Boring Computer Stuff, Blah, Blah, Blah.

10 PRINT “Since I built a new PC for Felice I’ve been wondering what to do with her old Dell Vostro 200. Its 2.2Ghz Core2 Duo e4500 processor was only slightly faster than the old workstation in my shop (one of the PCs in my shop…) so I didn’t see much point in migrating over. Then it struck me, what if I upgraded the processor? So I did a bunch of searching to figure out the processor support for the motherboard in the Vostro. Between using CPU-Z to determine the Northbridge and searching Intel’s website and the Dell support forums, I determined that with a BIOS update I could fit almost any Core 2 Duo processor in it. Then I started a round of Ebay hunting, etc. I ended up buying a used e6850 (3Ghz) on Amazon for about $80.00.Right now there are no cheap ones listed on Amazon, but there are a number of chips at or above the performance of this available all day long on Ebay.
So I now have a relatively speedy workstation in my shop.
The real problem was that I was left with the old processor. This is a bad situation as it means that I had a potential PC. So I bought an inexpensive Biostar motherboard and I already had 4GB of DDR3 ram, Antec powersupply, and a used DVD and hard drive on hand. I tend to buy ram and power supplies when they are on sale. But what to do about a case? Luckily a friend remembered that I always want old free computers, so he gave me his wife made him give me his very old computer. An Antec case but definitely showing its age.

First thing I did was saw out the exhaust fan grill.

I love my jewelers saw.

Unrestricted airflow.

This was the main issue, beige plastic with an integral floppy drive slot.
Some rebar and a screw to anchor the epoxy.

Lovely. About $3.00 worth of 5 minute JB weld.

Sanded down.

Then painted with some black “hammered” paint. Looks a lot better.
I already have a PC in every room of the house (except for the bathroom). But there it is anyway. I guess it will be a good loaner. Until I upgrade the processor…”
20 GOTO 10