The computer is old: what can I do with it?

The headache turns work and leisure for each user when his computer - the old one - is unable to work with a new operating system or updated software, including games. In fact, there is nothing wrong with this, and there are many ways to remedy the situation. True, this will require a small investment. From this article, the user learns about a variety of ways to get a morally obsolete electronic friend to work faster.

Secrets that the processor hides

First, we are talking about crystals that have an unlocked multiplier, otherwise it will hardly be possible to increase the performance of the kernel. Any Windows operating system for older computers, be it 7th, 8th or 10th, requires that the processor frequency be at least 2 GHz for single-core systems and 1.2 GHz for chips with multiple cores. Therefore, you need to focus on these indicators.

Overclocking the processor is better to start with the BIOS interface, because it has a ready-made and free-of-charge snap-in. Switching to the tab "Power BIOS Features" and finding the "CPU Configuration" menu, you can step by step increase the CPU clock frequency "CPU CLOCK". It is necessary to start with a small - 33 MHz in one step is a serious gain for any processor. You can play with the multiplier (if its menu is active). Naturally, you need to change this parameter step-by-step (in one unit).

There are also many utilities for overclocking. They can be found on the site of the motherboard manufacturer. However, their effectiveness is often reduced to zero due to the impossibility of determining the installed processor, because, by the standards of the manufacturer, the crystal is obsolete and is not supported programmatically.

The amount of RAM

Many online publications note that to install Windows 7 on an old computer it is enough and two gigabytes of RAM, but few people specify that all this resource is needed only for the stable operation of the system itself. The user has nothing left for his programs and games (even an ordinary antivirus can not fully function). Orient your PC owner at least 3-4 GB.

You can determine the possibility of improvement programmatically without having to dismantle the system unit. You will need a specialized program (AIDA, SiSoft Sandra, etc.). Running the application and going to the "Summary" menu, the user will be able to find out how many RAM slots there are, the number of installed modules, their capacity and the motherboard's capabilities for the maximum amount of memory support. Based on the received data, the owner will understand whether he has the opportunity to increase the resource of RAM.

The weak link of any productive system

For many, it may seem strange, but it's the hard drive that can slow down the performance of any PC, especially if the computer is old. The solution here is one: replace the hard drive with a more efficient device. In most cases, judging by the numerous user reviews, the problem is solved by installing an SSD-drive.

However, for mounting a solid-state drive, you need to worry about the possibility of connection, because the device works on the SATA II / III interface. If the old computer has only an IDE connector, then you can forget about the upgrade. Many experts claim that on older motherboards there is a PCIex1 slot, but the drive with such an interface is comparable in cost to that of a new computer. By the way, with disassembly of the case you need to be extremely cautious and remember what and where to connect, otherwise the owner will have a new problem - how to connect the old computer again to make it work. Many inexperienced users forget about this.

The software part

In addition to the hardware, the problem with the braking system can be solved without replacing the computer parts. Very often, users complain about the slow operation of programs for surfing on the Internet or when communicating in social networks. There are many such appeals, and only the browser for old computers can solve the problem. QtWeb, BrowZar and K-Meleon applications are not bad.

The only negative that often occurs in user feedback is the lack of forms for storing passwords. As a result, every time you enter the page of social networks, a person must constantly enter their login and password. But it's better to work comfortably than to expect each page to update for several minutes.

Caching problems

Sometimes, in order to make the browser for older computers work more efficiently, you need to turn off indexing of hard drives in addition. Make it simple:

• Open My Computer;
• Put the cursor on the system disk (the default is "C");
• Click the alternative mouse button (right for the right-hander);
• Select Properties;
• At the bottom of the window that opens, uncheck the box next to the caption: "Allow indexing";
• Click the "OK" button.

On slow computers, the procedure for undoing indexing may take more than one hour, but the result after disabling the feature will be noticeable immediately. Also, to improve the performance of the hard disk, it is recommended to permanently clean the system of unnecessary files - the "C" disk should have a lot of free space (a fifth of the total capacity is accurate). The user and defragmentation, which can be performed using the same menu, where the indexing of media was disabled, will not prevent the user. The "Tools" tab contains a useful function.

Problems with the power supply of the system unit

Often when upgrading the system, especially when adding new components, the old power supplies of the computer are not able to supply the required voltage. The best option for the owner is to purchase a more powerful PSU, but sometimes the problem is solved in a slightly different way. In the computer case, unused components can be connected to the power supply: cooling fan, magnetic disk drive FDD, idle CD-ROM, sound card, TV-Tuner - anything.

Naturally, the user has to decide which component he needs to get rid of. The FDD drive has lost attention to itself in the last decade, it needs to be disconnected first thing. With additional fans in the case, if you do not want to turn them off, you can do the following: switch the cooler consumption from 12 to 5 Volts. This is easy: the red cable from the fan should be installed in the terminal opposite the red wire of the connector coming from the PSU (by default the contact is made with a yellow cable).

Is it all bad?

Many owners in their thoughts about where to take the old computer, lose sight of one interesting feature - the cost of working elements for old PCs, even if used, in the secondary market is quite high (for example, for the old-style memory many sellers ask the same , How much is modern). This is the main feature of the secondary market, because many owners are easier to buy one spare part, rather than spend money on purchasing a whole system unit.

Therefore, before you give your obsolete PC for a pittance, many professionals recommend reading the ads in the media (section "Buy"). Perhaps, it will be profitable to sell off your "iron friend" in parts. Of great value is the motherboard with the installed processor, RAM, the discrete video adapter AGP and the hard disk with the interface IDE. Naturally, all listed elements should be in working order.

Specialized firms

If a user is interested in where to rent an old computer, then a specialized workshop or a similar store falls under the recommendations, of which there are countless numbers in every city of our country. However, before going to such a firm owner should learn some features of such organizations.

1. If it is only about selling an old computer, then for a large sum, one should not count. In fact, such a solution would be completely unprofitable for the user.
2. In the workshops dealing with the improvement of a weak computer, things are better. The user will install a more productive part, minus the cost of the old one. Sometimes in workshops they offer the same BU parts. To refuse it is not necessary, if the seller gives a guarantee even for 1 month.
3. There are also organizations that take parts for sale (commission stores). By ignorance (or unwillingness to read the contract), many owners simply give their computer to an old company. After all, for renting shelves in these stores have to pay the user, and the cost is withdrawn from the price of spare parts.

Desperate situations do not happen

Send to the dump PC, which is not interesting even to specialized organizations, is not worth it, because there are many interesting solutions that tell what to do from the old computer. First of all, the steel case of the system unit (without spare parts) is actively used by the owners as a household barbecue (you can even fix the pot). Valuable materials in the block are few, but it will be possible to assemble 200-300 grams of aluminum or copper. There is an application in everyday use and working fans. You can think of anything: an aquarium, a terrarium, a cage for rodents, a nightstand - there are plenty of options.

Finally

If the computer is old - this is not a sentence, but rather the emergence of a new and interesting hobby, which many owners just do not have enough in life. There would be a fantasy, and everyone can find the application of their favorite PC without outside help. Better, of course, that the computer does not break down and was always in working order. The main thing is that the reader has understood that there are no desperate situations.