I Bought a Refurbished Win 11 Computer
- Thread starter easysurfer
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Interesting, is the "CPU mark" the thing to compare?
Al18
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Yes, the Passmark benchmark has been used since 1998
USGrant1962
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I still have a large collection of old parts from when I had the business. Things like old 486 processors and even an AMD 5x86.I'm about to do some major downsizing.
I just put out a box of old parts, all working, for the scavengers to pick up before the trash man came. They took it. Had 3 working PSUs, 2 ancient GPUs, and stuff like USB port adapters for MoBo slots. Glad they will have a chance at re-use.
My used 12 year old Xeon processor looks pretty good compared to some of the newer ones using the Passmark comparison. Sadly it isn't Win 11 compatible. It's hard to decide between a refurbished Dell and a mini PC. IDK if I should account for the possibility of video editing.
I know I could get a Mac mini that would last me for a decade but I don't want to become one of those angry guys griping about lack of some feature in the Mac version of some software.
I know I could get a Mac mini that would last me for a decade but I don't want to become one of those angry guys griping about lack of some feature in the Mac version of some software.
GenXguy
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There are some workarounds to get Windows 11 working on systems with those old Xeon processors.My used 12 year old Xeon processor looks pretty good compared to some of the newer ones using the Passmark comparison. Sadly it isn't Win 11 compatible. It's hard to decide between a refurbished Dell and a mini PC. IDK if I should account for the possibility of video editing.
I know I could get a Mac mini that would last me for a decade but I don't want to become one of those angry guys griping about lack of some feature in the Mac version of some software.
stepford
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Do tell (save me the effort of digging around online).
GenXguy
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I haven't actually used this method, but here's something from a reputable site. You could dig up more easily enough, as well. How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM, CPU and RAM Requirements
John Galt III
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Amazon has the beelink s12 pro for $163, but they don't specify Windows 11. A chatbot on the site says you have to buy Windows 11 separately. Maybe something changed since you bought yours.
Al18
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I think the chatbot is lying. On Amazon, you can buy a Beelink PC with an Intel N150 CPU, 16 GB of DDR4 memory and a 500 GB NVME SSD for $168.99 that ships with Windows 11 according to customer reviews. There’s no way in heck this computer would be rated 4.4 stars if customers turned on their new computer to a blank screen asking to install an OS.
gwill1010
Recycles dryer sheets
Wait, so in a VM win 11 doesn't care about the processor check? Interesting.
gwill1010
Recycles dryer sheets
You would be correct, but spend another $50 and get a better cpu.
RetiredAndLovingIt
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Read the reviews, they all come with Windoes 11 Pro installed. I'm pretty sure that my listing also did not mention the operating system either but the reviews did. I may even have e-mailed Beelink to be sure because at the time it was hard to believe that it would for that price.
Bottom line check their return policy and ask the seller if you're uncomfortable.
John Galt III
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If I get a Beelink (or any new computer), I'm going to have to buy newer mouse, keyboard, and monitor, since the connectors are all different from the old equipment i have . I have the old round connectors for keyboard and mouse, and the rectangle with pins inside for the monitor. Or get adapters, which sounds kludgy. Actually, I did see one of the Beelinks on Amazon with the rectangular monitor connection, but that is the only one so far.
AudiDudi
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I tried using a PS2 keyboard with an adapter to USB on a Beelink a couple mononths ago - it did not work. I did get a rechargeable wireless Keyboard/Mouse combo that work on the same wireless receiver (so it uses only one of the USB ports) for about $40.
RetiredAndLovingIt
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You can get a wired keyboard/mouse set for $16 or wireless for $25. The difference will be amazing compared to what you're using now but you might need to batteries for them if not included.
Don't know what monitor connection you have but maybe VGA or DVI but you'd need to get an adapter to HDMI.
Of course if you're happy with what you have then don't upgrade right now but at some point you're going to have to. I seem to remember you having problems with your current setup though recently. I would not cheap out and buy a computer with the older connections to save a few bucks, it will cost you more in the long run.
Don't know what monitor connection you have but maybe VGA or DVI but you'd need to get an adapter to HDMI.
Of course if you're happy with what you have then don't upgrade right now but at some point you're going to have to. I seem to remember you having problems with your current setup though recently. I would not cheap out and buy a computer with the older connections to save a few bucks, it will cost you more in the long run.
Al18
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PS/2 keyboards and mice were discontinued in 1998, when USB keyboards and mice were introduced and are still used today. I’m quite surprised if anyone is using a wired PS/2 mouse in 2025, as wireless USB laser mice have been common and inexpensive for 20+ years.
Many monitors sold since 2010 have a HDMI and VGA connectors so they should connect to a new computer, though you may need to buy a HDMI cable for $7.
Some monitors from 2010 have a DVI connector, so you’ll need a DVI to HDMI cable, which cost about $9. Audio is not available on DVI, so you may need an audio cable or powered speakers, depending on your monitor.
Many monitors sold since 2010 have a HDMI and VGA connectors so they should connect to a new computer, though you may need to buy a HDMI cable for $7.
Some monitors from 2010 have a DVI connector, so you’ll need a DVI to HDMI cable, which cost about $9. Audio is not available on DVI, so you may need an audio cable or powered speakers, depending on your monitor.
GenXguy
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I'm not surprised. There's a lot of old stuff out there in use. I had a Logitech wireless mouse fail on me in the last couple years and actually temporarily used a PS2 mouse I had on hand until I got a replacement wireless mouse. Now, I have a spare wireless mouse. My 4 Ghz system is a Sandy Bridge based PC from 2011.
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easysurfer
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I tried about 5 hours today trying to configure my refurbished Win 11 Pro computer to use Windows Sandbox. Was plenty of hit or miss and like pulling teeth, but finally got that working. Actually this is a feature I didn't have (at least not as part of the system) that I wanted but didn't have. Now I do .
.I was really attracted to the Geekom A5 for about $300. I saw a tear down video and the YouTuber said it had brand name components vs the generics in the Beelink. Also a 3 year guarantee but there are reviews from some people who have had problems. I have no real reason that I have to have a mini PC so I am planning to order a slim Dell i5 desktop. It's twice the price but it seems like the easy way out. I admire folks who reuse old PCs. The option of the less expensive mini PC + keep the old one is probably good for some but I'm opting for simplicity
Al18
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The Geekom A5 uses AMD APU chips, which typically have a faster graphics system and can play some low end games.
USGrant1962
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I've been researching this for my Windows 10 2011 build (was an I7-920, upgraded a couple of years ago with a $20 used Xeon running at 4 GHz) and it appears that if you don't have UEFI BIOS, Win11 is a no-go even with work arounds. This is for is the desktop PC at my summer house that I use for work and light gaming.
I'm leaning towards a new build this spring. Will move my current main PC to the cottage, use the new build as my main PC, and make the old Xeon system into a server (it's an Antec 902 case with 9 or so drive bays). My current backup server (a 2011 HP Proliant N35L) is getting pretty creaky, running Windows Home Server 2011. Though it still does bare-metal backups in Windows which is very rare in most backup solutions.
OH, and DW's main PC is a refurb Win11 workstation from PC Servers and Parts. It was a great buy a couple of years ago. Amazon.com: PCSP ThinkStation P520 Workstation, Intel Xeon W-2123 3.60GHz 4-Core, 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD, Quadro M2000 4GB (4X Display Ports), Windows 11 Pro (Renewed) (32GB DDR4) : Electronics
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GenXguy
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Yes, with Windows 11 build 24H2, the system needs UEFI bios and a processor that supports SSE4.2 even with the specific workarounds mentioned. An older Windows 11 build wasn't as restrictive. My old 2011 Sandy Bridge i5 still meets both the requirements, as well as 3 of my 4 laptops, but I extended my Windows 10 support another year, so I'm in no immediate need of Windows 11. I don't use Turbo Tax, either. I'm also considering a new build later this year, as I have each year for some years now.
Is there a site that quantifies that? I can get an A5 based HP for a little less money but the PassMark is substantially lower (and the box is bigger)
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