Using 98 on a P$

[jesse3398]

I would like to build a P4 running Win. 98 2nd edition. I would like to run it on a 2.4 Gig Processor w/ 1.5-3 gig of ram memory. I would like to know if this operating system would support this much power and memory.

[Kubie]

jesse3398,
The 2.4ghz is no problem. I'm using a P4 1.8a o/c'd to 2.4. I only have 512mb pc2700 ram and haven't a need for more. May I ask, why so much ram?
Carl

[doubledragon5]

I do believe 98SE doesn't support anything over 512mb. Why would you want to have so much memroy any way? I have WinXP running 512mb RDRAM and that is plenty for all I use.

[jesse3398]

i run my computer for multimedia. I am using two burners in addition to surfing and watching movies. the more ram the better. this will allow me to open various programs, particullaly when I am using both cd rw drives at the same time

[jamesrpm]

Read this article from Microsoft for a work around for large amouts of ram with Win.98
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q253912

[GaryRouth]

For exactly the kind of use you are describing I'd suggest XP Pro. (Home would do as well, but sooner or later you'd miss the networking of Pro).

WinXP handles system resources much better than Win98, especially on machines that do a lot of multitasking. You could have a room full of RAM, but the system resources have nothing to do with how much RAM you have - they are fixed features of the operating system, part of the "architecture" or "structure" of it. In Win98, without much trying, you'd run out of resource "heaps" and see strange messages like "Dangerously Low On System Resources" and the show closes. . .

I really like Windows 98 2nd Edition - it's a favorite for lots of reasons - it's quick, it's relatively small, it works, it's easy to use, it's easy to customize, it's like an old friend by now. . . but for serious multitasking, it starts behaving worse and worse.

Here's some background reading, just so you can make an informed decision yourself: it's an article called "System Resource FAQs". Pretty nicely written: clear, not patronizing, thorough enough. [in fact, there are lots of good articles at the website where that article originates]

http://www.aumha.org/a/resource.htm

Hope this helps
. . . Gary