Help me build a Windows XP game system, SFF.

[shortylickens]

Budget: $1,000

My current gaming rig keeps having issues, and I've already replaced just about everything that could be causing problems. Realized it might be good to start from scratch and thought about a small form factor setup.

I have a HIS Radeon 4890 but I'd be willing to give it up if needed. Still want a proper video card that can fit inside a small case. I suspect that will be the biggest challenge. This machine will be for games only, specifically games that work under Windows XP. As such, it will have XP, so anything that requires a higher OS will not be acceptable.

Would like to keep my RAM if possible.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
It passes all the memory tests and is the newest item in my computer, about a month old.
Everything else must be new. I am even tossing my old, beat up APC and getting something fresh (but that wont be part of the budget). Also keeping my monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Am open to GeForce or Radeon, Intel or AMD, and am fine with on board sound. I am out of the motherboard loop, particularly when it comes to a SFF system, so I have no preferences there.
Am open to a SSD but keep in mind I will eventually install about 600 GB worth of games and my budget is only a thousand dollars. Also keep in mind that aside from Windows XP I will only be using basic utilities like Avira, HD Tune, Chrome, VLC, and maybe Foxit.

So thats it. Need:
1. Case -SFF
2. P/S - Ditto
3. Motherboard - Ditto
4. RAM
5. Video card - Again good enough to run the best XP keeps, small enough to squeeze in a tiny case.
6. Hard drive or drives that fit into SFF
7. External drive that does auto back-ups of my whole system INCLUDING THE BOOT SECTOR.
8. Wifi card that fits (I have a little Rosewill that should be alright, but am willing to do something else if the case needs it, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166020 )
9. A UPS, but I already know what I want.

Can it be done?

 

[ViRGE]

If you don't mind my asking, what exactly are you intending to play that won't work under Win7?

 

[shortylickens]

I have a Win 7 system and tried to get some older stuff like Duke3D, Doom95, Septerra Core, Anacronox, Deus Ex, BG2, Dungeon Keeper 2, KOTOR and other Star wars stuff of that era, Magic:TG, AOE 2, some classics I got from Steam, and more.

Funny thing is, several people have told me they got some of those games working in Windows 7, but I couldnt. I do know they work in XP because thats what my game system has.
And it shouldnt matter too much for hardware cuz I know theres very little that specifically requires Win7 or a 64 bit OS.

 

[Blain]

You shouldn't limit yourself on the OS.
You can install Windows 7 Pro, which has an XP mode.
The XP mode runs as virtual machine.

 

[shortylickens]

You shouldn't limit yourself on the OS.
You can install Windows 7 Pro, which has an XP mode.
The XP mode runs as virtual machine.

I am not paying extra for something I dont need.
I have two retail copies of XP and right now neither is doing anything.
And I've got Win 7 on my other sysetm, already been playing with it and I cant get my games running. And I dont NEED to. Thats the whole damn point. I have a second computer just for the games and an OS to go on it.
I am not limiting myself in any manner.
Unless one of you can show me a piece of hardware that absolutely NEEDS windows 7 then all this is pointless.


Thanks anyway guys, but having looked at the threads here its obvious I already know more than most of you about hardware and software. I should not have made this thread. Looks like I was going to have to figure it all out for myself anyway.

I'll ask the mods to lock it.

 

[Blain]

Thanks anyway guys, but having looked at the threads here its obvious I already know more than most of you about hardware and software. I should not have made this thread.
Looks like I was going to have to figure it all out for myself anyway.

We're not worthy

 

[bendixG15]

................Thanks anyway guys, but having looked at the threads here its obvious I already know more than most of you about hardware and software. I should not have made this thread.

Looks like I was going to have to figure it all out for myself anyway..............

Funniest thing I heard all day ........ and who said this place had no humor ???

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'd discuss mini-ITX vs. micro-ATX options, but you know more than us so why bother