What to do with second computer?

T

TWO515TY

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
226
Sorry this isn't really a hardware question, but I wasn't sure where else to put it.

Over time, I upgraded to the rig in my sig and have amassed a small collection of parts which I put together to form the following build:

Pentium D 945
ECS RC410L-MGF
1GB DDR2-4200 OCZ RAM
200 GB Maxtor HDD (damn this thing is loud)
X300 video card
Ultra 500w PSU
Sony DRU-720A

I managed to find a Silverstone SG-01 for 30 dollars on Craigslist (although it wasn't in the greatest condition, but for 30 bucks it was fine) and just finished putting everything together.

Now the question is, what the hell do I do with this thing? I thought about using it to record TV, but I can already do that with my current PC. I thought about selling it, but can I really get any decent amount of money for such a system? Anyone have any suggestions on what to do with an older, slower computer?
 
Dedicating it to porn sounds like a good idea.

Other things to do with an old PC:
- Music Jukebox
- File/FTP/HTTP/SSH Server
- Linux playground (Try out different Linux distros on it)
- Folding (hit up our distributed computing sub forum for more info)
- Torrent Server (downloads torrents overnight. Added plus: if you download a torrent with a virus in it, at least it won't be on your main PC.)
- HTPC (Offload your TV recording on to this freeing up ur current rig for games)
- Backup PC in case your current PC dies
- Donate it to charity or to a needy friend or family
- MAME Arcade Machine
 
Heh... found something to quote... I guess most of these are in Danny's list.

upriverpaddler said:
Lol, I just dug up one of my old posts to copy into another post. And then I see this one while it was still on the clipboard. So here it is again.

#1 Fold - Google [H]orde Team 33 and Google "Folding Farm"
#2 Network Attached Storage - Google NAS DIY
#3 Mail / Web Server - Google Apache Server
#4 Christmas Light Controls - Google Computer Christmas
#5 Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - Google SETI
#6 Learn Linux - Google Ubuntu and DistroWatch
#7 Sell it - You should have no need to google ebay.
#8 Donate it to a folder - http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=111
#9 Use it as a backup or second PC - Presently I'm at 3 running and 3 unplugged on standby (1 of those will be for #4 in another two months).

more...
#10 Media Jukebox for parties - Google Silverjuke
#11 HTPC (maybe you'll want a new case and TV tuner card) - http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=103
#12 Total Home Automation - Google x-10
#13 Mod it into something new and exciting that will compliment your style - http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13
#14 Firewalled router - Google m0n0wall
#15 Build an arcade cabinet - Google MAME
#16 Build a carputer - Google Car Computer
#17 Build a USB controlled Dance floor or Bar - http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the suggestions all.

I've received the suggestion of dedicating it to porn from many of my friends, but I don't watch porn often enough to dedicate a whole computer to it.

I'm in the dorms where I can't really download anything via torrents so that's not an option:(

I thought about the HTPC bit, but the maxtor HDD in their is so loud, at least when loading up. I don't know how much quieter it would be once everything is loaded, but the other issue with using it as a HTPC is that I only have 1 display which my main rig is hooked up to already.

I think the folding idea is a good one. Since I'm in the dorms, I can leave it running 24/7 at full load and not worry about a bill. That's probably the most practical thing I can do with it until I go home. I'll probably leave it with my parents and let them use it as a DVR/HTPC. I might also poke around with Linux (it's been a looong time since I used Linux, might be a nice change from Vista).
 
TWO515TY said:
I've received the suggestion of dedicating it to porn from many of my friends, but I don't watch porn often enough to dedicate a whole computer to it.
Click to expand...

Dedicate it for your friends to watch porn on? :D
 
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