XP Pro or Server 2k8 for gaming system?

[jlee]

I know, I know.

My brother is coming over this weekend and I'm going to rework his PC a bit - he has an old tired XP installation, so I'm going to wipe it and also upgrade his processor, so this is what he'll have-

A64 x2 5000+ BE @ 3.1Ghz
4Gb DDR2
7800GT

I could just put his copy of XP back on, but this is what I have extra-

2k Pro
XP Pro
XP Pro x64
Server 2008
Server 2008 R2
7 HP

Obviously 7 would be the way to go, but I want to save that for a future system or netbook. I'm thinking about building a file server, but I don't know if I'd be better off running 2k8 R2 or 7 HP for that. So, that leaves Server 2008 as entirely unused.

If I end up between XP and Server 2008, which do you think I should put back on?

 

[Analogsoul]

Why would you want to have server 2008 for a gaming pc? I guess it could work, but I'd stick to XP because there shouldn't be any compatibility issues period.

 

[jlee]

Why would you want to have server 2008 for a gaming pc? I guess it could work, but I'd stick to XP because there shouldn't be any compatibility issues period.

Because it's essentially Vista and it's 64bit.

 

[ViRGE]

Either option seems like a gross abuse. Dropping XP on such a powerful box is a poor idea given its weak security, and at the same time Server 2008 is not in any way user friendly. I'd pick XP over Server 2008 given the choices (I would never seriously expect a non-techie to try to use Server as a desktop OS) but you really should find a way to slap Vista or 7 on that thing.

 

[Absolution75]

Server 2008 imo, though be prepared for installers that say they don't support your OS.

Its not that different from vista, you just have to tweak it a bit to get it to look/perform like vista.

 

[dawks]

XP Pro.

Too much extra work trying to get Server 2008 set up... 3D, audio...

Plus, why use an expensive OS for a simple purpose? Can't sell the license?

 

[Nothinman]

Of those two I'd go for 2008, XP is way too long in the tooth these days.

 

[Binky]

If it's a gaming PC, XP is a solid choice.

 

[dguy6789]

I'd avoid XP these days. XP tends to become messed up over time due to a variety of factors(The user is usually at fault, but they simply don't know any better). Anything based on Vista or 7 does a much better job of maintaining itself and keeping the malware off.

 

[jlee]

XP Pro.

Too much extra work trying to get Server 2008 set up... 3D, audio...

Plus, why use an expensive OS for a simple purpose? Can't sell the license?

Leftovers from when I was in school - he's a student also, so there's not much else I can do with them.