Building Windows 98 computer

[pcbuilder98]

There're still some Via
Chipsets around.


For Intel: BIOSTAR P4M80-M4 478 VIA P4M800 Micro ATX Intel
Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138262


Several Intels:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?
Submit=Property&Subcategory=343&Description=&Type=&N=2+50001157+
40000343+1051707443&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&PropertyCodeValue=
509%3A7003

http://tinyurl.com/3xttrh


Bill

Thanks Bill. I would feel safe if I could find a page on a mother board
manufacturer site where is says that those boards are compatiable with
WIN98. So far I haven't been able to find such a page. Is there such a
page(s)? If so can you give a link(s) to it?
pcbuilder98

 

[Paul]

Thank you Paul. Newegg no longer has the processor you mention or any s754
processors at all. I have found them at other sites but I have no experience
with these vendors: geeks, starsurplus, compuvest. Can you give a link or
site address to a reliable vendor who has processors that are compatible
with the BIOSTAR NF325-A7.
Thanks
pcbuilder98

If you scroll down here, Powerleap has a AMD Sempron 3100+(1.8GHz) Paris 256K
for the princely sum of $80.

http://www.powerleap.com/Processors.jsp

If you go to www.pricewatch.com, you can find some there. But with the
sellers on that page, you consult http://www.resellerratings.com/

http://www.pricewatch.com/cpu/socket_754.htm

For example, http://www.resellerratings.com/store/GearXS

Just for a laugh, I tried Zipzoomfly, and they still have some.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductList.jsp?ThirdCategoryCode=110502

An Athlon64 3000+ S754 for $109.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80699-R

( http://www.resellerratings.com/store/ZipZoomFly )

The S754 processor options are listed here.

http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUResult.aspx?f1=&f2=&f3=&f4=&f5=754&f6=&f7=&f8=&f9=1600&

There are several Athlon64 3000+, and the one for sale is likely the one
on the right, an E6 stepping. That is because C0 or CG probably cleared out
long ago. Core speed 2GHz and 512KB cache.

http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUSideBySide.aspx?id=124&id=125&id=126&id=127

The Sempron has half the cache, at 256KB. You'd have to verify with Powerleap,
as to which one they are selling. Core speed 1.8Ghz and 256KB cache.

http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUSideBySide.aspx?id=155&id=156&id=157&id=158&id=159

I'd pick up the Athlon64 3000+ S754 from Zipzoomfly.

Biostar's information leaves a lot to the imagination. Their CPUSupport
link makes no mention of stepping, and that is important to other
manufacturers. The experience so far with this board, is it didn't
take a mobile I suspect you'll be safe with the 3000+. I think
a previous poster was also successful with a cheap Sempron from Newegg.

http://www.biostar-usa.com/mbdetails.asp?model=nf325-a7
http://www.biostar-usa.com/cpusupport754.asp#NF325-A7

This is the level of info that Asus gives, for their CPUSupport, for comparison.
Much more detail, so you know whether the BIOS on the board is recent enough.

http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/...ype=1&name=K8V Deluxe&SLanguage=en-us&cache=1

Paul

 

[Bill]

Thanks Bill. I would feel safe if I could find a page on a mother board
manufacturer site where is says that those boards are compatiable with
WIN98. So far I haven't been able to find such a page. Is there such a
page(s)? If so can you give a link(s) to it?
pcbuilder98

What you do is go to the drivers section for the motherboard and see
if they have Win98 drivers available, like so:

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/driver.php?S_ID=246

If the chipset has Win98 drivers, the MB will work.

Bill

 

[pcbuilder98]

What you do is go to the drivers section for the motherboard and see
if they have Win98 drivers available, like so:

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/driver.php?S_ID=246

If the chipset has Win98 drivers, the MB will work.

Bill

Not clear if there is a WIN98 USB driver for P4M80-M4. It does say USB 2.0
for Windows 2000/Windows XP x86. If the x86 means WIN98 it's not clear to
me. What do you think?
pcbuilder98

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> "pcbuilder98"

I want to build a Windows 98 computer. I'm seeking help finding hardware
compatible with Windows 98. I need manufacturer model numbers please.

Do you have a need for new parts?

 

[Bill]

Not clear if there is a WIN98 USB driver for P4M80-M4. It does say USB 2.0
for Windows 2000/Windows XP x86. If the x86 means WIN98 it's not clear to
me. What do you think?
pcbuilder98

If it doesn't you can always add a pci/usb card that does.

Bill

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> "pcbuilder98"

Not clear if there is a WIN98 USB driver for P4M80-M4. It does say USB 2.0
for Windows 2000/Windows XP x86. If the x86 means WIN98 it's not clear to
me. What do you think?

In short, in this context, x86 is not Win98. Rather, it's the 32bit
version of Windows XP (running on the x86 platform)

 

[fwibbler]

I want to build a Windows 98 computer. I'm seeking help finding hardware
compatible with Windows 98. I need manufacturer model numbers please.
TIA
pcbuilder98

I think you will have to buy second hand boards now.

The most recent board I can find that /seems/ to have drivers for it for
Win98 is the ASUS A8V which is a socket 939 board.

Does Windows 98SE support dual core processors I wonder?

Cheers!

 

[Paul]

Not clear if there is a WIN98 USB driver for P4M80-M4. It does say USB 2.0
for Windows 2000/Windows XP x86. If the x86 means WIN98 it's not clear to
me. What do you think?
pcbuilder98

USBman.com recommends this driver. There is a usbehci.sys in the Win98
folder of this zip, and AFAIK EHCI (E=enhanced) is USB2. This is for VIA.

http://www.usbman.com/USB 2 News.htm
http://downloads.viaarena.com/drivers/others/VIAUSB2V242L.zip

The viaarena.com site offers this, but I suspect this is just for USB 1.1.
I'd try the 242 driver first, and see what happens.

http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=420&OSID=6&CatID=1470&SubCatID=121

PCI USB2 cards are another alternative. Some of those shipped with
Orangemicro USB2 drivers. The key there, is the letter "O" is the
first letter in the driver names (ousbehci). Generally, you'd want to buy
a USB card that comes with a driver CD, to improve the odds of
getting multi-OS support.

There is an example of an Adaptec USB2 card here - AUA-4000C
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=AUA-4000C-BULK&cat=CCD
This is a possible driver package for the card (aehcd.sys).
http://www.adaptec.com/en-US/downloads/ms/ms_win_98?productId=AUA-4000&dn=USB2connect+4000
http://download.adaptec.com/usb/usb2_win_drv_v31.exe (version I had on disk for some reason)
http://download.adaptec.com/usb/usb2_win_drv_v31a.exe (latest)

This one is a possibility if you want USB mass storage support in Win98 (nusb31e.exe)

http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/usbmsd98.php

Plenty of fun and test cases, that's for sure.

Paul

 

[pcbuilder98]

In message <[email protected]> "pcbuilder98"


Do you have a need for new parts?

Yes I do. I built my current PC in 8 of 99. Aside from a failed CD writer
and a couple of CPU fans it's worked perfectly ever since. However
everything fails someday and I think I've waited long enough to build a
fresh PC, don't you think?
pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

I think you will have to buy second hand boards now.

The most recent board I can find that /seems/ to have drivers for it for
Win98 is the ASUS A8V which is a socket 939 board.

Does Windows 98SE support dual core processors I wonder?

Cheers!

No need for second hand. Paul has already pointed out a fully WIN98
compatiable board that's still available.
pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

If it doesn't you can always add a pci/usb card that does.

Bill

Things can be made to work or they can work as delivered straight out of the
box. My preference is for working straight out of the box (when possible).
pcbuilder98

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message
<gemini.jqsqbr000fi3k02hk.thedoctor@thedeathzone.free-online.co.uk>

Does Windows 98SE support dual core processors I wonder?

No, only a single logical processor is supported.

 

[pcbuilder98]

USBman.com recommends this driver. There is a usbehci.sys in the Win98
folder of this zip, and AFAIK EHCI (E=enhanced) is USB2. This is for VIA.

http://www.usbman.com/USB 2 News.htm
http://downloads.viaarena.com/drivers/others/VIAUSB2V242L.zip

The viaarena.com site offers this, but I suspect this is just for USB 1.1.
I'd try the 242 driver first, and see what happens.

http://www.viaarena.com/default.aspx?PageID=420&OSID=6&CatID=1470&SubCatID=121

PCI USB2 cards are another alternative. Some of those shipped with
Orangemicro USB2 drivers. The key there, is the letter "O" is the
first letter in the driver names (ousbehci). Generally, you'd want to buy
a USB card that comes with a driver CD, to improve the odds of
getting multi-OS support.

There is an example of an Adaptec USB2 card here - AUA-4000C
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=AUA-4000C-BULK&cat=CCD
This is a possible driver package for the card (aehcd.sys).
http://www.adaptec.com/en-US/downloads/ms/ms_win_98?productId=AUA-4000&dn=USB2connect+4000
http://download.adaptec.com/usb/usb2_win_drv_v31.exe (version I had on disk for some reason)
http://download.adaptec.com/usb/usb2_win_drv_v31a.exe (latest)

This one is a possibility if you want USB mass storage support in Win98 (nusb31e.exe)

http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/usbmsd98.php

Plenty of fun and test cases, that's for sure.

Paul

I've picked a MB and I'll be using a Sempron so now I need to choose a VGA.
I will use 8X AGP possibly nVidia. They have a few boards that still support
WIN98:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/81.98_9x_supported.html
Here's one example:
http://www.pcdirect.com/product.asp?Sku=VI-NVA5900128DVT
I've just started looking. I'd appreciate your suggestions. Your help has
been invaluable (aka awsome)!
Thanks
pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

In message
<gemini.jqsqbr000fi3k02hk.thedoctor@thedeathzone.free-online.co.uk>


No, only a single logical processor is supported.

Even a single channel of todays dual processors would scream with WIN98
Dual would be way over kill any way since there are still compatiable single
chanel processors available.
pcbuilder98

 

[Paul]

I've picked a MB and I'll be using a Sempron so now I need to choose a VGA.
I will use 8X AGP possibly nVidia. They have a few boards that still support
WIN98:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/81.98_9x_supported.html
Here's one example:
http://www.pcdirect.com/product.asp?Sku=VI-NVA5900128DVT
I've just started looking. I'd appreciate your suggestions. Your help has
been invaluable (aka awsome)!
Thanks
pcbuilder98

What are you looking for in a video card ?

If the answer is gaming, then I'd probably got for the 6600GT AGP.
Cards like this can be noisy, and due to the Rialto bridge chip under
the separate heatsink, finding an aftermarket cooler to fit it, is
difficult.

http://images.techtree.com/ttimages/story/XFX-6600-GT-AGP-128.jpg

With the Nforce3, I'd steer clear of the 6800 series. Use your search
engine, and look for "Nforce3 6800 stutter" for more info. An example:

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32759&page=85&pp=15

I've used an FX5200 here, and found it worked in every computer I've
tried it in (even my 440BX board worked).

I'm willing to bet, that your FX5900 will be good choice.

Paul

 

[pcbuilder98]

What are you looking for in a video card ?

If the answer is gaming, then I'd probably got for the 6600GT AGP.
Cards like this can be noisy, and due to the Rialto bridge chip under
the separate heatsink, finding an aftermarket cooler to fit it, is
difficult.

http://images.techtree.com/ttimages/story/XFX-6600-GT-AGP-128.jpg

With the Nforce3, I'd steer clear of the 6800 series. Use your search
engine, and look for "Nforce3 6800 stutter" for more info. An example:

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32759&page=85&pp=15

I've used an FX5200 here, and found it worked in every computer I've
tried it in (even my 440BX board worked).

I'm willing to bet, that your FX5900 will be good choice.

Paul

My priorities in a VGA (or any equipment) are reliability, quiet operation
and performance in that order. Do you know if the fan on the nVidia GeForce
FX 5900 is replaceable and how difficult/expensive would it be to get a
replacement? If not then can you recommend a model without a fan (preferably
using the same WIN98 compatiable drivers)? Do you think the 5900 would be
noisy?
Thanks
pcbuilder98

 

[larry moe 'n curly]

I want to build a Windows 98 computer.

A lot of USB devices won't work with Windows 98, like ALi and maybe
SiS USB 2.0 ports. VIA and NEC ports are fine, although many VIA-
based cards say they need 98SE or later, and NEC no longer has the
driver available at its website (but www.iogear.com has it). AFAIK,
SiS-based mobos require Win 2000 or later for USB 2.0. nVidia says
the same but actually has a driver for Win 98SE (I don't know about
98).

I'm still running 98SE on some machines but am finding more and more
hardware require Win 2000 or later. I paid an average of $20 per copy
for XP Home, after rebate, most of them bought from Office Depot with
easy-to-obtain $30 coupon code.

 

[Paul]

My priorities in a VGA (or any equipment) are reliability, quiet operation
and performance in that order. Do you know if the fan on the nVidia GeForce
FX 5900 is replaceable and how difficult/expensive would it be to get a
replacement? If not then can you recommend a model without a fan (preferably
using the same WIN98 compatiable drivers)? Do you think the 5900 would be
noisy?
Thanks
pcbuilder98

I have two fanless FX5200 cards. For gaming purposes, they are rather gutless.
But as long as your Win98 driver thing works out, I think they're fine.
I point an 80mm case fan at one of them, as a means of keeping the thing
cooler. Of the two cards, one isn't perfectly stable when gaming, and the
fan made the difference. No problems with the fan pointed at it.

It doesn't appear there is much choice left in these any more. There used to
be lots of FX5200s around. I like the look of the construction of the first
card (I don't like cards with ribbon cables for VGA). The difference between
this and an FX5200, is the graphics memory is 128 bits wide, instead of 64 bits
wide, so more memory bandwidth. I'd plan on blowing a fan over this, just to be
safe. A wider memory means a slightly warmer GPU.

ZOGIS FX5500 256M AGP GeForce FX 5500 256MB 128-bit DDR AGP 4X/8X $46
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131014

This is an MSI FX5200, also fanless. 64 bit memory interface (typically
half as many chips used for memory).

MSI FX5200-TD128LF GeForce FX 5200 128MB 64-bit DDR AGP 4X/8X $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127181

HTH,
Paul

 

[Franc Zabkar]

A lot of USB devices won't work with Windows 98, like ALi and maybe
SiS USB 2.0 ports. VIA and NEC ports are fine, although many VIA-
based cards say they need 98SE or later, and NEC no longer has the
driver available at its website (but www.iogear.com has it). AFAIK,
SiS-based mobos require Win 2000 or later for USB 2.0. nVidia says
the same but actually has a driver for Win 98SE (I don't know about
98).

Orangeware produces a 3rd party USB 2.0 driver, but it only works for
licensed hardware. Other hardware, eg SiS 7002, will probably work
with the Maximus Decim driver set, hardware incompatibilities
notwithstanding.

See http://www.mdgx.com/spx/NUSB.EXE

The MD NUSB driver set makes use of several files which are supplied
by MS with Win2K.

I'm still running 98SE on some machines but am finding more and more
hardware require Win 2000 or later. I paid an average of $20 per copy
for XP Home, after rebate, most of them bought from Office Depot with
easy-to-obtain $30 coupon code.

- Franc Zabkar