Very High Spec XP 64-Bit

Habit

Habit

Habit

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Hi All,

I need some advise if any one fancies helping.

I need to purchase a very high spec machine with Windows XP 64-bit Pro.

Windows 7 is not an option as a critical application is only supported on XP, and manufacturer support is required. Manufacturer does not support virtualised XP.

The machine must also support 4 monitors (not HDMI), it is not being used for 3D graphics but I don't want the 4 monitor requirement to slow the display.

Anyone any ideas on spec? I'm asking as the complication of 64-bit XP means I need to be sure the spec will run under that OS

Thanks
 
Should have added its high spec as the machine will be running a LOT of applications at the same time, and must be fast at all times. Happy to spend a fair bit on these systems, what ever it takes to get something that really flies while running loads of apps.
 
Hi there, May I ask what kind of budget ballpark you will working with here?

With ~£800 you could get a solid Intel i7/ AMD 1090T X6 system, if you want even more power then i7 980X (hex core) or dual CPU boards will be required, but these cost considerably more.

Also, you mention that the 4 monitors will not be HDMI, do you know what connections they will use (if you know the monitor model numbers that will be very useful).
 
I'm really not sure of the budget, Lets call it £1000. Unless thats not enough.

Dont have the monitor models but all either VGA or DVI.

I think a load of RAM is going to help, so lets say i7 980X (presume thats 8 cores), 8-16GB RAM..

Does that help?
 
Well the 980X on its own costs £730, so it won't really fit in a £1000 budget for the system.

as you are looking for something with a lot of cpu power, and 980x is too expensive, then imho your best bet is to wait a month for intel's next generation of cpus to arrive - sandy bridge. here is a preview of the performance.

these chips (and new boards) arrive on January 9th and will be priced at the same level as existing LGA 1156 chips. If you go down this road then you should be able to afford the top mainstread Sandy Bridge CPU - the i7 2600K, but we will only be able to give you a full spec once they come out.

If you can't wait then I would be happy to spec you a 1090T system - It sounds like you will be able to make full use of a hex core.
 
XFX HD-587A-CNF9 Radeon HD 5870 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Eyefinity 6 Edition Video Card
Chipset Manufacturer:ATI
Core Clock:850MHz
Stream Processors:1600 Stream Processing Units
Effective Memory Clock:1200MHz (4.8Gbps)
DirectX:DirectX 11
DisplayPort:6 x Mini DisplayPort
Max Resolution:Up to 2560 x 1600 per output; Up to 7680 x 3200 with 6 displays in Eyefinity

AMD 1090T
8-16Gb DDR3
Asus Crosshair IV
 
Really need a solution now so lets go with a 1090T system. Its for market traders bloomberg, Office(loats of spreadsheets), IM Apps, Many IE tabs, and a host of other trading applications. Rarely rebooted. If it slows down they get cross.

In fact if you could do a spec with a 1090T and another with the 980X that would be really great. You never know what these guys may decide they are happy to splash out on. If its £500 more for the 980x but that gives a good performance increase they would probably go for it.

Thanks
 
Habit said:
Rarely rebooted. If it slows down they get cross.
Click to expand...

Are you sure about XP Pro 64bit then?

I used to run it (as I had a Athlon 64 & 4GB RAM and thought it would be wasted on XP 32bit) but it wasn't great. Heck Vista made it look reliable.

Does your software definitely work on XP 64bit? Back in the day when I ran it I, for example, couldn't find a wireless card that had drivers for it :(.
 
Here is my 1090T spec:

939x6.png


I chose the board as it is well built, has a solid track record and works well with multiple graphics cards.

The CPU cooler is technically not required as the 1090T comes with one, but the Akasa is much larger and quieter and will keep the hex core CPU much cooler. Also, it will allow for overclocking if you want to go down this road to squeeze out some extra performance.

I included an SSD as these things really do improve performance in basic windows duties and generally makes the PC feel faster to use. I chose the kingston here specifically as it uses a Toshiba controller that does aggressive garbage collection, since XP doesn't do TRIM then this is important.

The two graphics cards are to be run independently to drive the four monitors (2 per card). They also use passive cooling, so won't add to the noise of the system.

The PSU is not the cheapest, but is good quality, high efficiency and from a good brand.


I'll get on the 980X spec...

[Edit] Here it is:

1588x6.png


Most of it as before. Motherboard is a nice quality bit of kit with a 5 year warranty, 24GB of RAM and the 980X of course.
 
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Westyfield2 said:
Are you sure about XP Pro 64bit then?

I used to run it (as I had a Athlon 64 & 4GB RAM and thought it would be wasted on XP 32bit) but it wasn't great. Heck Vista made it look reliable.

Does your software definitely work on XP 64bit? Back in the day when I ran it I, for example, couldn't find a wireless card that had drivers for it :(.
Click to expand...

Has to be XP (unfortunatly) - Needs 64bit as 4GB of RAM doesnt cut it with what they have running.

All important software has been confirmed as supported by manufacturers on 64-bit XP.
 
It seems like the 980X would be a waste of money and that a hex-core AMD or quad-core i7 (with HT) should be easily sufficient, especially if you're allowed to overclock them a bit! Lots of IE tabs and spreadsheets would be no problem for either of these types of CPU.
 
Is the PSU in the 980x not a bit underpowered for that spec?? I was expecting 650-700W minimum with a high quality PSU. Or am I missing something?
 
Tomcat825 said:
Is the PSU in the 980x not a bit underpowered for that spec?? I was expecting 650-700W minimum with a high quality PSU. Or am I missing something?
Click to expand...

I agree, 400 watt is probably a bit too low. Whilst it might be able to technically run it, I would rather have something with higher margins for error.
 
I would suggest more PSU margin, especially if the machine runs 24/7...550 watt silver or gold rated PSU.

PSU's wattage reduce over time through use, the become gradually less efficient. Do you want to go back in a years time to fit a new one? Also Corsair have 5-7 year warranties on some of their PSU's...
 
I run an XP 64 rig. I do play occasional games however it's mainly used for development work. I also run 4 monitors.

Intel i5 750 (not overclocked)
Gigabyte P55M-UD2
8gb Corsair XMS3 (running 1066)
Seasonic X650

Graphics cards I use 2 x Nvidia, however I would choose ATi Eyefinity cards if choosing today.

I can confirm my system is rock stable and everything is running XP 64 drivers.

My 2p worth for max stability and minimum hassle

1) I would get a very very good PSU.
2) I would not bother with SSD, but would consider hybrid. XP does not support trim, and what happens when your SSD slows down. Tell them to stop trading a day while you re-install?
3) Whatever you choose you need mirrored RAID for minimum downtime.
3) I would go 12GB-16GB ram. Choose quality over higher speed.
4) Don't even think of over clocking.
5) Somthing that can handle lots of threads a 4 Core i7 should be perfect. The cheap entry level one will do it. Your thread title says very high spec, if they have the money maybe even 6 Core i7.

Keep it in above rules and you won't go far wrong.
 
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Why are you even bothering to build this yourself, get onto your account manager at Dell / HP / IBM and get the PC from them with no OS on, and then use your Microsoft SA rights to download and install Windows XP 64. And as the hardware comes pre-vuilt there will be no way that it wont just work.

Your going to trust the machine that cant slow down without the user getting annoyed to a custom device with no support. With a proper build you will pay for the 4hr at the desk support for three years.
 
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