Win 2k or Win XP Pro

[HolySmoke]

I am studying the MCSE course for Win 2k and I just purchased this machine from Newegg. I had a $700 budget so tell me how I did please. I wondered if I should have gotten Win XP Professional instead of Win 2k. Thanks for your advice. I know I need more memory but I'll have to do that when the price goes down.

CASE ENLGHT|MID 340W #7237AZ(P4) % 1 $60.00
MB VIA KT266A |6P3D 8KHA+ W/A EPOX 1 $98.00
VGA VISIONTEK|GTS-V 32MB% 1 $49.00
CPU AMD|1700/266 ATHLON 1.47G XP RT 1 $132.00
DDRAM 128MB|16X64 PC-2100 CRUCIAL% 1 $46.00
FD 1.44MB|MITSUMI #D359M3% 1 $9.00
HD 40G|MAXTOR MX6L040J2 72R ATA133 1 $83.00
KB-2000 107-KEY WIN98 PS/2 RTL 1 $3.50
MOUSE|DESIGNER SCROLL PSII RTL 1 $.69
CD ROM52X|SONY CDU5221 OEM % 1 $28.00
CD MS|WINDOWS 2000 PRO - (SR2)% 1 $141.00

Subtotal $650.19
Tax $.00
Shipping and Handling charge 53.53
Total $703.72

 

[daMachine]

I like what I see. The 8KHA+ & AMD 1700+ are great values right now -- my config of choice. The rest is great for a value system with the right amount of performance.

I think I would have opted for one of the 1040B Antec / Chieftec Cases though. I have one already and it is the sweetest thing ever. It's great to work in, super easy to open, and has excellent internal circulation (provided you add the fans). Plus it looks great too. This case is more expensive, at $69 (w/ no case fans) and only includes a "good" 300W PS (should be good for you, though more is better). Search newegg for "DX-01BD-300W"

Also, as you mentioned more RAM would have been good too. Buying direct from crucial.com (use the anandtech discount) is cheaper than newegg so getting 256MB wouldn't have hurt as much.

Since you are studying for MCSE Win 2k, I guess Win 2k was probably the best option. Although, both are very similar (except for the interface) so I'm not so sure.

Either way a good system, and good luck.

 

[ojai00]

Windows 2000 is a stable OS. You should be fine with that. When XP has most of the bugs and compatibility issues fixed, then maybe you can upgrade. For now, stick with 2K. Hope this helps!

BTW: Get some more RAM if you can afford it. 128 seems like of measely nowadays

 

[Mitzi]

Looks like a nice machine, I agree with ojai00 though, you really need more RAM to run WinXP or Win2K at their best.

I currently have Win2K on my main machine and XP on my secondary machine. I will be upgrading to WinXP sooner rather than later because as yet I've had zero problems with XP on my secondary machine. At the end of the day you will be happy with either.

 

[Mem]

HolySmoke (good name btw ) your PC specs are almost same as mine,anyway I agree with the guys here you need more ram, I would go WinXP(actually I did) since it works great with no problems with Epox 8KHA+ etc also you don`t need to worry about the VIA 4 in 1 drivers with WinXP since it has native VIA drivers,yes I know they are very easy to install but some people unlike myself do worry over them .

 

[Miramonti]

I know I need more memory

yep ya definintely do. another 128 would be good particularly if you go xp.

If you have the choice between 2k or XP, definitely go XP. Its faster, more stable, better looking, the video is better, 'multitasking' is better, and recovery options are 'supposed' to be better. I've been an NT kernel diehard for a long time and although I liked 2k quite a bit I love XP for reasons all across the board.

 

[danparkcityut]

Just curious, is 98SE an option? Been great for me, but have to agree, 128M Ram will be a big disappointment for you on any of these OS's...

Just another $.02

 

[Amused]

I'd go XP, and get at least 256MB more RAM. In fact, I think the sweet spot for XP is 512.

(of course, I'm into overkill and have 1024MB )

 

[VisionsUCI]

I'm loving my XP Pro. I've used 2K Pro and 2K Server at work, and while I love the stability, I love the look and flexibility of XP

 

[SpecialEd]

i'm goin with every one else on this and suggest getting atleast 256 MB, and if you can 512. I have the XPOX board w/1600 XP on 512MB running Win XP pro with no problems at all. I'd say go XP, you gonna have to do it eventually. Why not now?