Building a computer to run windows 98

TJLano

Honorable
Jan 19, 2014
20
0
10,510
Hello Tom's Hardware community,

I'm possibly planning to build a (new) work computer from technologically older parts, but new condition. I need the computer to run a software and hardware that is only usable in the Windows 98 or 2000 operating systems.

I don't believe that Windows XP in compatibility mode will solve my problems either.

I have some experience building computers, but I am a little weary on these components and building a system to run a relatively old OS.

My questions are:

1. Will this build work?

2. Am I missing any components?

3. Will finding drivers be problematic?

4. Is there a better (i.e., cheaper or easier) solution?

Here is a link to PC part picker, but does not have the motherboard I plan to use: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/97MVmG

Here is the motherboard I plan to use:
-ASRock 775I65G R3.0 LGA 775 Intel 865G + ICH5 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard (link below)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157338&cm_re=motherboard-_-13-157-338-_-Product

I have a spare 250GB HDD I can use (the space limitation in Windows 98 will not bother me unless it won't work at all).

Finally, I might just use a CPU cooler from my i-5 3570k at home if that would work.

I appreciate any input!

Thanks,
Tim


I should also mention that this program will be running in DOS.
 
Solution
That processor is not compatible with that motherboard (CPU Support List). You need to be looking at something like the Q6600.

You're definitely going to want to be working with more than just 1GB of RAM and I'd recommend dual-channel. Just double up what you've currently selected.

That motherboard does not have integrated graphics, so you're going to need to find an AGP 8x graphics card that has drivers for Windows 98. Probably looking at an NVidia Geforce 6xxx series AGP card.

You should be fine with the hard drive regardless of whether it's SATA or IDE.

-Wolf sends

cklaubur

Distinguished
What specific cooler are you planning to use? The stock cooler for an I5-3570K will not fit on an LGA775 processor.

Also, if the hardware is USB, you should be able to use it in a virtual machine. Software should run fine in a virtualized Windows 98 environment.

Casey
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
That processor is not compatible with that motherboard (CPU Support List). You need to be looking at something like the Q6600.

You're definitely going to want to be working with more than just 1GB of RAM and I'd recommend dual-channel. Just double up what you've currently selected.

That motherboard does not have integrated graphics, so you're going to need to find an AGP 8x graphics card that has drivers for Windows 98. Probably looking at an NVidia Geforce 6xxx series AGP card.

You should be fine with the hard drive regardless of whether it's SATA or IDE.

-Wolf sends
 
Solution