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ID: PCD8
HISTORY
I acquired this computer around the same time as it's identical twin, the Packard Bell B2217. That one went off to it's new owner earlier in the month and had a slightly better specification. Nevertheless, this could still be a viable system in it's own right when coupled with a suitable operating system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Machine Type: Desktop Tower
Model: PACKARD BELL IMEDIA 2215
Year of Manufacturer: 2009
Motherboard: ECS MCP73VT-PM (V1.0)
Chipset: NVIDIA NFORCE 610I
Processor: INTEL CELERON E1200 1.60GHz 64-BIT Dual Core (Socket 775)
RAM: 2GB DDR2 (2x 1GB 240-Pin DIMM)
Hard Drive(s): 250GB SATA 3.5"
Optical Drive(s): DVD-RW SATA 5.25"
Graphics: Integrated (Nvidia)
Audio: Integrated (Realtek)
Network: Integrated (100Mbps Ethernet)
USB: 2.0 (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Power Supply: FSP 250W
Other Features: None
COA: Windows Vista Home Premium
INITIAL INSPECTION
Apart from the lid not staying on properly, there didn't look to be too much wrong with this system. I was not surprised to find bad capacitors in the power supply, however, as Packard Bell had used the exact same unit as in the B2217 refurbished earlier. Surprisingly, it was the 2200uF capacitors that had failed rather than the 1000uF's in the B2217. I removed some of the 1000uF capacitors to check their values but my ESR meter showed they were within range, so I put them back.
REPAIRS & MODIFICATIONS
- 2200uF/6.3v Power supply capacitors replaced
- Minor repairs to the tower casing
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| PSU with new capacitors fitted |
Repair to casing
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PREPARATION
With diagnostics complete, it was time to install the software. I initially considered Windows 10, which ran adequately on the B2217. However, the 1GB less of RAM and the slower processor proved too much and I decided that performance was not adequate. The options were therefore limited to an earlier version of Windows, or Linux. After trying Ubuntu unsucessfully (unstable graphics) I decided to give 'Lubuntu', the lightweight version a go.
SETUP
Lubuntu installed very easily and I was up and running within half and hour. Performance was good and I was able to surf the web with ease using the Linux version of Google Chrome. I installed some other software such as VLC Player and LibreOffice for good measure.
CONCLUSION
There is definitely life left in this older PC. Lubuntu works much faster than Windows 10 and provides adequate performance for Internet use and similar, so it should be still feasible for the foreseeable future.
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