Vintage Vista: running Microsoft's newest OS on your older hardware

Iria · Nov 8, 2006, 07:38 PM

Source: Ars Technica
__________
A little over four months ago we took a look at Windows Vista Beta 2. At the time, we received a number of comments about the lack of performance some readers were experiencing with Vista in comparison to what we were reflecting in our review. Admittedly, we tested Vista Beta 2 on young, fresh hardware in comparison to what many people out in the real world could be using. Now we want to find out how well older hardware handles Vista.

To round out the picture, we've spent some time with Vista RC2 on three different PCs. Our methodology can be briefly summarized as this: we found a mix of old hardware, subjected it to build 5600 and then 5744, and observed. No computers were harmed in our testing process, but a couple were almost thrown out the window.

Matth · Nov 9, 2006, 04:44 PM

Great article!

The finest summary of it could be:

1. Forget Vista is you have less than 1GB RAM
2. Install, don't upgrade
3. Bottom end DX9 solutions don't cut it for Aero Glass - and the supposedly DX9 capable Intel 915 onboard can't do it at all.

Vista, a bloat too far?

Nov 8, 2006, 07:38 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Vintage Vista: running Microsoft's newest OS on your older hardware Source: Ars Technica __________ A little over four months ago we took a look at Windows Vista Beta 2. At the time, we received a number of comments about the lack of performance some readers were experiencing with Vista in comparison to what we were reflecting in our review. Admittedly, we tested Vista Beta 2 on young, fresh hardware in comparison to what many people out in the real world could be using. Now we want to find out how well older hardware handles Vista. To round out the picture, we've spent some time with Vista RC2 on three different PCs. Our methodology can be briefly summarized as this: we found a mix of old hardware, subjected it to build 5600 and then 5744, and observed. No computers were harmed in our testing process, but a couple were almost thrown out the window. Last edited by Vikingod; Nov 8, 2006 at 07:51 PM.

Nov 9, 2006, 04:44 PM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	Great article! The finest summary of it could be: 1. Forget Vista is you have less than 1GB RAM 2. Install, don't upgrade 3. Bottom end DX9 solutions don't cut it for Aero Glass - and the supposedly DX9 capable Intel 915 onboard can't do it at all. Vista, a bloat too far? __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread