Best Unique Creative Projects to Reuse Your Old PC
If you're looking for ways to recycle old computer parts, there's nothing wrong with using them for creative projects.
In fact, if you've got an old PC lying around, you might want to consider turning it into something useful.
But, first: Assess its condition
Before you start hacking away at your computer, take some time to assess what state it's in. Is there anything salvageable? If so, great! But if not, don't waste your time trying to save something that will never work right again. Instead, focus on the things that still have potential and see how they could be used.
If you're lucky enough to find a working model, make sure it has all of its original parts -- including battery, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.
You'll need some basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, soldering iron, etc., but the rest of these ideas will require only common household items. If you don't have any of those things already, check out our guide on how to get started building electronics at home. You can also read here the 5 most common window errors and how to fix them.
Here are some unique creative projects that you can use your old PC parts for...
1. Turn It Into A ChromeBook
Chromebooks are inexpensive laptops designed specifically for web browsing. They run Google’s Chrome OS operating system which is based on Linux. You won’t find many programs pre-installed on this type of laptop so they tend to be pretty bare bones in terms of functionality. However, because they cost less than $200, they make great gifts or cheap personal computers.
2. Make An Air Conditioner Controller
Air conditioning controllers help regulate temperature inside buildings by controlling fans and other components. This project uses an Arduino microcontroller board along with a relay module to control air flow through vents. The controller also has two buttons that allow users to turn the AC ON/OFF.
3. Make your own network-attached storage (NAS) system
A NAS device allows multiple PCs to share files over a local area network. These devices usually come equipped with USB ports and hard drives, making them easy to set up. Once connected to a LAN, all of the shared folders appear as one large drive on each client machine.
4. Build A Router And Firewall With Existing Parts
Routers and firewalls aren’t exactly fun gadgets to build from scratch, but they do provide valuable security features. Using existing hardware means you can save money while still getting what you pay for. Plus, routers and firewalls often include built-in Wi-Fi antennas, allowing you to create wireless networks without buying additional equipment.
5 Use It As A Media Center For Home Theater Systems
Media centers let people watch movies, listen to music, play games, surf the Internet, and more—all from their TV sets.
While most media center systems consist of expensive pieces of technology such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, and high definition TVs, you can easily build your own media center with just about anything else.
6. Convert It To A Portable Computer
Portable computing refers to small, lightweight computers that fit in your pocket or purse. Most portable computers today are smartphones running Android or iOS software. But, even though they look similar to traditional desktop computers, they lack certain key functions including a keyboard and mouse. Instead, they rely on touch screens and voice recognition software. If you want to reuse your old pc parts to make a new build, you can check parts compatibility using the pc builder website.
7. A DIY Computer Desk
You probably already know this one, but a lot of people overlook the benefits of having their own desk space when working from home or out of the office. Having a dedicated workspace is important because it helps keep clutter under control and gives you more room to spread out. It also makes it easier to get organized and stay focused while working.
So, why not turn your old desktop into a functional piece of furniture?
You'll need to remove all of the hardware before starting any construction project. Then, build up the frame by attaching wood boards across the top and bottom of the case. Once complete, attach shelves where needed and fill them with books, tools, etc. Finally, add a keyboard tray and mouse pad to finish off the look.
8. An Artistic Desktop Display
This idea comes courtesy of Instructables user jonny_bacon. He explains that he built his display after finding an old monitor sitting in a closet. The original screen was cracked and broken, which made him think about what else he had laying around that would make a good replacement. After searching through his junk drawer, he found two pieces of plywood that were perfect for making a new display stand.
Conclusion
So there were ideas about how to reuse old computer parts into something useful. I hope these projects will inspire you to get creative when using those old computers lying around! If you have any questions about these projects feel free to ask me below.