My 20+ Year Old CPU Upgrade
Last week, I decided to upgrade my trusty 20+ years old CPU by ordering a new one from Amazon for a modest sum of RS 600. The seller was kind enough to include a cheap thermal paste with the package, which was priced at RS 2500. Excitedly, I plugged in the new CPU, and after a couple of boot attempts, I experienced a noticeable performance boost. The new CPU boasted double the L1 cache, 6MB in total, and a clock speed of 3.3 GHz, a significant upgrade from the previous 2.0 GHz. However, despite the improved performance, the system still displayed details of the older CPU. Frustrated, I attempted to reset the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery, but unfortunately, this led to further complications. Windows refused to boot up, and subsequent attempts to install a fresh Windows OS ended up getting stuck at the logo screen. On the bright side, Linux was functioning flawlessly on the system. Determined to find a solution, I tried the jumper method to reset the BIOS, but alas, it didn’t resolve the issue. Installing different versions of Windows, from XP to 10, proved futile.
My Friend’s Smart Display
Meanwhile, a friend of mine approached me with a unique challenge. He needed a smart display for his restaurant table but was on a tight budget. Without much time to spare, he sent me a 4K TV Android 10 device, hoping to run his restaurant app and games like Ludo on it, with mouse control. Setting aside my judgments, I dove straight into the task at hand. This endeavor stemmed from my previous demonstration of portable Linux sticks capable of running Windows XP, 7, and Android. Unfortunately, those devices were from nine years ago, and the specs needed an upgrade. To complicate matters further, the primary seller was based in China, and those devices were no longer available in India. The device my friend sent, while working fine as a TV display, posed its own challenges. With only 4GB of RAM, most of which was already being utilized out of the box, there was limited room for running new apps. Additionally, the custom ROM of Android 10 disabled the app pinning setting, necessitating the installation of a third-party kiosk application to restrict customer access. The device faced a bottleneck due to insufficient RAM, causing slowdowns when multiple apps were opened. I must emphasize that this device is not recommended for home use, as it comes with built-in apps that stream pirated shows, potentially acting as a bot for ad-clicking businesses in the background. Similar reports have emerged for some premium TV boxes on Amazon.
Upgrading My Laptop
In the midst of my hardware adventures, I decided to revisit an old laptop that a technician had previously deemed unrepairable three years ago. Armed with YouTube tutorials and datasheets, I discovered a solution that involved removing and soldering the power connector. With nothing to lose, I gave it a try, and to my delight, the laptop sprung back to life. The laptop boasts an i5 2.5GHz processor with a 2+2 core setup, along with a 330M 1GB GPU. To further enhance its performance, I plan to add an SSD to the CD bay and replace the battery. Fortunately, the prices of SSDs have been dropping steadily, prompting me to order two—one for the PC and another for the laptop. The monitor, however, suffers from line and backlight issues, which I’ll address later. Additionally, the speakers are not functioning properly, leaving me contemplating whether I can install more powerful bass speakers from other brand laptops.
Despite the hardware challenges, it was an enjoyable weekend experimenting with different components. My friend plans to ship a new Android TV box for further testing, while I’m on the lookout for a budget-friendly DDR3 GPU for the PC. The goal is to have a setup capable of running Windows 10 and Minecraft for the kids at home, while the laptop will be reserved for my personal use.
My Love of Food
Lastly, these days I seize every opportunity to attend weddings when invited. Regardless of the quality of the food, I make sure to fill myself up, particularly indulging in dosas and golgappas—a delightful culinary adventure that brings joy to my taste buds.
The weekend was a mix of hardware trials and gastronomic pleasures. From upgrading ancient CPUs to troubleshooting smart displays, the world of technology presented its challenges and rewards. Alongside these tech adventures, attending weddings became an opportunity to relish various delicacies, regardless of their culinary perfection. With each experience, I continue to learn, adapt, and appreciate the intricate dance between technology and life’s simple pleasures.
Images: Epic Diffusion 1.1