Is windows 98 SE still better for gaming

[madmickey]

I am looking at buying an AMD XP system (probably an Asus 266V-e - or Soyo Dragon plus motherboard) with a Gf3 ti200 at a clone shop. Is Windows 98 SE still better for gaming than XP? I like war based and other strategy game, flight simulators and sport simulator. I have a lot of game that says they do not support window NT. XP may be more stable but it may not play all my game title. My previous system had run on Windows 95 OSR 2 so I do not want to spend the extra money for windows XP including extra memory right now. Windows XP supposedly run best with 512 MB of ram whereas Window 98 SE run best with 256 MB. I will buy window XP, when they come with a second release and when the PC2700 memory is readily available from Micron. I plan to start with 256 MB stick of PC 2100 memory and replace it with 512 MB of PC2700 when I eventually run Window XP. I hope to use this motherboard with 166/333 MHz FSB AMD CPU.

 

[dhlucke]

I can tell you that on my systems and my friend's systems XP is better or the same. It definitely is not worse and the added stability makes the upgrade worth it.

Everything from Starcraft to Ghostrecon works like a charm. I haven't run across a single problem yet. When I first got XP I ran 3dmark2001 and my score jumped about 10%. I'm about 3 nvidia driver revisions past that now though so it might be even better. It all works for me at least.

I can't speak on behalf of DOS based games though.

As for buying extra memory that is not a reason not to upgrade to XP. You'll be fine with 256mb if that's all you've got. I've got XP running on a system with only 128mb and it's fine. I happen to prefer the half a gig on my own system but that's my thing for multitasking.

All in all I would never recommend anyone to go for 98se again. Use either 2000 or XP.

<font color=red>God</font color=red> <font color=blue>Bless</font color=blue> <font color=red>America!</font color=red>

 

[mystic]

I've got XP and it improves framefates by a little, but not just for games-I think its alot better than my old 98 Plus.
Most games work for xp, only a few like rune don't. Hey If worst comes to worst you can always run dule operating systems which also splits your hard drive. You'll need to buy a program to do that though.

 

[Zoron]

I hate to be a stickler, but you made this same exact post in the Windows 95/98/ME/XP forum. There are about 28 replies to it in there.

To answer your question again... XP is by far the better OS, hands down. I don't know if you play any of the games you mentioned online, but if you do the added stability and network performance will do wonders for gaming online. As for DOS games... forget it... DOS is dead... has been dead since 98SE pretty much. You'll be hard pressed to find hardware (such as sound and vid cards) that actually come with a DOS driver anyway. Get Windows XP, you'll be much happier in the long run.

<font color=red> If you design software that is fool-proof, only a fool will want to use it. </font color=red>

 

[Kronos]

Been using XP Pro for a while in every way imaginable. Stable as a rock!

I want to die like my Grandfather...in my sleep...not screaming in terror like his passengers.

 

[mbs081200]

I'm going to have to continue the trend here. XP ALL THE WAY!!!! As mentioned on all messages, stability is the key. I have played all old and new games on XP and I'm yet to find a flaw. As far as DOS games are concerned, I'd have to agree with my comrade. DON'T BOTHER !!! Every DOS game I can think of is either outdated or at least there is a newer windows version.

As far as compatablity, XP has a fantastic option for every program. Once you load the program, if it is non-compatable, you can right click on the programs shortcut and go to properties in the drop down menu. Next click on the Compatability tab on the properties window. This will allow you to change the system settings to mimic WIN 98, 95 etc. systems as well as change video settings. This has worked on all programs I've had a problem with so far.

No question about it, XP rocks

 

[10Mhz8086]

I stayed for the longest time on Win98SE, I knew the Win2k wasn't very friendly with older apps so I stayed away from it. Plus I had an older system and I knew I could probably get slightly better performance. Then I upgraded to a faster system and 512MB ram. So then I decided to take the plunge into WinXP and violla! All my older games work fine, I have the stability of WinNT Kernel and no real noticeable performace loss. Its super stable and fast, all is good...

I also have a laptop with WinXP and it has 256MB of ram, it runs ok compared to my main system.

<i>"The FAA issued a wind sheer warning for my PC, I think I may have one to many fans in it..."</i>

 

[Gandhi1036]

Yeah, I've noticed a performance boost with XP as well, and every game I've tried has worked flawlessly. I think it's a little strange that you've had problems with Rune, Mystic, because it runs great on my buddie's systems!

 

[Collective_8472]

I haven't used Win98SE is years, all my systems are either 2k pro or XP pro. the only game that doesn't run on either is the original C&C games (C&C, RA1, Dune2) but that's it.
Stable as a rock, no BSODs, illegal ops, etc. GREAT!!!

 

[Speedfreak]

Like a few of the folks above I had stuck with 98SE for ages, but I guess it's time to take the plunge. Thanks for the info everyone.

Stand aside 98SE, XP coming through!!

Oh, I'm sorry. Did I accidentally blow your head off.......again?