Will a Pentium III 866MHz be fast enough

Jedi1138

Jedi1138

Jedi1138

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Hi guys,

Just been given a relatively Small Form Factor HP machine that is totally silent and perfect, I think, for a HTPC after a paint job or two.

The problem is it's only a Pentium III 866MHz with 256MB of RDRAM.

Will this be fast enough/have enough memory to run Windows MCE?

Jedi
 
Jedi1138 said:
Hi guys,

Just been given a relatively Small Form Factor HP machine that is totally silent and perfect, I think, for a HTPC after a paint job or two.

The problem is it's only a Pentium III 866MHz with 256MB of RDRAM.

Will this be fast enough/have enough memory to run Windows MCE?

Jedi
Click to expand...

That's fast enough to run it...I have seen slower comps use it (my pop's 450Mhz runs it with 256MB RAM)
 
Suggestion

It might be pushed to run some of the 264 based codecs at higher def, but most stuff in standard res should be fine...

However, why not just use linux, plus mplayer on a framebuffer console. That way your not using as much memory / cpu by having a big gui sitting round (such as windows ME, or Xorg)

Just a suggestion.
 
lovedaddy said:
However, why not just use linux, plus mplayer on a framebuffer console. That way your not using as much memory / cpu by having a big gui sitting round (such as windows ME, or Xorg)

Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...

It's a great suggestion, but lots of people bottle out of Linux because of the poor ease of use (getting better, I know) and the generally appalling treatment of new users on support forums. The view of most Linux forum 'experts' in my experience is that if you're not IT savvy enough to be able to answer your own question then you don't deserve to have a computer. And that you should stick with Windows, which is easy enough for idiots to use. Most transitional users have lots of experience of Windows and they need the Linux concepts explained in a way that makes sense to them. This seems to be beyond most Linux forum 'experts'.

I think that's why more people don't do exactly what you suggested. Sadly.
 
I have a simlar speed processor with 512 ram and it runs media centre 2005 really well.

I have had issues in the past with xp and 256 ram but it will run and for playing movies it should be fine.
 
I have to admit that I'm scared of Linux even though I'm a Systems Manager!

Upgrading the RAM would be far too cost prohibitive - RDRAM still sells for bucketloads of cash. Looks like I'm stuck with the 256MB, if I use this system.
 
Jedi1138 said:
I have to admit that I'm scared of Linux even though I'm a Systems Manager!

Upgrading the RAM would be far too cost prohibitive - RDRAM still sells for bucketloads of cash. Looks like I'm stuck with the 256MB, if I use this system.
Click to expand...

A P3 with RDRAM, you sure ?
 
The 840 was a much better chipset whilst we are on the subject.

As for the Linux talk, I would recommend it. If people are having issues with Linux support forums, why not try the OcUK Linux section, everyone is nice to n00bs in there ;)
 
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