Windows 2003 and P35 chipset works as a server

[ITloser]

After getting little response regarding running Windows 2003 on various desktop chipsets, I took a plunge (against public guidance from Intel) and found that Windows 2003 seems to run fine on the P35 chipset. I wanted to post to share my experience.

Some will say that this design is a no-brainer, but I will beg to differ. When you search for info on this, you'll find nothing. Why? I suspect the industry is all too happy to push isolated segments for server class. I'm sure someone can argue about parts reliability, testing, etc. (they clearly don't work where I work) But those are not quite as good what the industry would like. I can speak for my experiences on these outrageously expensive pieces of junk from major vendors.

I've got over a couple hundred GB already on RAID1 volumes. See my sig for details. And all for relatively cheap ~ $1K. On that I get to run 5 free copies of Windows 2003 EE R2 using MS VS2005R2. Go price that... With "Home Servers" becoming more likely as space usage skyrockets, I feel better off with this design then a MS Home Server, or a scorching Xeon blade server that melts my floor. Once I buy a GB router, I'll be set.

• The build was easy, except for finding a good floppy (do they expire?) and drive. ( In 2007?)

• I have seen a few errors related to the RAID driver "iaStor"; It is apparently well known as sucking. I'll see how this Intel RAID driver works and if it causes more issues I'll be buying a PCIEx SATA RAID card.

• No audio, but I don't care. It seems to be a 2003 sp2 issue that will not likely be resolved by Microsoft.

And no more concerns about my data being lost. Even if the mobo goes, it'll be an easy replacement. Its worth it to protect my data.

 

[BenchZowner]

You can get your audio working, you just need to go to Services management ( Start => Run => services.msc ) and set the "Windows Audio" service startup type to "Automatic" and then install your sound card drivers.

I had no errors with the Matrix Storage Drivers and the P5K3 Deluxe, which version are you using ?

As for the floppy, you can easily avoid them by integrating any drivers to your Windows installation disc with nLite.

If you need any help with this great OS ( the only real OS from Microsoft that I consider at least good enough ) hit me up

 

[ITloser]

BenchZowner, I did start the Windows Audio service previously, with no change. re-installing the drivers seems to have had no impact. I found I had turned on unsigned driver protection, but that is now disabled. I get a generic error during driver install. I've tried changing lots of stuff to no avail.

 

[BenchZowner]

Are you using a PCI Sound Card ( which one ? ) or the onboard ?

 

[ITloser]

I'm trying to use the onboard, to no avail. As a server sound isn't important, but I'd love to know it can work with 2003. Tried more driver install variations after the last post without luck. Reviewed the BIOS, nada.

 

[ITloser]

I did finally get audio working. Some complex install directions. (http://geekswithblogs.net/lori.../11/81540.aspx#131102) About halfway down the comments was the solution that worked for me. This allowed the RealTek software to play audio, but not anything builtin to the OS (incl WMP). I then had the ability to enable Windows Audio in the Sound Control Panel applet, which before was just greyed out (even though enabled in Services). A final reboot and all audio was working. FYI, I had tried about ten other patches and drivers to no avail.