Work and leisure for each user turn into a headache when his computer - an old one - is not able to work with the new operating system or updated software, including games. In fact, there is nothing wrong with this, and there are many ways to rectify the situation. True, this will require a small investment. From this article, the user learns about many ways to make an obsolete electronic friend work faster.
Secrets that the processor hides
Firstly, we are talking about crystals that have an unlocked multiplier, otherwise it is unlikely that anyone will succeed in increasing the core performance. Any Windows operating system for older computers, whether 7th, 8th or 10th version, requires that the processor frequency should 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 best started with the BIOS interface, because it has ready-made and free snap-in. Going to the tab “Power BIOS Features” and finding the menu “CPU Configuration”, you can step by step increase the frequency of the processor “CPU CLOCK”. You need to start small - 33 MHz in one step is a serious increase for any processor. You can play with the multiplier (if its menu is active). Naturally, this parameter needs to be changed step by step (in one unit).
There are also many overclocking utilities. They can be found on the motherboard manufacturer's website. 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of determining the installed processor, because, by the standards of the manufacturer, the crystal is morally outdated and is not supported by software.
RAM size
Many online publications say that two gigabytes of RAM are enough to install Windows 7 on an old computer, but few specify that this entire resource is needed only for stable operation of the system itself. There is nothing left for the user for his programs and games (even a regular antivirus will not be able to fully function). The PC owner needs to navigate at least 3-4 GB.
You can determine the possibility of improvement programmatically without disassembling the system unit. You will need a specialized program (AIDA, SiSoft Sandra, etc.). By launching the application and going to the “Summary Information” menu, the user will be able to find out how many slots for RAM he has, the number of installed modules, their capacity and the motherboard's capabilities for the maximum amount of memory support. Based on the data received, the owner will understand if he has the opportunity to increase the RAM resource.
Weak link in any productive system
It may seem strange to many, but it is a hard drive that can slow down the operation of any PC, especially if the computer is old. There is only one solution: 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 via 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 the motherboards of the old model there is a PCIex1 slot, however, a drive with this interface is comparable in cost to that of a new computer. By the way, with disassembling the case, you need to be extremely careful and remember what and where to connect, otherwise the owner will have a new problem - how to reconnect the old computer so that it works. Many inexperienced users forget about this.
Software part
In addition to the hardware, the problem of braking the system can be solved without replacing the computer parts. Very often, users complain about the slow operation of surfing programs on the Internet or when communicating on social networks. In fact, there are many such calls, and only a browser for older computers can solve the problem. The QtWeb, BrowZar, and K-Meleon apps have proven themselves quite well.
The only negative that is often found in user reviews is the lack of forms for saving passwords. As a result, every time you enter the page of social networks, a person must constantly enter a username and password. But still, it’s better to work comfortably than to expect a few minutes for each page to refresh.
Caching issues
Sometimes, in order for the browser for older computers to work more efficiently, you need to disable the indexing of hard drives in addition. Make it simple:
- open "My computer";
- place the cursor on the system drive (the default is "C");
- press the alternative mouse button (right-handed);
- select "Properties";
- in the lower part of the window that opens, uncheck the box next to the inscription: “Allow indexing”;
- press the OK button.
On slow computers, the procedure for canceling indexing can take more than one hour, but the result after disabling the function will be immediately noticeable. Also, to improve the performance of the hard drive, it is recommended to constantly clean the system from unnecessary files - drive "C" should have a lot of free space (a fifth of the total capacity for sure). Defragmentation, which can be done using the same menu where media indexing was turned off, will not interfere with the user. The “Service” tab just contains a useful function.
System Power Problems
Often when upgrading the system, especially when adding new components, the old computer power supplies are not able to supply the desired 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 power: a cooling system fan, an FDD magnetic drive, an inoperative CD-ROM, a 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 in the last decade, it must be disconnected first. With additional fans in the case, if there is no desire to turn them off, you can do otherwise: switch the cooler consumption from 12 to 5 Volts. This is easy to do: the red cable from the fan must be installed in the terminal opposite the red wire of the connector coming from the PSU (by default, the contact is made with the yellow cable).
Is it all bad?
Many owners, thinking about where to rent an old computer, lose sight of one interesting feature - the cost of working elements for old PCs, albeit second-hand ones, in the secondary market is quite high (for example, many sellers ask for the same amount of RAM for the old model how much is modern). This is the main feature of the secondary market, because for many owners it is easier to buy one spare part than to spend money on acquiring a whole system unit.
Therefore, before giving their morally obsolete PC for a song, many professionals recommend reading ads in the media (section "Buy"). Perhaps it will be possible to profitably sell his "iron friend" in parts. Of great value is a motherboard with an installed processor, RAM, a discrete AGP video adapter and a hard drive with an IDE interface. Naturally, all of the listed items must be in working condition.
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 in our country. However, before going to such a company, the owner needs to learn some features of such organizations.
- If we are talking only about selling an old computer, then you should not count on a large amount. In fact, such a solution would be completely disadvantageous for the user.
- In workshops that improve the weak computer, things are better. The user will install a more productive part minus the cost of the old. Sometimes in workshops they offer the same used parts. You should not refuse if the seller gives a guarantee for at least 1 month.
- There are also organizations that take parts for sales (commission stores). Out of ignorance (or unwillingness to read the contract), many owners simply give their old computer to their computer. Indeed, the user has to pay for the rental of shelves in such stores, and the cost is withdrawn from the price of spare parts.
There are no hopeless situations
It’s not worth sending a PC to the landfill, which is not even interesting to specialized organizations, because there are many interesting solutions that tell you what to make from an old computer. First of all, the steel case of the system unit (without spare parts) is actively used by the owners as a home barbecue (you can even fix the kettle). There are few valuable materials in the block, but it will be possible to collect 200-300 grams of aluminum or copper. There will be application in everyday life and working fans. You can think of anything: an aquarium, a terrarium, a cage for rodents, a bedside table - there are many options.
Finally
If the computer is old - this is not a sentence, but rather the emergence of a new and interesting hobby that many owners just lack in life. There would be a fantasy, and everyone can find application for their beloved PC without outside help. It is better, of course, that the computer does not break and is always in working condition. The main thing is that the reader understands that there are no hopeless situations.