I just got a hand me down, but overall better PC. Pretty speedy too, P4 1.6, and it's got a Radeon X800 64MB, but one problem, it only has 128MB RAM and it's RDRAM!!!

I was wondering what OS you would suggest using. So I'm thinking about install 98SE/ME since some games such as Morrowind and Sims 2, will run on 128MB RAM as long as you are not running XP/2K. I just don't like how the FAT32 file system can cause corruption so often and how I can't just plug in a USB device and have it work.

So basically what I'm asking is which of the following, in your humble opinion, would be the best to install on a PC with these specs?

Pentium 4 1.6Ghz

128MB RDRAM

60gb HDD

20gb HDD

ATi Radeon X800 64MB AGP

Soundblaster Live!

Braodband Internet (DSL)

Choices:

-98SE (With that awesome Unofficial service pack of course.)

-ME

-XP PRO(despite lacking amount of memory)

Thanks!

You could also check the nLite forum for a tool to cut unneeded features and services from XP, allowing you to reduce memory usage.

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=89

If not I would go with 98

Better yet, spring for some RAM, it's cheap!

Edited August 15, 200521 yr by dman

RDRAM isn't that cheap... but I'd still suggest getting some more and looking into nLiteing the stuff that you know you won't be needing. Don't do anything hardcore if you're not looking for trouble.

That CPU with only 128m RAM, will run XP, but slower than a 15yr old three-legged dog.

You'll need at least 512 megs to run XP effeciently.

ME just SUCKS, so that leaves 98/SE with the unofficial service packs.....there's a second one out, ya know.

Good Luck,

Andromeda43

Why not go for the RAM. It's always on sale, cheap, and easy to install.

Stop saying that he should buy RAM. I think that, if he could, he already made it.

Like a few said above, go for nLite. Cut on bloat and youll get a 60MB Commit Charge OS.

Windows 2000 running great for me

1.8 Pentium 4, 364 MB of RAM

If you are not getting any more RAM, try nliting 2000 or XP

2003 is also pretty good to turn into desktop mode.

You can follow this guide:

http://nexle.dk/daniel/win2000-32mb/

It should work for xp as well. At least some of it. I used the program X-Setup and am using the "classic mode" that it suggests. I think it uses a shell similar to WinNT and really has cut back on the resources.

One more thing: Don't disable the Event Log. If you do, it will take longer to boot up once you get past the Windows 2000 screen. At least in Win2k. Don't know about the rest.

Edited August 19, 200521 yr by Anonymo

I suggest ME, that is if you are into the Blue Screen Of DEATH. If not 98 is your best bet, but I bet you could get it to work with XP if you use nlite like the others suggested. Good luck

Unless nlite is realy making dramatic changes (I don't know because I didn't use it so I let the option open), IMO with 128MB of memory, W98SE-uSP2 is by far the best solution.

You will also enjoy the full performance of your P4.

Check the Maximus Decim in the w98 forum for unversal USB device compatibility...

Edited August 21, 200521 yr by Fredledingue

RDRAM = Rambus = NOT CHEAP. 128MB of Rambus at work costs $58 per stick. And Rambus must be installed in pairs. So $116 for 256MB of RAM. That's not cheap by a long shot.