5 Methods To Repurpose Your Outdated PC Towers

Outdated PC towers typically outlive their usefulness as computer systems, however that does not imply they’ve reached the tip of the street. The parts inside are out of date and almost definitely non-functional, so you possibly can ship them for recycling. Nonetheless, the case is completely usable. As a substitute of letting it collect mud in a closet or including it to the growing stream of plastic waste, contemplate giving it a brand new goal. You do not want something greater than some primary instruments and a little bit of creativity.

Consider it not as junk, however as uncooked materials. We’re not speaking about salvaging the motherboard or turning a PC into a house server. No, we’re speaking in regards to the tower itself. A PC case is basically a pre-built body product of metallic and plastic. It is able to be remodeled into useful house options, conversation-starting decor, and even pet habitats. Whether or not you are a tech fanatic, a minimalist, or simply somebody who hates waste, repurposing your previous case is a small act of design-driven recycling.

You’ve got received not less than one previous PC tower, a naked wall, and a few creativity itching to get out. You possibly can construct a wall-mounted shelf that’ll make your folks ask, “Is that a pc in your wall?” Begin by eradicating the aspect panel and taking out any leftover parts and wires. Subsequent, flip it on its aspect and envision all of the space for storing. You now have a number of compartments because of the drive bays and PSU area, they usually’re excellent for storing devices, retro handhelds, and collectibles. 

Mounting is less complicated than you’d suppose. Screw one or two L-brackets to the again of the case, then anchor securely to your wall studs. The PC tower is already light-weight after gutting it, however you need stable assist for those who plan to show heavy gadgets. Subsequent, you possibly can stack extra PC towers to create a whole shelving unit. As a bonus, you possibly can set up some LED strips to make all of it shine as a show case.

Deliver new life to your previous PC tower by turning it right into a high-tech house on your favourite little creature. Hamster? Gecko? Tarantula? If it suits, it sits. With a little bit of modification, you possibly can flip your tower case into a comfortable, futuristic pet habitat that is cooler than any plastic tank or cage from the pet retailer. You may also use the case as a small “enjoyable home” inside a bigger habitat or terrarium.

Take away all of the sharp parts and wires, and clear the mud and rust. Air flow is already built-in, however you may wish to cowl it with mesh to maintain your pet secure whereas permitting airflow. Line the inside with acceptable supplies like bedding for small rodents, and convert the drive bays into climbing platforms or hideouts. Need to get further inventive? 3D print mini “cyber tunnels” or LED-lit hidey holes and fasten them the place the DVD drive was once.

In case your desk is suffering from tangled cables, you should utilize an previous PC tower to deliver some order. Begin by stripping out the inside of the tower. You will need a clear area to work with, particularly if it nonetheless has mud bunnies from the Home windows 98 period. As soon as gutted, have a look at the drive bays and rear panel openings. These grow to be excellent pass-through factors for HDMI cables, Ethernet, and USB cables.

Mount the case underneath your desk, subsequent to your energy strip, and even on the wall. Feed your cables by means of the again or aspect openings. If you’ll want to wind further slack, use the interior bays like cable spools. Add just a few adhesive hooks, zip ties, or Velcro strips inside to maintain cords separated and simple to seize. You may also mount a USB hub, router, or perhaps a surge protector inside. This turns your cable chaos right into a modern, centralized command heart. Bonus factors for those who route every thing by means of the unique again panel I/O defend.

On the lookout for a intelligent place to stash your valuables or paperwork? Look no additional than your previous PC tower. No person suspects a dusty beige case from 2002 to be something apart from junk. A burglar may seize your TV or sport console, however likelihood is they will not lug away your “junk” PC. This setup is right for anybody who desires low-profile safety with out putting in wall safes or drilling into furnishings.

Take away all the interior parts to make as a lot room as potential and set up a discreet container contained in the tower. Add felt lining for those who’re storing paperwork, jewellery, or something delicate. You possibly can mount a small fireproof secure inside or simply screw a locking drawer into the underside. Wire a faux energy LED to the entrance and plug it right into a useless energy strip. You possibly can even go away an previous monitor close by. Disguise the tower in plain sight underneath your desk. The phantasm of a functioning machine provides severe camouflage.

Okay, so perhaps you do not have time for modding and adorning. Perhaps you simply wish to repurpose your previous PC tower with no instruments and no effort. So go away it as it’s. You personal a superbly engineered doorstop. You do not even must take away any of the interior parts. You possibly can go away every thing in for the added stopping energy. Simply stick some felt pads on the underside of the case so you do not scratch the flooring.

A traditional PC tower could be very heavy, boxy, and flat on not less than one aspect. That is every thing you need in a doorstop. It is sturdy sufficient to carry open any door, even in a drafty workplace, a storage, or that one room with a spring-loaded door that at all times slams shut. Simply drag your previous tower into place, and drawback solved. You’ve got already received an answer that is constructed like a tank and quietly doing its job. No downloads or drivers required. On prime of that, you get to look at company do a double-take as they understand your “pc” is holding again the lavatory door. Price it.