Dell 2950 rebirth to a gaming PC.

What's the exact "service tag" and/or "express service code" number on that Dell?
Once we're able to correctly identify it, we can better answer and advise you.

Have you opened the case to confirm how many hard drives it actually has, and if they're all properly connected?

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flavallee said:

What's the exact "service tag" and/or "express service code" number on that Dell?
Once we're able to correctly identify it, we can better answer and advise you.

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HCSFDB1 ...TY!

flavallee said:

According to that service tag number, you have this Dell PowerEdge 2950 which shipped in July 2006 in the U.S.A..

There's no mention of which operating system came pre-installed in it, but it appears it was designed for Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Does it have a Certificate-Of-Authenticity sticker on it with a Windows version?

It appears it originally came with this hardware:
Intel Xeon 5080 3.73 GHz dual core processor
4 GB(1 GB X 4) DDR2 RAM
73 GB SATA hard drive
DVD-ROM disc drive
Delta 750W power supply

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Yeah that's the one. I have always wanted to have the opportunity to make an awesome gaming and streaming PC from a server. My question is, is that possible?
Also, since I'm attempting to install a standard OS on a server is there special procedure to do such a thing?

RonDG said:

Yeah that's the one. I have always wanted to have the opportunity to make an awesome gaming and streaming PC from a server. My question is, is that possible?
Also, since I'm attempting to install a standard OS on a server is there special procedure to do such a thing?

Click to expand...

But I think I need to take this to general discussion, instead of here on the Tech section.

I know nothing about servers, so you'll need to get with someone who does.
All I can determine is that server supports up to 32 GB of DDR2 RAM.
I don't even know if it has graphics and audio and ethernet devices for a Windows XP or newer operating system.

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XP isn't finding those hard drives because it doesn't have a driver for them, you will have to find the correct driver and put it onto a floppy disk or 'slipstream' it into an XP install CD/Usb stick using nLite.

Also the Graphics on a server are usually very basic and won't support many games.

I used to work with those 2950 servers. Frankly, you're better off just devoting your time and energy on building up a regular desktop. Even better if it's a recent vintage.

The problem with using the 2950 is it's a server....not a gaming or media streaming server. Dell only has drivers for the Windows Server OS. The desktop OS' are not really supported on this platform. Not to mention all the heat and noise. Also if you want to expand the memory of the server, you can't use regular DDR2 memory.

ETA: I actually have the current generation Dell servers in my home lab; R730's to be exact. Even with the R730's having support to power and run GPUs and if Dell did support a desktop OS, I wouldn't waste my time building it out as a gaming server.

The above is very good advise. There is NO way you are going to build a gaming system with 10yr old hardware. If you want a gaming system, then build one OR have a local shop do a build for you.