New Windows 98 SE Computers: Buying Guide

Dec 11, 2015

NIXSYS builds new computers that run Windows 98 SE. They are new-production systems, not refurbished or surplus hardware. The current range covers 8 systems in tower and rackmount chassis, priced from $1,000.00 to $1,515.00, and every one has ISA slots. Every system ships from Irvine, California with a 2-year parts-and-labor warranty and US-based technical support.

This guide covers the two hardware platforms in the range, how to choose between them, and the Windows 98 SE limits to plan around on new hardware.

Why Windows 98 SE Is Still in Service

Windows 98 Second Edition was released in 1999, and Microsoft ended support for it in July 2006. It remains in service because it runs on an MS-DOS foundation. Applications and drivers can access hardware directly, and real-mode MS-DOS tools still run alongside Windows programs. Much of the industrial and laboratory software from that period depends on this. Machine controllers, programming stations for older PLCs, and instruments driven by ISA interface cards are common examples. Moving that software to the NT line of Windows usually means rewriting its drivers.

A replacement computer therefore has to boot Windows 98 SE, accept the original ISA cards, and keep the serial and parallel connections in place.

Two Platforms in the Windows 98 SE Range

Intel Pentium III on the VIA 8601A chipset: NX370 series

The NX370 systems pair an Intel Pentium III processor with the VIA 8601A chipset. Each has 1 full-size ISA slot, 3 32-bit PCI slots, 1 serial port and 1 parallel port. They support MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP and Linux, so they are the choice when the same machine may also need to run Windows 95.

NX370-T70: mini tower, $1,000.00
NX370-T90: mid tower workstation chassis, $1,095.00

Intel Pentium 4 on the Intel 845GV chipset: NX-i series

The NX-i systems use an Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium 4 processor on the Intel 845GV chipset. Each has 3 ISA slots, 2 to 4 32-bit PCI slots, 1 serial port and 1 parallel port. They support MS-DOS, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP and Linux, and they are the only Windows 98 SE systems offered in rackmount chassis.

NX-i90: 3 full-size ISA slots, 2 PCI slots; mid tower, $1,075.00
NX-i85: 3 full-size ISA slots, 4 PCI slots; mid tower, $1,415.00
NX-i290: 3 ISA slots, 2 PCI slots; 2U rackmount chassis, $1,275.00
NX-i390: 3 ISA slots, 2 PCI slots; 3U rackmount chassis, $1,275.00
NX-i490: 3 ISA slots, 2 PCI slots; 4U rackmount chassis, $1,375.00
NX-i85R: 3 full-size ISA slots, 4 PCI slots; 2U, 3U or 4U rackmount chassis, $1,515.00

How to Choose

Count the ISA cards. One card fits any system in the range. Two or three cards need an NX-i system.
Count the PCI cards. The NX-i85 and NX-i85R offer 4 32-bit PCI slots. The other systems offer 2 or 3.
Check for Windows 95. If the machine may also need to boot Windows 95, choose an NX370 system.
Decide on the enclosure. Both platforms come as towers. A 19-inch cabinet requires an NX-i rackmount model in 2U, 3U or 4U.

Windows 98 SE Limits to Plan Around

Windows 98 SE was designed for the hardware of its time. On a new system, four limits are worth confirming before the order is placed.

Memory. Windows 98 SE can report out-of-memory errors on systems with more than 512 MB of RAM unless the disk cache size is capped. Confirm the memory configuration with NIXSYS when ordering.
Disk size. The built-in IDE driver in Windows 98 SE does not support drives larger than 137 GB, and its FDISK utility misreports drives larger than 64 GB. Size the boot drive and partitions accordingly.
ISA resources. Jumper-configured ISA cards are not detected by Plug and Play. Record the IRQ, I/O address and DMA settings of each card in the existing machine, so they can be reserved for ISA in the new system's BIOS.
Drivers. Collect the Windows 98 SE drivers for every add-in card, including any real-mode MS-DOS drivers loaded from CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT, before decommissioning the old machine.

For the installation itself, including partitioning with FDISK, see How to Install Windows 98.

Warranty, Shipping and Support

2-year parts-and-labor warranty on complete systems; motherboards purchased separately carry 1 year. See the warranty and return policy.
Most orders ship within 3 to 5 business days from Irvine, California.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of invoice.
Technical support is based in the US and handled by engineers, not a call center.