Well, I've got DOS 6.22 on the way in a hard copy, as well as Windows 3.1. Norton Commander is already here.
I want to build an old DOS system for my older games to run on. Yes, I know, I can use DOSbox, I don't care. I want to build one. The thing is, I can't remember what I can get away with anymore. I guess it has just been too long.
It looks like I am limited to FAT16. I seem to recall this only supports a 2gb drive, and searches I have performed have turned up little help. If I were to use a larger drive, could I simply use it as a 2gb drive and just forget the rest of the capacity? Can I let DOS format what it can use and forget about the rest? Or will the utility refuse to use a large drive to begin with?
That is a waste of space... I don't care. This isn't going to cost much. I've got to use a reasonably new HDD, or just get lucky and find an old one somewhere in good condition.
No modern operating system will be installed on this machine. Only Windows 3.1 and DOS will be installed. I won't need to pander to anything new, here.
Now, back in those days, I've run everything from IBM to Intel, AMD to Cyrix, and even the odd math co-processor (weren't those fun?). Thing is, the upgrade paths were so riddled with hardware back then, and games were finicky to get working properly and at the right speed.
I want to go with a processor that is fast enough to run anything from the DOS days, like Doom, Duke 3d, and Ultima 8, but I don't want to destroy my ability to play the really old stuff, like Commander Keen, Cosmo, Jetpack, Tankwars, and things of that nature.
I've got a Pentium II 233 sitting on a shelf over here. I'm wondering if that will be enough or too much. I'd prefer to use something from AMD, but I can't for the life of me remember precisely what I was using at any point in time. I do not want to go overkill for games like Duke3d, becasue if I do, I am only making life more difficult for the older stuff.
Obviously, processor choice will completely affect my choice in a motherboard. My plan is to get the best motherboard for what ever slot or socket I end up using, more than likely an Abit.
So, yes, I know their are other ways. I don't care. I want to do this anyway. Does anyone have some hardware suggestions? What can I get away with here, especially in the HDD and processor department?
In the HDD area, can I go big and waste space or not?
In the processor area, how fast is too fast? Where did AMD compatibility meet Intels? How slow is too slow? I want something that is just BARELY fast enough to run the most intensive DOS games with their graphics pumped. I remember that at that point, I was still running the older stuff with good success, though tankwars was getting mighty fast.
I want to build an old DOS system for my older games to run on. Yes, I know, I can use DOSbox, I don't care. I want to build one. The thing is, I can't remember what I can get away with anymore. I guess it has just been too long.
It looks like I am limited to FAT16. I seem to recall this only supports a 2gb drive, and searches I have performed have turned up little help. If I were to use a larger drive, could I simply use it as a 2gb drive and just forget the rest of the capacity? Can I let DOS format what it can use and forget about the rest? Or will the utility refuse to use a large drive to begin with?
That is a waste of space... I don't care. This isn't going to cost much. I've got to use a reasonably new HDD, or just get lucky and find an old one somewhere in good condition.
No modern operating system will be installed on this machine. Only Windows 3.1 and DOS will be installed. I won't need to pander to anything new, here.
Now, back in those days, I've run everything from IBM to Intel, AMD to Cyrix, and even the odd math co-processor (weren't those fun?). Thing is, the upgrade paths were so riddled with hardware back then, and games were finicky to get working properly and at the right speed.
I want to go with a processor that is fast enough to run anything from the DOS days, like Doom, Duke 3d, and Ultima 8, but I don't want to destroy my ability to play the really old stuff, like Commander Keen, Cosmo, Jetpack, Tankwars, and things of that nature.
I've got a Pentium II 233 sitting on a shelf over here. I'm wondering if that will be enough or too much. I'd prefer to use something from AMD, but I can't for the life of me remember precisely what I was using at any point in time. I do not want to go overkill for games like Duke3d, becasue if I do, I am only making life more difficult for the older stuff.
Obviously, processor choice will completely affect my choice in a motherboard. My plan is to get the best motherboard for what ever slot or socket I end up using, more than likely an Abit.
So, yes, I know their are other ways. I don't care. I want to do this anyway. Does anyone have some hardware suggestions? What can I get away with here, especially in the HDD and processor department?
In the HDD area, can I go big and waste space or not?
In the processor area, how fast is too fast? Where did AMD compatibility meet Intels? How slow is too slow? I want something that is just BARELY fast enough to run the most intensive DOS games with their graphics pumped. I remember that at that point, I was still running the older stuff with good success, though tankwars was getting mighty fast.
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