Windows XP build for retro gaming.

[Retro6]

I've been thinking about turning one of my old Computers into a Windows XP gaming computer for playing games of the mid 2000 era...

I have two old Computers that would be good XP candidates both have more less the same specs.

Here are the specs of the current computer that I have in mind for an XP gaming computer.

Processor: Core 2 Duo @ 2.50GHz
RAM: 4GB
H/D: 250GB SATA
DVD ROM Drive
3.5 floppy drive
USB 2.0
Onboard Audio
1GB GeForce Video card.
OS 64 bit Windows 7 which will be Windows XP 32 bit service pack 4.

I have some questions regarding the Windows XP installation...

1.) How do I activate Windows XP?
2.) Does the unofficial Service Pack 4 take care of the activation?

 

[almoststew1990]

Why do you need the unofficial service pack - what are you using the PC for other than disk based games. I've not had any issues with just using SP3, even taking the PC online. I just make sure I don't have anything important on the PC.

I rarely bother activating XP. Usually I'm done with a PC well within the 30 days you get, or I've put new hardware in and done a clean install.

I'd be tempted to ditch the floppy drive (my version of XP SP3 has never had an issue with SATA drives) and spend a few quid on a soundblaster Audigy 2 of some kind for EAX3 or 4 or whatever the mid 2000s version was.

Othetwise it's a similar spec to mine. E8600 3.16GHz, 3GB DDR3, 1GB GeForce GTX645 GPU (no external power needed - nice and quiet, and cool!) SATA HDD and DVD. Audigy 2 ZS.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

I don't think you can activate XP any more, I tried the other day and it wouldn't activate by telephone or by serial key. Don't install any 'unofficial' service pack. This has been done by tom, dick, and harry. Probably more unstable. Stick with SP3 and updates (If you can get them that is!)

 

[Retro6]

The only reason I'll be having a floppy drive is because the computers already have them they are all retro style cases so I may as well leave in the floppy drive in as its better than having a hole where a floppy drive was.

I might not bother with XP if I can't activate it, I was thinking about Service Pack 4 in hoping it would have the activation. I have an original XP installation CD. The only other option is Windows 7 32bit. I was thinking about Windows NT 4.0 but I don't think that would like a core 2 duo processor or 4 gigs of RAM same with Windows 2000. I'll probably ditch the idea and leave the Duo Core systems as they are. Maybe in the future they might be a bit more useful for something.

Everything is geared towards Quad cores and above now so Dual Core systems lagging behind by today's standards, of course there is the possibility of Linux but I wont be able to play games on them.

 

[almoststew1990]

I prefer W7 32bit to be honest. Yes you lose EAX sound but it much easier to use and is probably a bit safer online. C2D is still fine for Windows 7, but it might be worth having a look here to get a slightly faster C2D for peanuts if you go the W7 route. I upgraded from a e4400 to e8500 for about £5.

E.G. E8400 3GHz has 6Mb cache and uses the fastest Socket 775 FSB - 1333MHz. £2.25!

 

[Retro6]

These are the two computers I have in mind, Windows 7 is still supported, they both have Windows 7 on them. One has 32 bit Windows 7 and the other has 64 Bit Windows 7. The performance on these two computers isn't to bad I might put Windows 10 on one of them and stick with Windows 32 bit one the other. I built these years ago to keep as back up PC's.