If you’re looking for ways to recycle old computer parts, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll show you five creative projects that use old computer parts.
I’m sure you’ve seen those ads on TV where people are using their old computers to build something new. It’s pretty cool, but it’s also kind of sad because these people probably had a lot of fun with their old computers.
But if you’re looking for a way to reuse old computer parts, then there are plenty of creative projects out there that you can try.
Here are 5 unique creative projects that use old PC parts.
But, first: Assess its condition
Before starting any project, make sure your old computer is in good working order and has all necessary components. If not, you may need to buy some additional hardware or software before getting started.
For example, my old laptop was running Windows XP Home Edition. The hard drive crashed so I needed an external USB hard disk enclosure to store data. My printer didn’t work properly so I bought a replacement ink cartridge. And my mouse wasn’t responding when I moved it around the screen, so I replaced it with another one.
So be prepared! You don’t want to spend time fixing problems only to find out later that you have no idea how to fix them.
Turn it into a Chromebook
Chromebooks are inexpensive laptops made by Google. They run Chrome OS which is based on Linux. This means they’re very easy to set up and operate. Plus, most Chromebooks include built-in webcams and microphones, making them perfect for video chatting and voice recording. So it’s a great idea to use your old computer as a webcam/microphone combo.
You could even turn it into a home security system. Just connect a camera to the back of the monitor and plug it into your router. Then install motion detection software like Netcam on your computer. When someone walks past the camera, the program will automatically record a short clip.
Harvest Usable Parts For Repair or Reuse
When building a computer system, most manufacturers will include extra parts such as screws, cables, fans, power supplies, motherboards, memory modules, hard drives, optical discs, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, routers, modems, network cards, USB sticks, VGA adapters, webcams, DVD burners, external storage units, and other miscellaneous items. These extras may seem useless at first glance, but they could prove useful later down the road.
Make your own network-attached storage (NAS) system
A NAS device connects directly to your modem via Ethernet cable. That makes it easier than having to share files over the Internet.
But what about sharing music?
Or movies?
Well, you can do both with a NAS device. All you need is a small box connected to your modem and a few cables.
The best part is that once everything is installed, you won’t ever have to worry about connecting anything else again.
Build your own home media center
This might sound complicated, but it really isn’t. A home media server allows you to stream videos from various devices such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc., onto TVs throughout your house. There are many different types of servers available today ranging from simple boxes to full-blown rack mount systems.
To get started, just pick a type of server that suits your needs.
Turn it into a webcam
If you already have a webcam, why not put it to better use? Turn it into a DIY webcam. Simply take apart your existing webcam and replace the lens assembly with a clear plastic tube. Now you’ll be able to see yourself clearly while streaming live video online.
Use it as a projector
Projectors aren’t cheap. However, if you already have a spare LCD display lying around, you can easily convert it into a portable projector. It works much like a regular TV except instead of receiving images through a television antenna, it receives its signals through HDMI ports.
Connecting this way also gives you access to more features including wireless networking capabilities. For instance, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your smartphone or tablet.
Create a digital photo frame
Digital frames are pretty cool because they allow users to view photos without actually printing them. Instead, they show pictures digitally on their screens. And since these displays are usually large enough to fit in any room, they make an ideal gift for family members who love photography.
There are several ways to build one. The simplest method involves taking two monitors and mounting them side-by-side so that each screen shows half of a single image. If you prefer something fancier, there are plenty of options available. Some models come equipped with touchscreens allowing users to swipe between individual photographs. Others feature built-in speakers making it possible to play audio clips along with the images.
Make Your Old Computer a Dedicated Game Machine
It’s easy to forget how powerful computers used to be when compared to modern-day machines. In fact, some people still think gaming consoles are superior to desktop computers. So if you’re looking to upgrade your old machine, consider turning it into a dedicated game console. You don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars either; all you need is a Raspberry Pi board which costs less than $50.
Once you’ve got it up and running, you can download games straight off the internet.
Be Environmentally Responsible and Recycle Old Electronics
The electronics industry has been growing rapidly over recent years. This means we’re creating tons of electronic waste every year. Fortunately, recycling technology continues to improve. As long as you keep track of what kind of materials go where you should be fine. Just remember: never throw anything away!
Conclusion
These were the best ideas to make use of your old PC. Hopefully, you found inspiration from our list. We hope you enjoyed reading about creative projects to reuse your old PC. Feel free to share your own suggestions by leaving a comment below. Thanks for reading!
