Repurposing old Windows 10 PCs can provide valuable functionality while reducing costs, especially with rising memory and storage prices. Here are three potential uses: Network Attached Storage (NAS), game server hosting, and home lab setups.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A Network Attached Storage device provides personal cloud storage directly connected to your network. Older PCs with minimal processing power are often suitable for this task. By installing several hard drives, you can store backups or media. Upgrading RAM or adding a low-cost GPU can improve media streaming capabilities.
Game Server Hosting
An old Windows 10 PC can also host multiplayer game servers, which typically require less power than running modern games. Installing Linux reduces system overhead, allowing even an average desktop to handle multiple servers given sufficient RAM. Tools like Valve's Steam simplify server setup and management.
Home Lab for Self-Hosting
Creating a home lab allows you to run various self-hosted applications, saving subscription fees and improving privacy. Using a hypervisor or container platform, you can manage different services on the same hardware. Most applications require moderate processing power, making them suitable for older PCs. Adding a modern GPU can enable more advanced workloads with hardware acceleration.
