Recommend a NEW top-end PC suitable for XP?

Philocalist

I don't really have the knowledge to do this myself, so I'm hoping / guessing someone out there will maybe jump on this? (Please! Very Happy

)

For many reasons, I want a GOOD (desktop) PC to run Windows XP on. I'm expecting that it will probably have to be a custom build: I'm looking for all the usual attributes of speed, decent video, storage etc, but I'm painfully aware that a lot of the hardware now available (particularly the nicer stuff Rolling Eyes

) is probably not supported with drivers for XP, or may have compatibility issues. I need a decent DVD burner etc, though Blue ray etc is totally unnecessary on this PC, USB2 (naturally), eSATA drives if possible, and perhaps firewire. Network capability in needed, bluetooth would be nice too ... and if I've missed anything obvious, or you have any positive suggestions, please chip in! Very Happy

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1508 Location: Central FL, USA

For us in the USA, it's almost impossible to recommend something for you Brit's.

What I can buy cheaply here.....you don't have any access to there.

Talk to the people in the business in your area and see what they can do for you.

Doc Cool

goretsky · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 12:54 am Post subject:

Hello,

Here's one possible suggestion for you:

Intel X48 or X58 chipset-based motherboard (XP drivers here)
Intel Dual or Quad Core Socket 775 (X48) or Core i7 Socket 1366 (X58) CPU
nVidia 8800, 9800 or 200 series video card (XP drivers here); or ATI 4600 or 4800 series video card (XP drivers here)

As far as hardware like on-board sound and network adapters go, drivers should be readily available from the motherboard or the adapter manufacturers' web sites for Microsoft Windows XP.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

donrc · Joined: Feb 16, 2003 Posts: 876

One thing you should be aware of whatever you buy. There are two versions of XP, 32 bit and 64 bit. If you buy a processor like an AMD 9500 Quad with 4 processors on the chip it is my understanding that the 32 bit OS will only give you access to one of the processors.

What about it guys? Am I correct on that?

drc

Philocalist · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject:

Hmmm ... it's starting to make me think that I may be just as well telling my local (trusted!) techie what I want, and why, and seeing what he suggests? At least that way I have someone to beat up on / blame if it all goes pear-shaped Very Happy

Have to confess, one of the things that brought about this enquiry was that I realised that I'm doing no more than tolerate Vista on at least 3 PC's, all of which are apparently specced well enough to run the OS flat out without breaking a sweat! As a reasonably savvy user, I'm STILL having to accept compromises with Vista ... crazy, niggly stuff that just should not happen Rolling Eyes

goretsky · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 3:56 am Post subject:

Hello,

I forgot to mention memory.

With the X48 chipset, memory has to be installed in pairs. I would suggest getting a 4GB kit consisting of two 2GB DDR2 memory modules, which would give the system give the system 4GB, however, you will not be able to access all of it with a 32-bit operating system due to hardware limitations--somewhere around 3.25 to 3.75GB will probably be available.

For an X58 chipset, memory has to be installed in triples (pairs can be used, but it slows down memory access). I would suggest getting a 3GB kit consisting of three 1GB DDR3 memory modules, which will be fine with a 32-bit operating system.

Regardless of what type of motherboard you purchase, when installing Microsoft Windows XP, it will be helpful to have a floppy diskette drive installed in the system, and a floppy diskette created with the SATA device drivers for the motherboard. This will allow the operating system's installer to properly recognize the hard disk drive during the initial setup.

By the way, have you tried to figure out if there are any solutions to the "crazy, niggly stuff" that occurs under Microsoft Windows Vista? If the problem is something like incompatibility with an older program or piece of hardware, perhaps it would be easier to upgrade to a newer version instead of having to install an older operating system. Also, you might want to look at the Microsoft Windows 7 beta if you have not done so already and see if that alleviates any of your concerns.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky