Question The best way to give my old build a new lease on life

[Hesha0815]

This machine is probably close to 15 years old at this point, but has served me rather well to this day. I have upgraded it twice over time and since I'm still running Windows 7 and only used it every couple of months with it just catching dust, it has started to develop a couple of hiccups.

How I'm wondering what might be the best place to start. Just wipe it and rebuild it as-is using Windows 10 or 11 (personally I like Windows 7 a lot better, but I get that it's not really an option anymore) or add some new hardware to make it better. In my experience there is often a "weakest link" in any config, a single piece of hardware, which, if replaced, will significantly boost overall performance.

I have included a screenshot from Speccy, maybe that helps? Thank you guys so much in advance.

 

[COLGeek]

Honestly, it is time for a completely new build. Your old beast is very dated.

 

[Hesha0815]

Honestly, it is time for a completely new build. Your old beast is very dated.

I have two newer PCs that are doing just fine. I was just hoping there was something better to do with this one than toss it in the garbage...

 

[COLGeek]

Understood.

Win 11 is out of the question. I wouldn't waste time with Win 10 either.

Might be an okay system to install Linux on.

Otherwise, you would need to replace the CPU, motherboard, and memory at a minimum.

 

[jeremyj_83]

That system is basically only good enough for web browsing now. I agree with COLGeek that Linux is your best bet for that system.

 

[USAFRet]

Given that platform of CPU/RAM/motherboard....change one, change all.

Possibly turn it into a linux based house file server/NAS box.

 

[Hesha0815]

That system is basically only good enough for web browsing now. I agree with COLGeek that Linux is your best bet for that system.

Okay, thank you! That server idea sounds pretty interesting, not gonna lie.

I'm surprised, my build sure feels more capable that you guys describe it. Apart from some issues with Windows 7 itself (like the tray being non-responsive), my rig being able to run Total War Warhammer II with no issues at all had me thinking it was more salvagable.

 

[USAFRet]

Okay, thank you! That server idea sounds pretty interesting, not gonna lie.

I'm surprised, my build sure feels more capable that you guys describe it. Apart from some issues with Windows 7 itself (like the tray being non-responsive), my rig being able to run Total War Warhammer II with no issues at all had me thinking it was more salvagable.

It is what it is, and runs what it runs.

But the upgrade options are severely limited.

 

[Hesha0815]

Oh, I see! So that means, it's kinda maxed out for what it is overall?

How viable is it then to simply repair / renew the Windows 7 install and keep using it for what I have been using it, playing the games it can run and working occasionally? Working involves running dropbox and zoom meetings, essentially, as well as latest-gen Excel

 

[USAFRet]

Oh, I see! So that means, it's kinda maxed out for what it is overall?

How viable is it then to simply repair / renew the Windows 7 install and keep using it for what I have been using it, playing the games it can run and working occasionally? Working involves running dropbox and zoom meetings, essentially, as well as latest-gen Excel

Personally, I wouldn't be using Win 7 on a public facing PC. Far too long out of date for security updates.

 

[Hesha0815]

Thank you! I'll look into Linux then.

 

[TobyCatVa]

I look upon your GTX 1060 with GTX970 envy.