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?).