Need recommendations for a solid Win 98SE board

[RPatrick]

Hello all,

I am building a computer dedicated to playing Windows 98 games. I would like to put together a high performing, reliable system and could use some recommendations on the best motherboard that can still run Windows 98.

Could go AMD or Intel.
I will be using a Geforce 2 GTS graphics card. (4X AGP) (better compatibility with older titles I think)

I would like to use new parts if at all possible, but obviously I can't go in to Fry's and find one that will work. Might be able to find something overstock on Ebay from a popular model.

Comments appreciated.

 

[DarkRogue]

Any reason you don't want to use a Virtualized PC for this?
I have a couple old Win95/DOS games I'd like to play, but rather than scrounge up hardware, I used a VirtualPC instead.. worked well enough, except I guess you're limited to what kind of "hardware" the PC sees.

 

[RPatrick]

I've looked into the virtual pc option, but the lack of joystick support is the problem there. I play a lot of simulators.

Some older games just don't work correctly on newer operating systems or new video cards. It is hard to beat playing software on the hardware it was intended for.

 

[tcsenter]

For the most part, the problem with newer hardware will be the complete lack of drivers for 98/ME. Newer BIOS generally isn't going to be a deal-breaker except that nobody has been testing proper function under 98/ME for two or three years, so issues with S1 and S3 standby/sleep/resume are not uncommon (but they're not all that uncommon under XP and Vista, either).

Your best bet for a "new" (and available) motherboard would be VIA chipset such as PT880 Pro/Ultra, P4M800 Pro, and K8M800. ASRock has this VIA PT880 Pro/Ultra board that is excellent for builds with legacy needs:

4CoreDual-SATA2

Also, its predecessor only differs in the Southbridge used (VT8237A v. VT8237S):

4CoreDual-VSTA

When used with more mature hardware (i.e. not the latest generation), both boards are very stable.

VIA has recent 98/ME drivers for the core chipset functionality; AGP, SATA, IDE/ATA, LAN, and USB. Drivers will be lacking for HD Audio and PCI Express interface, which I suspect you don't care much about, anyway. And of course, 98SE can't support dual or quad core processors. Everything else is supported by 98SE and relevant updates/patches from MS, which you can obtain in one stand-alone update developed by a third-party.

Depending on availability in your region, other "new" options could be:

PC CHIPS M848A V5.0 Socket A/462 SiS 746FX ATX (I've used a few of these with no problems)

BIOSTAR K8M800 Micro AM2 VIA K8M800 Micro ATX

 

[RPatrick]

Thanks for the detailed information.

The PC Chips board looks like an excellent solution.

 

[NicePants42]

Originally posted by: RPatrick
The PC Chips board looks like an excellent solution.

There are no words.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you change your mind about buying used, the FS/FT forum here is a good place to pick up combos cheap.

I have a Gigabyte MB (intel i815ep chipset, with AGP slot) socket 370 MB, Tualatin 1.3 GHz and 512 MB RAM combo you could have for $39 shipped if you're in the US.

 

[BATCH71]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If you change your mind about buying used, the FS/FT forum here is a good place to pick up combos cheap.

I have a Gigabyte MB (intel i815ep chipset, with AGP slot) socket 370 MB, Tualatin 1.3 GHz and 512 MB RAM combo you could have for $39 shipped if you're in the US.

This is about the best setup you are going to get for WIN98SE. Tually chips are outstanding and usually run cool. Helluva deal for someone