Retro PC projects have a unique charm, blending nostalgia with the thrill of technological exploration. While not every endeavor in this realm captures the imagination, some stand out as remarkable feats of ingenuity, inviting enthusiasts to dive into the past and experiment with vintage software.
Summary
- Windows 2000 successfully runs on modern hardware, thanks to creative thinking.
- The Universal NT Installer enables vintage Windows versions to operate on new systems.
- Impressive Windows 2000 performance includes rapid SSD booting and multi-core CPU recognition.
Last year, a tech enthusiast demonstrated the ability to run Windows XP on a CPU a decade older than the operating system itself. Fast forward a year, and we witness another fascinating retro project, this time showcasing the ability to boot an ancient version of Windows on contemporary hardware. The results are surprisingly robust, with performance levels that hold their own even by today’s standards.
This cool tech experiment shows Windows 2000 can play nice with NVMe
Testing older Windows versions typically involves virtual machines, especially when dealing with hardware that far exceeds the specifications of the operating system. Windows 2000, released 25 years ago, predates many of the technologies we now take for granted. Thus, one might assume that running it natively on modern PCs would be impossible.
However, the creator behind the YouTube channel Omores embraced this challenge, crafting what they affectionately dubbed a “Franken PC.” This unique setup features a Gigabyte H410 H V2 motherboard, a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and a Super GPU from 2006. Despite initial compatibility hurdles preventing Windows 2000 from booting on this system, the introduction of the Universal NT Installer proved to be a game-changer.
The Universal NT Installer, a Linux-based tool, facilitates the deployment of various Windows NT versions, including Windows 2000. To further enhance compatibility, the creator utilized UniATA drivers for SATA detection and backported drivers for NVMe and USB 3 support. Remarkably, Windows 2000 not only recognizes and interacts with an NVMe SSD but can also boot directly from it.
Several noteworthy accomplishments emerged from this project. After successfully booting, Windows 2000 demonstrated the ability to utilize all 12 cores of the CPU. Furthermore, the system achieved an impressive transfer speed of 2500MB/s, a feat unimaginable during its original release. However, the journey was not without its challenges; HDMI audio support remains inconsistent, and the absence of UASP protocol means some USB 3 drives and SSD enclosures may not function as intended. For those intrigued by this project, the creator has shared additional insights on their Patreon page, inviting others to explore this fascinating intersection of old and new technology—though caution is advised against attempting this on a primary PC.
