I've got two gaming PCs that both have problems, and I'm pretty new to fixing computers. They were left behind by my son after he moved out. I'm wondering if I can merge the two to make a better gaming PC, or if I should try to fix them separately—maybe one as a gaming rig and the other as a regular desktop. One of the PCs is missing some parts, while the other is plagued with the blue screen of death but worked fine for about three years. I'd love to troubleshoot and learn how to fix things myself. Is this something a beginner can tackle? What should I do first?
5 Answers
To get started, I’d recommend making a list of the parts you have in both PCs. You'll want to include details like the CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard, storage, and PSU. That way, we can help you see what's usable and what you might need to replace. It's like a puzzle to figure out what fits together!
Just a heads up, if you're aiming to get both machines functional, you might need to invest some money. Start with diagnosing the BSOD—check what error it gives you. That'll help you understand what's wrong and what steps to take next.
You can totally do this! Modern PCs are like expensive Legos; you just plug parts into the motherboard. First, figure out if you’re dealing with Intel or AMD components and see what you actually have, then we can figure out what's missing.
Absolutely, you can make it work! When I was about your age, my dad had me do the same thing. Just take your time, and if you have someone to help you, that's great. But before deciding anything, definitely share your specs so we can give tailored advice on how to proceed!
Definitely possible, but it all comes down to what exactly is ‘broken’ in each PC. If the hard drive is the issue, you can often just replace or reformat it. For something like a motherboard failure, be aware that CPUs have specific compatibility. A chat with a troubleshooting bot can also help clarify which parts are working—and what you need!
Definitely good advice! I’ll also see if I can get my hands on an SSD for faster boot times.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out the BSOD error and see if that points to anything specific.