated that even the simplest programs are slow on it, then why not use the laptop display as an additional monitor for a desktop computer? True, to turn the display into a beautiful monitor, you will have to tinker a little:
Don't need a second monitor? Then convert your old laptop screen into a full-fledged desktop TV:
9. Power bank from a broken laptop
If your old laptop turns out to be unusable, then disassemble it into parts. Some laptop components can be adapted to upgrade your PC. For example, install a hard drive from a laptop into the PC system unit.
And the battery can be used to make an excellent portable charger (Power bank). Perhaps this power bank will not be as compact as a store-bought one, but in terms of battery capacity (and, therefore, in the number of times your smartphone or tablet can be charged), it is in no way inferior.
And here's how to make a power bank from a laptop battery (you'll need a soldering iron and some knowledge of electronics!):
Don’t want to deal with assembling and soldering all sorts of things from an outdated laptop? Then there is only one thing left...
10. If nothing can be done, then the old laptop should be sold
Why would an unnecessary laptop gather dust, waiting for better times that will never come? Instead of storing excess junk in your home, sell it! And it doesn’t matter how: in whole or in detail. You will be surprised, but your old laptop will be bought very quickly.
And if the offered price seems low or you have some memories associated with this laptop, then keep it for 50 years: exactly then your old laptop will receive the status of an antique and you can sell it at a high price. Just sell it not as a laptop, but as a nutcracker:
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