Old Box / Good Enough?

[Gecko1]

I have box that I took out of use quite a while back that I am thinking of using to play with Ubuntu (building computers since DOS days but complete Linux newbie).

The system is a Intel PR440FX w/dual 333MHz Pentium Pro ODs (Socket 8 Dual Processor equivilent of a Pentium II). Most of the memory has been given out, but I'm sure I can scrounge at least 128 - 256Mb from my parts boxes to throw in there.

I have seen very little on the minimum hardware requirements for Linux, but keep hearing that it will run on just about anything. Well, this used to be a top of the line workstation that is now obsolete. Is it worth setting up and running or should I sell this box to a third world buyer on eBay and move on?

G

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

Take a look at the link in my signature. There's a thread in there somewhere about favorite distros for older computer hardware.

Hope you enjoy your Linux experience...

oz

[spetznaz21]

humm, well, i dont know ubuntu much, but i installed Suze on a pentium 2 once and it worked perfectly.

linux itself dosnt requiere that much ressources, that the graphical interface that does. i would guess it would work better than windows 98 for sure.

[IsaacKuo]

Dual processor! That sounds like some hot stuff. With 256megs of RAM, you'll be doing fine with Ubuntu. If you can only scrounge up 128megs of RAM, you might do better with a less heavy distribution, like Debian. If you decide to try out Debian, you might need to boot up the installer using an "acpi=off" option (there are help screens on boot up with examples of different installer options).

I know that with an old Pentium 120 (Socket 7), I had to turn off acpi to install Debian 4.0. I did NOT have to turn off acpi to install on a Slot 1 P2 system. Socket 8? Hmm...not sure about that.

[Gecko1]

Yeah, dual processors and 512Mb Ram was hot **** and the envy of all (even those running their hyped up win95/OS2 dual boot machines with the "turbo" FSB button)

I knocked this box down to using it as a home NAS years ago. Then took it off line and put it in the corner for a couple years. I think I can trade for a couple 128 sticks that are compatible. Like I said, I'm just looking to play around with the OS and this box is sitting there (mostly intact). As I gain confidence with the system, I will likely build a modern linux box.

If you see a PR440FX complete with dual 333's and reserve back up dual 200Mhz CPUs on sale at Ebay, you know who it is...someone would want it.... "someone" always does