First post, by guardianali
UPDATE:
Thank you ever one. So I read everyone's posts and after some digging and bargaining, I think I have my build. I just ordered all the parts.
Case: Gateway GP7-600
CPU: P3 1.4ghz Tualatin
CPU cooler: Thermaltake Volcano 7+
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-6VTXE
Ram: 768MB that was thrown in with MB (win98 patched)
HD: 1TB SSD with SATA to IDE adapter. 128gig Win98 partition, the rest XP
HD2: Compack Flash IDE adapter front loading. Set up Boot order in bios to look for this first. Have a CF card for DOS 6.22. If its in, DOS boots. If its out, I get the Win98SE/XP bootload menu.
Sound card 1: Audigy 1 with the 5.25 Front header
Sound card 2: ESS AudioDrive ES1868F ISA
GFX: Geforce 4600 TI
Extras: Zip 250 internal drive, Gotek Floppy USB, CDRW Drive
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ORIGINAL POST:
Hi all,
New to the site and just found it. Such a great place!!!
I have an interest in making a retro gaming PC. Ive done some research but depending on where I look, I get differing suggestions.
I have seen the recommendations of P3 over early p4s. I know about if the CPU is too fast, DOS and Win98 games may not work proper. Read about ISA sounds cards are best for DOS for that authentic sound...but Creative labs is great for win 98 and XP. How Nvidia is generally a better bet for driver stability.. etc..etc..etc...
I also know there is generally 4 eras of gaming. The DOS era, Win95/98, WinXp and Modern.
I am looking to build the best SINGLE all rounder PC that can support the From DOS to early WInXP. So 2.5 eras of gaming.
I seen people building multiple builds for each era...but my limitation is space..not money. I want ONE computer.
Having said that, and with money not a concern (i dont mind spending extra for the 'best'), what are the best parts to make a SINGLE machine to meet that?
CPU:
The 3 main contenders I have found are the Athlons, the P3s and P4s (long as its a later model as the earlier ones sucked).
I found a good deal for a P3 1.4 ghz Tualatin. P4s are fairly available. Dont know much about what Athlons are better.
So what CPU, despite cost, would be the best "All rounder"?
Graphics card:
Ive seen alot of diffent suggestions. From the Geforce 4600 to the higher 6000 series...to avoid 5000 series. That nvidia is the best no fuss or muss option to avoid driver issues.
Again, price aside, what would be the best all round option for 2.5 eras of gaming?
OS:
Win 98? Win ME? WinXp? Dual boot 98 with XP (98 for 98 and DOS games and xp for xp)?
Sound card:
Stick with something like an Audigy or Sound Blaster Live! or go with an ISA card? Can you have both in a machine without conflict?
Motherboard:
Any particular chipset to get or avoid (based on CPU above)?
I know this is probably a beating a dead horse thread topic. But the ones i have found are a bit out dated or singular in purpose (win 98...or xp..or just DOS..etc..). I appreciate everyone's time in reading and recommending.