I do quite a bit of dumpster diving. My current desktop monitor, laptop, and my kids TV were all trash bin finds. I am going to assume you are not computer or tech savvy AT ALL.
This also applies to Craigslist finds, eBay, auction, classifieds, yard sale, pawn shop, and anything else too.
Again, not to insult your intellect, but if you're electronic wiz, this post ain't for you.
Say you are looking for a new to you computer. Here are some pointers:
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Have a smartphone or something handy so that you can check prices or parts for your cost-benefit analysis. Most finds will still need a proper investment.
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I would stick with anything made in the last 10 years just to be on the safe side. If you are not sure, nothing older than XP era. Vista era is fine, but just be aware of bad capacitors. More on this later.
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Does it boot to BIOS (basic input/output system aka that screen where you change settings before windows comes on)? If so, it probably did a Power On Self-Test (POST) and beeped at you. This is a good thing!
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All issues, can be fixable, but the big question is if it is worth it? Again, Cost-Benefit analysis.
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Laptop screens can usually be replaced, and older screens will usually cost around 50 bucks. This kind of repair can be quite intensive. Research the repair for tools needed and cost before you even think of it.
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Desktop monitors are not worth the trouble of fixing. If it doesn't work, don't waste your time. Small TVs will work with the right inputs.
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Cracked tablet screens and locked tablets are usually things I avoid. I have no time for off-brand stuff either. It sounds harsh but they are not usually worth the time or effort unless they are a MS surface, iPad (not stolen), or a nice Samsung.
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For tools you will need a few electronics sized screwdrivers. For some things, you might need a torx bit. The ultimate pro ifixit tool kit is awesome but costs quite a bit. I would look at Walmart/Stanley stuff.
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For Keyboards: if the adapter is round, it is a PS2. If it is flat it is USB. PS2 does come in handy for techs to get into a BIOS of an older pc that will not recognize USB upon boot, but PS2 is pretty much old tech. If the keyboard makes a clicky noise, it may be mechanical and may be a worthwhile thing as they tend to be built better. Clean it with sani-wipes before use. If it is nasty, i would just order an Amazon Basics one.
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Mice: See above. If it gives you issues, just get new. Amazon Basics Wired baby!
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Monitors: I can tolerate a dead pixel or 3, but it has to actually work and look right. Dead Pixels look the same color regardless and are unfixable. It needs to have the right inputs to match your desktop. analog and digital are not compatible.
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Towers: As for the basics...Does it boot to BIOS? Does it POST? You can find great deals in desktops with No OS installed. I even keep spare drives around if there is no HDD (hard disk drive). You can get a 120GB SSD (solid state drive) for 30-40 bucks. A 2.5 to 3.5 inch adapter for a few more. Hell, SSD's can be put in a desktop with double sided velcro tape. Also, if it smells like marlboros, you just bought yourself a fire hazard. never smoke around electronics. That shit kills you and your machine.
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Tower Subsection - Software: Buy a set of blank DVD's or get a good 16GB thumb drive. This will be your tools for your OS. I highly suggest you learn about and use linux as it is free. Windows costs money and unless you have a key for it that is a part of the machine you buy, we aint all about spending money. Besides, linux does all the same crap windows does anyway. for beginners, I suggest Mint. The Cinnamon desktop looks alot like Windows 7 and you can use a live DVD to test functionality. I used to also suggest Ubuntu, but I hate its new desktop. Xubuntu and Lubuntu work fine.
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Subsection 2: 32 or 64 bit OS? Most XP era computers run 32 bit operating systems. These are going to the wayside. This is one of the many lines in the sand you will see between old and new tech. If at all possible, get a pc capable of running a 64 bit OS. Even linux is droping 32 bit operating systems. There are many reasons. I have nothing against them other than the Maximum ram they can use is 4GB. I have installed a 32 bit (sometimes called x86) lubuntu version on an old Pentium 4, but it can only do one thing at a time, and slowly if that.
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XP-Vista-7: Only the last few XP era desktops and laptops are worth saving, honestly. They can run puppy linux and low-overhead operating systems. Know that Vista era stuff usually only has drivers for 7 and usually will not run Windows 8 or 10 very well. 7 is still supported, but when 7 support is officially dropped, you need to ditch your vista era machine unless you use Linux. 7 era machines will run 10 just fine.
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Tower Subsection - Hardware: There are many lines in the sand, as I call them, between old and new tech. Here are the relevent ones:
IDE - SATA drive connectors: IDE uses Molex (cheap looking), pins, and ribbon cables, Sata has 2 connectors. Please stick to Sata. IDE isn't worth it unless it is for optical drives only. Do not mix IDE and Sata adapters in a dicked up daisy chain to get something working. That is a fire hazard. Sata doesn't need jumpers. Sata can be 1,2, or 3. Anything is better than ribbon cables and jumpers.
Zip and floppy drives are dead tech. Tape drives are above your level.
If an optical drive is ROM only, switch it out with one that will burn disks. CD ROM only drives are dead tech. DVD ROM ones are only good until you can replace them.
DDR 1,2,3 Ram. DDR 2 is ok and fairly cheap. If something uses DDR 1, I avoid it. Too old (unless it is a collectable mac or apple thing). I also avoid any sticks of ram less than 1GB unless that is all the thing will hold. If you want a modern machine, it needs to be able to use 4GB of Ram minimum. Knowing the max that a motherboard will support is essential. 8GB and above is candy land awesome. Having 4 slots for ram instead of 2 allows for 2 dual channel lanes. Ram rarely but can go bad. If your PC refuses to start and beeps at you, could be bad ram.
Bad capacitors: if your motherboard has bulging capacitors or rusted over ones, avoid it if it actually works. It is going to go bad and die on you. What does this look like? Google is your friend, use it.
Processors: A good rule of thumb is anything Core2Duo or Dual Core and above. I have an hp 8710p I found with a dual core in it and it runs fine with 4GB of ram and Linux Mint. Draw the line at any processor without at least 2 cores or any that can not support 64 bit operating systems. Same goes for AMD.
Wireless: It needs to run G and N protocols. a and b are dead. some might say a/b/g/n which is fine. G is almost dead. N is the current most common. You will rarely find wireless in desktops and rarely find compatible wireless in most old laptops. Some home routers default run in wireless compatibility mode. This will let you test it out. If it works at home, then you are good for the most part. The newest is called AC and most stuff doesn't use it yet.
Ethernet: It helps to be able to hard wire to your device. Your OS may not have a wireless or ethernet driver for your device. If you are smart, you will download these ahead of time if you use Windows.
Modem: pretty much dead tech
Graphics and Sounds cards: If they work, great! More importantly is whether or not you have a cable that connects your monitor to your tower. The main ones are VGA (analog) DVI (digital) and HDMI. Digital and analog don't mix. Some monitors have multiple hookups. Rarely do TV's have DVI. VGA is older but still is found on TVs trying to be monitors, projectors, and old ass laptops as an output. Oh, and no one really needs a sound card unless you know you need one. S Video is pretty dead also.
Hard drive space: For storage only, look at a 1TB minimum HDD. For your OS and everything else, a 120GB ssd is great for most people. 60 ends up being too small. Even a 500GB HDD is great for storage. For an old pc, a 80GB hdd will do until you save up. A good common pairing in a machine that holds 2 drives is a 1TB/500GB storage hdd and a 120gb ssd. Use hard drives can die at any time. Never put anything on one you don't want lost.
So, to reiterate:
For hardware, use SATA, not IDE. DDR 2 and above is fine. 4GB Ram minimum, but 8 or more is awesome, dual core and newer processors. A cheap SSD is awesome for an old system. 120GB is a good size for most people. Look for buys without an HDD and OS to save a little money. If you have questions, ask. Google and You-Tube are your friends
This is a lot of information and I left a lot out. I will cover more and laptops if it is wanted. Feel free to ask questions. Use google to help with acronyms. It will all come in time. If people ask I will answer questions and post a part 2
August 06, 2018 at 03:15AM
