Win2k or xp ?

[shadow 6]

I've replaced my old defective H-D on an old computer I use as OFP-server.

I replaced an IBM 9GB 10K rpm with a Seagate 36GB u160 disk.

This computer only purpose is running OFP dedi-server.

Should I install Win2K pro, Win2K server or WinXP home/pro for best OFP serving-performance and stability?

Anyone have good/bad experiences with these OS's and OFP-dedi?

Here's the specs:

P-III 1GHz (slot1,100 FSB)

Asus P3V4X motherboard

SMC 10/100 eth.

Adaptec ASC 29160

512MB SDRAM

Seagate U160 10K rpm disk

[kegetys 2]

Win2k pro is by no doubt the best choice imo.

[shadow 6]

That is what I thought too (less registry-tweaking and service-stopping)

[MarcusJClifford 1]

In my opinion, becuase you have 512MB memory (enough), I would recomend Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1.

My reasons for this is that W2K Server is to bloated (Plus do you have a licence for it? >Å500 )

Windows XP has better monitoring (netowrk traffic, processor usage etc) than Windows 2000 Pro, just remember to remove QoS from your Ethernet adapter as that reserves 10% of the available bandwith.

Not really important but OFP:R ran at ~32FPS for me on 2000 Pro and ~36FPS on XP Pro (Playing the game, NOT as a server)

[RED 0]

I would go for Win2000, some people have mad problems with XP dedicated servers (that was a while ago things may have changed now)

RED

[Mister Frag 0]

I'm with MarcusJClifford, I would get XP Pro.

Windows 2000 Server has features you will never use, and that adds significantly to the cost. XP Pro has more robust networking, and better support for DirectX games.

I'm not sure if it is too late now, but you qualify for the XP Upgrade with certain hardware purchases, including hard drives. That brings the price down quite a bit.

[DragoFire 0]

Hate to say it, but leave XP along as it uses more resources than Win2K Pro.

I've got both on my PC and use Win2k more than XP.

Spec.s;

1.7Ghz Xeon

512Mb PC800 RIMM

36Gb 10k Ultra160

2x 9Gb 7.2k Ultra2

DragoFire

[LBGS_Stewart 0]

this person is asking about windows 2000 pro, not server. i have windows xp on a laptop and windows 2000 at home on my pc i would go with the 2000 because to me it seems more stable.

[MarcusJClifford 1]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (LBGS_Stewart @ Oct. 22 2002,20:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">this person is asking about windows 2000 pro,  not server.<span id='postcolor'>

Erm

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">

Should I install Win2K pro, Win2K server or WinXP home/pro for best OFP serving-performance and stability?

<span id='postcolor'>

I think we can take from the discussion that it is a matter or personal preference and experience. Im sticking with my recomendation of Windows XP Pro with SP1.

But I can respect those who suggest Windows 2000 Pro

[shadow 6]

I know 'allmost' all there is to know about these OS's on a technical platform (I'm an MCSE NT4+2K), but I was unsure about what would be more apropriate for serving OFP.

btw about the license... My job got a few server licenses lying around so it would'nt have been a problem if I came to choose a legit server solution

I have now installed both 2Kpro and XPpro (corp.ed.).

To be honest the only difference I experienced was installation-time with XP is horribly long compared to 2K

~same performance on both platforms as far as OFP concerned. Ofcourse I could easily degrade the server-performance in XP by leaving XP with all its whistles and graphics-effects at default (I use classic-theme , no sounds etc.)

oh and I found a 128MB module in my bottom-drawer in my desk. Slapped it in with absolutely no performance-gain whatsoever, but I'm too lazy to take it out ;p LOL

Performance comparrison to WinME (this computer ran winME untill yeasterdays H-D crash):

Seems like performance (ofp-server fps) is the same on WinME,2Kpro and XPpro. The difference seems to be more memory-consumption in WinME (probably memory-leak) and a quicker network-response when ofp-clients connect to the 2K-platform. WME and XP is identical in network-access.

Conclusion:

I'll stay with W2Kpro

Thanks all, for the input

[toadlife 3]

Win2k all the way man. You don't need no cartoon start buttons to run a dedicated server. All XP is, is Win2000 with a few kernel enhancements and a bunch of bloat.

All that said, I've run a ded server on XP pro and it works just fine, so either one will do you allright as long as you have the horsepower.