New Windows NT 4.0 Computers: Buying Guide

Dec 11, 2015

NIXSYS builds new computers that run Windows NT 4.0. 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. Every one has at least one ISA slot. Every system ships from Irvine, California with a 2-year parts-and-labor warranty and US-based technical support.

This guide explains the two hardware platforms in the range, how to match them to an existing Windows NT 4.0 installation, and what to plan for when moving an NT 4.0 application onto new hardware.

Why Windows NT 4.0 Is Still in Service

Windows NT 4.0 shipped in 1996 and reached the end of Microsoft support long ago. It remains in daily use where an application or its drivers were written for NT 4.0 and never ported. Common examples are process-control and SCADA workstations, test and measurement stations built around ISA or PCI data-acquisition cards, and instrument controllers in laboratories and production plants. For many of these systems, the cost and risk of re-validating the software on a newer operating system is higher than the cost of replacing the computer underneath it.

The hardware requirement is narrow. The replacement must boot Windows NT 4.0, provide the same expansion slots as the machine it replaces, and keep the legacy serial and parallel connections in place.

Two Platforms in the Windows NT 4.0 Range

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

These systems pair an Intel Pentium III processor with the VIA 8601A chipset. They have the widest operating system coverage in this range: MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP and Linux. That breadth makes them the closest match for sites replacing late-1990s NT 4.0 workstations.

NX370-T70: 1 full-size ISA slot, 3 32-bit PCI slots, 1 serial port, 1 parallel port, VIA 8601A chipset; mini tower, $1,000.00
NX370-T90: 1 full-size ISA slot, 3 32-bit PCI slots, 1 serial port, 1 parallel port, VIA 8601A chipset; 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, the most in the Windows NT 4.0 range, alongside 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 NT 4.0 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 the other operating systems on site. If the same machine may need to boot Windows 95, choose a Pentium III system.
Decide on the enclosure. Tower installations can use either platform. A 19-inch cabinet requires an NX-i rackmount model in 2U, 3U or 4U.

Planning a Windows NT 4.0 Migration to New Hardware

Input devices. Windows NT 4.0 has no native USB support. Confirm how the keyboard, mouse and any USB peripherals will connect before ordering.
ISA resources. Windows NT 4.0 does not assign resources to legacy ISA cards automatically. 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.
Service pack level. Note the service pack the application was validated against. Service Pack 6a was the final release for Windows NT 4.0.
Drivers. Collect the Windows NT 4.0 drivers for every add-in card before decommissioning the old machine. They are often no longer available from the card vendor.

For the installation itself, see How to Install Windows NT 4.0.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new computer that runs Windows NT 4.0?

Yes. NIXSYS currently offers 8 new-production systems that support Windows NT 4.0, priced from $1,000.00 to $1,515.00.

Which Windows NT 4.0 computers have the most ISA slots?

The 845GV-based NX-i systems (NX-i90, NX-i85, NX-i290, NX-i390, NX-i490 and NX-i85R) each have 3 ISA slots.

Is there a rackmount Windows NT 4.0 computer?

Yes. The NX-i290, NX-i390 and NX-i490 come in 2U, 3U and 4U chassis, and the NX-i85R is available in all three sizes.

Do these systems also run Windows XP?

Yes. Every system in the Windows NT 4.0 range also supports Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows 98 SE. For newer platforms that run Windows XP alongside Windows 7 or Windows 10, see the Windows XP buying guide.

Request a quote: sales@nixsys.com or call (866) 464-9797.