I wrote a batch script to keep my 2011 ThinkPad alive for 24/7 streaming

https://github.com/patrick48001/ThinkPad-Stream-Sentinel-VLC-Video-Source-reset-disable-stream-shutter

39•techenthuziast•1mo ago

Comments

techenthuziast•1mo ago

This code helps by resetting VLC Video Source on OBS evrey 30 minutes making the stream no longer shutter I have a live demo in witch im actively using the code in the background WaveLounge twitch There i actively use this code and resets VLC Video Source evrey 30 minutes making the stream last longer aswell as other graphics settings on OBS and windows meant to optimize even better.The stream and code runs on a ThinkPad T420's smoothly after running the code in the background.Hope this information and code help others in bringing old laptops or computers into having a new purpose

pamcake•1mo ago

Maybe this is an issue with Windows?

Have you tried running Linux with a lightweight X11 window manager? Should be leaner on that T420 and a more forward-looking track for reviving old hardware. Are you even able to get latest Windows Update security patches for that device? Seems relevant for the use-case.

SLWW•1mo ago

The safe temp value gave me a chuckle

rzzzt•1mo ago

Do things heat up if only OBS is running but streamlink and VLC aren't? Are you using them to monitor what the output looks like for viewers?

userbinator•1mo ago

How about cleaning the fansink and reapplying the thermal paste.

Mogzol•1mo ago

Yeah if the laptop is from 2011 and has never had the thermal paste replaced I would highly recommend it. I just replaced the original thermal paste on a Dell laptop from 2015 and temperatures dropped by ~20C. I was not expecting such a huge improvement, the laptop fans rarely even spin up now.

lproven•1mo ago

I use 5 laptops from this era regularly to frequently:

i5 and i7 X220, i5 and i7 T420, and quad-core i7 W520.

All are 100% stable and run for days on end without a problem with Ubuntu, Pop OS, FreeBSD, and most other things.

I think you may have hardware problems.

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