[s3arch]

>The honest assessment: If the machine cannot run a lightweight Linux desktop at a usable speed after you have applied the optimizations in this guide, it is time to recycle it responsibly. Most municipalities have e-waste collection programs. Do not throw it in the trash. The components contain recyclable metals and toxic materials that need proper handling.

This is the whole point.Linux helps in that judgement whether to keep or throw the box.

[userbinator]

Or sell it to the retrocomputing community for a decent amount of $$$.

[dmzxnico]

Agree with you.

Linux itself is a good OS, even better when you have an old machine to "revive". But when even Linux can't run properly, time ditch it...

[lstodd]

If you can't run linux you can always run netbsd. or any *bsd.

Besides the advice on ditching hardware on account of thermal problems is .. terrible. If you went so far as installing obscure linux distros, surely unscrewing a few screws and applying a vacuum and then some thermal paste isn't out of reach.