The 1901 reconstruction improved generators, enclosed decks, and repositioned guns, but it did not solve the ship's fundamental obsolescence. Germany nevertheless ordered Gefion reactivated in August 1914 and appointed a commander before abandoning the effort for lack of a crew. That outcome appears to have been a priority decision rather than an unavoidable shortage: personnel went to more useful ships because commanders could have found a few hundred sailors if the cruiser had a compelling mission. Even Prince Heinrich's Baltic command, where her modest speed might conceivably have been useful, showed no need for a ship he already knew.
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Reconstruction could not make Gefion useful in 1914
After an extensive reconstruction, Gefion still remained too marginal to receive a crew when Germany considered reactivating her in August 1914.