HISTORY
This computer was given to me because it was getting old and slow and being replaced by a laptop. Originally complete with CRT monitor, it certainly didn't look very new, but I wondered if anything could be done to improve it. This machine was part of a very popular series sold by PC World - well known for it's 'Bestec' power supply that often failed taking the motherboard with it.
INITIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Machine Type: Desktop Tower
Model: EMACHINES 3220
Year of Manufacturer: 2004
Motherboard: FOXCONN 946GZ7MA-8KS2H
Chipset: INTEL 946GZ
Processor: INTEL PENTIUM E2180 2.00GHZ 64-BIT Dual Core (Socket 775)
RAM: 1GB DDR2 (1x 240-Pin DIMM)
Hard Drive(s): 80GB 3.5" PATA
Optical Drive(s): DVD-ROM 5.25" PATA, CD-RW 5.25" PATA
Graphics: Integrated (Intel)
Audio: Integrated (Realtek)
Network: Integrated (1Gbps Ethernet)
USB: 2.0 (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Power Supply: DELL 350W
Other Features: 1.44MB Floppy Drive, Dial-Up Modem
COA: Windows XP Home
INITIAL INSPECTION
The tower felt heavier than expected, but upon opening up the case I was not surprised to find that the motherboard and power supply had been changed. In fact, it was a much more up-to-date system than the initial appearance led to believe. However, I was disappointed to find several bad capacitors around the processor, so some serious repair work would be needed to bring the system up to scratch.
REPAIRS & MODIFICATIONS
- 1000uF, 1500uF and 3000uF Motherboard capacitors replaced
- Extra 1GB memory module added, bringing the total to 2GB
- 80GB PATA HDD replaced with 60GB SATA SSD
- Power button secured with fixings to the front of case added
PREPARATION
After the repairs on the motherboard were completed, diagnostics and a test installation of Windows XP ran without a hitch. However, I realised that the hard drive was old (it was making a whining sound) and would not be up to running Windows 10 with reasonable performance, which otherwise this system would be fully capable of. I got a very cheap 60GB SSD from Hong Kong combined with a product key for Windows 10, and everything was set.
SETUP
Windows 10 installed and activated with no problems, and I loaded the usual combination of LibreOffice, Google Chrome, VLC Player and K-Lite Codec Pack.
CONCLUSION
Had this system still been fitted with it's original power supply and motherboard, it would have been living on borrowed time and stuck in the dark ages with Windows XP. However, with the upgrade that had previously completed combined with a little more RAM, some new capacitors and an SSD it has been turned into a viable computer, fit for some serious use. It won't be powerful enough to play games, but Google, Facebook, music, videos and the like are all on the cards. The original CRT monitor failed during the process of fixing this system up, but I expect you would agree this is probably no bad thing.
