Someone turned old analog gauges into real-time PC monitors using an ESP32

Credit: 1Euro7Cent Published Aug 16, 2026, 4:09 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary These rescued analog gauges were repurposed as real-time PC hardware meters via an ESP32. It features three gauges: CPU, GPU, and power. The CPU/GPU gauges read from the PC, and power via MQTT from a smart plug. Uses PWM, resistor, capacitor, and a transistor to drive 0–20mA gauges reliably. One of the coolest parts about being into DIY electronics is that you rarely waste electronics. Every busted piece of hardware can get a new life (such as turning a Steam Deck into a mini PC), and every piece of discarded tech is a potential new project. For example, one tinkerer got their hands on some analog gauges that someone disposed of, and turned them into one of the coolest hardware monitors I've ever seen, These real-time analog gauges use an ESP32 to monitor a PC's hardware usage It certainly looks the part Over on the ESP32 subreddit, user 1Euro7Cent posted about their newest project. They managed to grab some discarded analog gauges and turned them into a cool way to keep an eye on their computer hardware usage: "I saved them from the e-dumpster. Those are 0-20mA gauges showing 0-100 bar. It took a long time to get them to work properly. I am using a PWM output through a resistor and a capacitor. Then I go to a transistor and the transistor allows current to flow from VIN through the gauges to GND. I had to tinker a lot to get them right." There are three gauges: CPU usage, GPU usage, and power draw. The first two are read straight off the PC and represented on the gauges, while the power draw relies on an MQTT broadcast from a Tasmota smart plug to get the stats. Everything is then passed through an ESP32 that keeps everything running smoothly. The creator has been answering questions about this build in the Reddit thread, so if you've got any burning questions for them, be sure to head over and ask them about it.