WANTED: Powerful 32-bit System

T

thomase13

New Member
Hello,

I am building a desktop computer for myself and am wondering what is the fastest and most powerful motherboard/processor combination that will support 32-bit Windows XP.

I would like it to be fast enough to play — and edit — 1920 x 1080 HD videos as well as play the Sims 3.

I would prefer this to be in "Small Form Factor" format, that is to say, it should fit into a ThinkCentre 8171-4XU case.
If the form factor in any way hampers things, then it's not a big deal; a standard ATX or whatever is fine.

Thanks in advance,
Thomas :)
 
Might be hard getting stuff to fit into your case if IBM/Lenovo design them in such a way that it's a pest to change stuff.

Would be easier to just get a new case for your new build.

But I would advise moving to 64-bit and getting a newer OS. 32-bit and XP aren't worth your time or money now. For editing video, 64-bit is much better than 32-bit, simply because you can use much more RAM.

What's your budget?
 
I actually don't own an IBM case at the moment, but that is the case that I want, preferably the horizontal small form factor type.
I currently have a few Dell cases, and they seem very proprietary, but I am hoping that IBM is not like that. :)

Although I know your advice is good performance-wise, I am quite particular. That is to say that I am only interested in a 32-bit Windows XP system in an IBM case. I have tried out the other systems, and I have found them to be unsuitable for me and incompatible with the software I wish to run. Four gigabytes will have to do me for RAM.

I was hoping to get an SSD or two to speed things up a bit.

My budget is around $800 to $1000. Of course I hope I won't need to spend that much, but I will if need be.

Thanks again,
Thomas :)
 
Trouble is I'm afraid is that most of the hardware you can buy today isn't really compatible with Windows XP.

What software are you using which doesn't work with anything newer than XP?

Seriously, XP is going to be dead next year - I'd upgrade, and to 64-bit.
 
spirit said:
Trouble is I'm afraid is that most of the hardware you can buy today isn't really compatible with Windows XP.
Click to expand...

If the very latest motherboards and processors are not compatible with Windows XP, that is fine. What I am looking for a fast and powerful processor, most likely the newest that supports 32-bit XP.

spirit said:
What software are you using which doesn't work with anything newer than XP?
Click to expand...

IneXPerience Patcher: an essential program in my daily life.
To be honest, I've used Windows 7 64-bit and had no compability problems with anything I've tried other than that, but this is a most important program.

spirit said:
Seriously, XP is going to be dead next year - I'd upgrade, and to 64-bit.
Click to expand...

I am very well-aware of the terrible day that is April 8th 2014 — which is very fast approaching. I know that it would seem that an up-to-date 64-bit system would best meet my needs, but it doesn't. I already have a ThinkPad with Windows 7, 64-bit, and an i7 processor, and I am not happy with it. I have already given Windows Vista and Windows 7 and 8 all a fair shot, and have found them unsuitable. I understand that your advice is very good and sound for the average user, but I know quite clearly what I want.

Thanks again,
Thomas
 
You can get win7 pro or whatever which has xp mode, and 64-bit runs 32-bit programs, but 32 cant run 64

And if everything but that program, which isnt a necessary program, works, then what's the point of giving up so much for such little gain? You just dont make sense to me, have you used the other OSs much? More practice may make them more appealing. Or you can buy win7/8 and use a VM to run XP until it is dead
 
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I found what this inexperience patcher is on google. Apparently Thomas has a case of OCD and the inexperience patcher makes windows xp look like windows 98. same icons and boot screen. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...=YbrSxrvcVIw-9yytdYvoMQ&bvm=bv.48572450,d.eWU (the link is a youtube video by the way)

When reading this I was under the assumption that it was some kind of editing software or something, not something this useless... that appears to be very buggy even on xp
 
my opinion is, an i try to say it with respect, if you whant to spend $800 a $1000 on a pc, and then whant xp 32 bit, give youre money to me then.
almost every software today on the market is competible with w7 ore 8.
 
turbobooster said:
my opinion is, an i try to say it with respect, if you whant to spend $800 a $1000 on a pc, and then whant xp 32 bit, give youre money to me then.
almost every software today on the market is competible with w7 ore 8.
Click to expand...

The software he wants to use is to make his computer look like windows 98. So he actually might be right that it won't work on windows 7/8 because they don't support the 15 year old look. He just needs to get over it and deal with a transparent taskbar, is it really that big of a problem? and its not like he paid for the software, at least he shouldn't have its free all over the internet....
 
kmkrreeves1 said:
I found what this inexperience patcher is on google. Apparently Thomas has a case of OCD and the inexperience patcher makes windows xp look like windows 98. same icons and boot screen. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...=YbrSxrvcVIw-9yytdYvoMQ&bvm=bv.48572450,d.eWU (the link is a youtube video by the way)

When reading this I was under the assumption that it was some kind of editing software or something, not something this useless... that appears to be very buggy even on xp
Click to expand...

I thought so too, but then I read it was some of UI tweak.

Honestly, just get 7, and if you like the classic look, then set 7 to the classic theme. Not very difficult.
 
I came to this "Computer Forum" seeking (semi)expert advice.
I am very surprised to not find it here.
You have been unhelpful, and "kmkrreeves1" in particular has been most unkind.

  1. You don't assume that people have, or make fun of people with, a psychiatric disorder, and
  2. It is irrelevant to the situation at hand.
I am just fortunate that I was able to find good advice elsewhere.
 
kmkrreeves1 said:
The software he wants to use is to make his computer look like windows 98. So he actually might be right that it won't work on windows 7/8 because they don't support the 15 year old look. He just needs to get over it and deal with a transparent taskbar, is it really that big of a problem? and its not like he paid for the software, at least he shouldn't have its free all over the internet....
Click to expand...

Dude seriously, who are you to say what someone needs or wants is not valid. Ian works hard on this forum to attract new members. Don't be such a twat.

thomase13 said:
Hello,

I am building a desktop computer for myself and am wondering what is the fastest and most powerful motherboard/processor combination that will support 32-bit Windows XP.

I would like it to be fast enough to play — and edit — 1920 x 1080 HD videos as well as play the Sims 3.

I would prefer this to be in "Small Form Factor" format, that is to say, it should fit into a ThinkCentre 8171-4XU case.
If the form factor in any way hampers things, then it's not a big deal; a standard ATX or whatever is fine.

Thanks in advance,
Thomas :)
Click to expand...


Hi Thomas

Sorry for these guys who don't seem to be able to read your requirements. Yes, its true that Win 7 64 bit is the OS of choice these days and is a much better option, you have clearly stated your needs.

All modern CPUs and motherboards will be compatiable with Windows XP 32 bit and the fact that it will become unsuported at a given date is irrelevent as since when was the last time anyone rings MS for support. Also the OS is very stable and mature so updates etc arent of importance.

I would suggest:

Z87 motherboard $99
4GB DDR3 $25
3570K CPU $220 (as the HD4000 gpu which will play sims 3 fine).
PSU $20
Case - $100
SSD - $135 (for OS)
2TB HDD - $130 (for storage)
Windows XP 32 bit - Not sure where you'll get that.

Don't forget you can force WIndows 7 to 'look' like windows XP quite easily.

Total price for above $930. This computer will smash video encodiing, is overclockable, will support Windows XP and will work well with Sims 3. If you are using Premiere Pro, you could consider changing the CPU for a 3470, and adding a couple of hundred and getting a nvidia GPU to speed up the encoding via CUDA.
 
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thomase13 said:
I came to this "Computer Forum" seeking (semi)expert advice.
I am very surprised to not find it here.
You have been unhelpful, and "kmkrreeves1" in particular has been most unkind.

  1. You don't assume that people have, or make fun of people with, a psychiatric disorder, and
  2. It is irrelevant to the situation at hand.
I am just fortunate that I was able to find good advice elsewhere.
Click to expand...

I apologize for whatever trauma I may have caused you...

I didn't go out of my way not to hurt your feelings... but I was assuming we were all mature here. I was pointing out that vmware and running xp in a virtual machine would not be helpful in your situation because you want something to make your computer mimic a windows 98/nt4.0 computer from the time you press the power button.

Like everyone was saying, really any modern motherboard and processor will run windows xp just fine, but I don't see a point in spending $1000 to build something that will become more unusable by the day starting next year. Have you tried to browse the web on even a windows 2000 machine recently? Its going to be nearly impossible, You may be able to find a browser that still supports it, but browser makers will probably stop developing for xp soon after Microsoft does.

My point was that windows xp is old to begin with, but you are making windows xp look like windows 98/nt 4.0 with that software, which is ridiculously old. Your not going to be able to get by like this very long, so you mine as well upgrade now.

You said all the software you actually need works fine on windows 7, but if you really do need a 32 bit system for something, although I can't imagine what, you can install 32 bit windows 8 or 7.
 
Okedokey:
THANK YOU! You are exactly who I was looking for: someone who can read and respond to my clearly-stated question with good and relevant advice, rather than opinion about what I should or should not do, as nowhere did I ask for that. I really appreciate the build recommendation.
Okedokey said:
Dude seriously, who are you to say what someone needs or wants is not valid.
Click to expand...
Thank you. My thoughts exactly.

Okedokey said:
All modern CPUs and motherboards will be compatiable with Windows XP 32 bit
Click to expand...
Thanks for this valuable tidbit!

Okedokey said:
[T]he fact that it will become unsuported at a given date is irrelevent as since when was the last time anyone rings MS for support. Also the OS is very stable and mature so updates etc arent of importance.
Click to expand...
You are the first person I have ever heard at any forum or anywhere agree with my thinking on this. I've always been told that it is the worst idea in the world to even think of running Windows unsupported. I have never called Microsoft about anything ever, and I fail to understand why getting new Windows Updates is so crucial. Windows XP has been getting updates and patches for the past twelve years! I think it's probably pretty stable by now. :P As far as the security updates go, I really don't believe that Microsoft's updates are the thing keeping my computer safe. I have good virus protection for that, and as long as anyone backs up their files, I see no reason for the idea of computer viruses to keep them up at night.

Sorry for these guys who don't seem to be able to read your requirements. Yes, its true that Win 7 64 bit is the OS of choice these days and is a much better option, you have clearly stated your needs.

kmkrreeves1 said:
rowser makers will probably stop developing for xp soon after Microsoft does.
Click to expand...

You may be right, but hopefully that won't happen too soon. I predict that it won't. Microsoft has already stopped Internet Explorer support for XP (it only supports up to IE8), but my guess is that other browsers will support it for some time.

Okedokey said:
Yes, its true that Win 7 64 bit is the OS of choice these days and is a much better option, you have clearly stated your needs.
Click to expand...

When things start to get difficult, that is, XP starts to be largely unsupported by developers other than Microsoft, I'm sure I'll switch to Windows 7. The UI's aesthetic isn't my favourite, and you can't sort icons in your own order in Windows Explorer (WTH? Why would they even do that?!?) but it works (well enough to use.)


Okedokey said:
If you are using Premiere Pro, you could consider changing the CPU for a 3470, and adding a couple of hundred and getting a nvidia GPU to speed up the encoding via CUDA.
Click to expand...
I do in fact use Adobe Premiere [Elements]. I will consider this option, but I'm just curious, what does the editing program have to do with it?


Thanks again!
Thomas :)
 
thomase13 said:
I do in fact use Adobe Premiere [Elements]. I will consider this option, but I'm just curious, what does the editing program have to do with it?
Thanks again!
Thomas :)
Click to expand...

If your software uses the Mercury rendering engine, it can utilise nvidia based CUDA models (anything from 8 series up) to render your video (rather than the CPU). That way you can purcahse a lower end less expensive CPU, and spend a bit extra on a graphics card with CUDA, which will render your videos better and play your games better. Just an alternative option.
 
The trouble with using XP once support ends is that other pieces of software will also stop working with it - especially when stuff starts going 64-bit.

Security updates aren't a massive concern but what is a bigger concern is that anti-virus software will also stop working with it, putting you at risk.

But if you want, use it until you want to upgrade.
 
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