Pulling RAM from junk computers for test builds

I've been saving RAM sticks from computers we were going to recycle. They work great for putting together test rigs in the shop. It cuts down on waste and saves money on spare parts. Plus, it's satisfying to give old hardware a second life.

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_smith241mo ago

Wait, you actually use the questionable drawer RAM for real builds? I tried that once with some crusty DDR2 sticks and a test rig wouldn't even post. Had to clear CMOS three times. You're braver than me, running important stuff on sticks that probably came from a dusty 2008 Dell office PC. I just keep mine as bookmarks.

rubyk861mo ago

Oh man, I love that. My version of this is just having a drawer full of questionable RAM that I'm too scared to throw out. It's like a tech graveyard in there, but I tell myself it's for "future projects." Your way actually sounds useful and not like a hoarding problem. Giving old parts another shot feels way better than just buying new stuff all the time.

nora_walker1mo ago

That "future projects" drawer of RAM sounds exactly like my old box of cables. Honestly, the idea of running a current build with 2008-era Dell RAM gives me serious anxiety. I'd be waiting for a blue screen every time I opened a browser tab. At least my cable mess won't crash the whole system.

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