Minimum hardware for XP?

[huesmann]

Wondering what the minimum hardware for XP is for comfortable use of browsing and e-mail s/w. Is a Celeron 433 and 128MB good enough? I love XP and am wondering whether I should upgrade my dad from SE to XP.

 

[btvillarin]

Well, if you want to check how his computer fairs hardware-wise, go to PCPitStop and go to the "XP Readiness Test" on the left.

Their recommendations are:
128MB memory
300MHz processor
2GB hard drive
800x600 high color video

Bare minimum:
64MB memory
233MHz processor
1.5GB hard drive
800x600 256 color video

Anything more than 5-6 IE windows at a time, and he might start getting sluggish. But I think he should be okay.

Quick question: Is he perfectly fine with his setup? If so, and his computer doesn't really crash, I wouldn't see a need to upgrade. If he is expreriencing BSODs, then you might wanna try it. That'll mean you have to fork over some cash, though. It's up to you though.

C-ya...

 

[huesmann]

Well, the machine has 98SE right now, and it has some problem where it locks up after booting for several minutes, and periodically after that. No BSODs, but I've spent some time trying to debug it without any luck, and am thinking that I may just reinstall Windows, and wondering whether it's better to do 98 again or just do XP. I have an unused copy of XP Pro laying around from one of the Hot Deals.

 

[manly]

huesmann,

That machine will be adequate for basic usage, such as that you cited.

I would recommend adding 128 MB RAM though. If you're going to reinstall anyway, give XP a try as long as your dad is willing to adapt to the slightly different UI.