frankenputer

Frankenputer
 n.

   1. A mostly-working computer thrown together from the spare parts of
   several machines out of which the {magic smoke} had been let. Most
   shops have a closet full of nonworking machines. When a new machine is
   needed immediately (for testing, for example) and there is no time (or
   budget) to requisition a new box, someone (often an intern) is tasked
   with building a Frankenputer.

   2. Also used in referring to a machine that once was a name-brand
   computer, but has been upgraded long beyond its useful life, to the
   point at which the nameplate violates truth-in-advertising laws (e.g.,
   a Pentium III-class machine inexplicably living in a case marked
   "Gateway 486/66").