Reviving an Old Computer for Gaming: A $100 PC Gamer in 2021!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The History of the Computer
3. Upgrading the Computer
4. The Configuration of the Computer
5. The Performance of the Computer
6. Gaming Performance
7. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of computer hardware, specifically focusing on a computer that was destined for the trash but was given a new lease on life. With a limited budget, we aimed to improve its performance and functionality. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how we upgraded the computer and the resulting performance improvements. So, if you're interested in seeing how this computer performs in 2021, let's dive right in!

The History of the Computer

Before we jump into the details of upgrading the computer, let's take a brief look at how we obtained it. As Mentioned earlier, this computer was going to be discarded and was not in working condition. Most of its components were damaged, including the hard drive, which was completely non-functional. With some minimal investment, we set out to revamp the computer and make it functional once again. We replaced the faulty hard drive with a larger one, fixed the bent pins on the motherboard, and addressed the issue of poor ventilation and cable management. The computer now had a Second chance at life.

Upgrading the Computer

To make the computer suitable for modern use, we had to replace or upgrade several components. Firstly, we replaced the faulty hard drive with a larger capacity one that we already had. Additionally, we needed to increase the RAM capacity as the original 2GB was not sufficient to run the operating system smoothly. Since buying new DDR3 RAM was expensive, we opted to swap it with an 8GB used DDR3 RAM module from another old computer we had. Although the RAM modules had different clock speeds, we decided to use only the 8GB module to maintain compatibility. Lastly, the integrated graphics of the computer's processor were not sufficient for gaming, so we needed to install a dedicated graphics card. We found a budget-friendly option, the HD 6850, and paired it with a new power supply to ensure stable performance.

The Configuration of the Computer

After completing all the necessary upgrades, the final configuration of the computer consisted of the following components: an AMD A4-3400 processor with two cores and a clock speed of 2.7GHz, 8GB of DDR3 RAM running at 1600MHz, a 500GB hard drive, and the HD 6850 graphics card with 2GB of VRAM. Despite some of the components being outdated, the computer was ready to tackle modern tasks.

The Performance of the Computer

Now that we have addressed the upgrades and configuration, let's discuss the performance of the computer. It is essential to keep in mind that certain components, such as the processor, may be a bottleneck for overall performance. The AMD A4-3400 processor, being a low-end option, scored around 1,060 points in PassMark, while a newer Ryzen 3 processor could reach up to 11,000 points. Nevertheless, the computer's performance was surprisingly decent considering its minimal cost.

Gaming Performance

One of the primary purposes of upgrading this computer was to improve its gaming performance. With the inclusion of the HD 6850 graphics card, we tested several games to gauge its capabilities. The first game we tested was "The PUBG Lite," which ran smoothly with stable FPS at low graphic settings. We also tried out "Minecraft 1.16" using a resource pack called "Zig Zag" to optimize FPS. The game ran at a decent frame rate, although there were occasional drops and stutters. Lastly, we tested "Fortnite" with low graphics settings, and although it wasn't perfect, the game was playable with reasonably stable FPS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we successfully transformed a discarded computer into a functional machine capable of handling modern tasks and gaming to some extent. By utilizing budget-friendly upgrades and repurposing unused components, we were able to achieve satisfactory performance without breaking the bank. While certain components, such as the processor, may Present limitations, this project serves as a testament to the fact that you don't always need the latest and most expensive hardware to enjoy a decent computing experience. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can breathe new life into old technology.

资源：

• PassMark - Benchmark Software
• AMD
• NVIDIA