System Requirements are a SCAM

Summary

In this video, the creator takes on the challenge of installing Windows 11 on a 20-year-old Sun Ultra 4 workstation, the first PC to use the AMD Opteron CPU, which is technically capable of running 64-bit Windows. Despite obstacles, such as unsupported hardware and missing critical CPU instructions, the creator successfully installs a specialized version of Windows 11 called Tiny 11. The video humorously showcases the outdated machine running modern games and software, proving that even obsolete hardware can still have a purpose. The message emphasizes reusing older tech and the joy of experimenting with vintage computers.

Takeaways

• 💻 The video showcases installing Windows 11 on a 20-year-old Sun Ultra 4 workstation, highlighting retro computing possibilities.
• 🖥️ The Sun Ultra 4 is the first PC to use the AMD Opteron CPU, which is the first x86-64 64-bit processor, making it theoretically capable of running Windows 11.
• ⚠️ Standard Windows 11 installers do not support the Opteron CPU, requiring a modified version called Tiny 11 to bypass CPU instruction checks.
• 🔧 Tiny 11 is a stripped-down version of Windows 11, removing system requirement checks and unnecessary Microsoft software, making installation on older hardware possible.
• 📀 Installation is performed using an IOD (USB optical drive emulator) instead of a physical DVD, improving convenience and compatibility.
• 💾 The host experiments with both SATA and M.2 SSDs, discovering some compatibility issues with M.2 drives in PCIe slots.
• 🎮 Despite the computer's age, it successfully runs modern applications including YouTube, Steam, and games like Atomfall and Oblivion Remastered.
• 🖱️ Modern graphics cards can be used with older hardware, though additional external power and adjustments may be necessary.
• 🌱 The experiment emphasizes that obsolescence is relative and no computer is e-waste if it still has a useful purpose.
• 🙏 The host expresses gratitude to PCB Way for hardware prototyping support and to Patreon/channel members for supporting retro computing experiments.
• 😂 The video combines technical insight with humor, highlighting quirky aspects like old keyboard layouts and strong insecure passwords.
• 🔍 This project demonstrates how experimenting with old technology can be both educational and entertaining, blending nostalgia with modern capabilities.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video demonstrates installing Windows 11 on a 20-year-old Sun Unix workstation, showcasing how even very old hardware can run modern operating systems using a specialized version called Tiny11.

Why can't the standard Windows 11 installer run on the Sun Ultra 4 workstation?

The standard installer doesn’t support the AMD Opteron CPU found in the workstation, and some old Opteron CPUs lack the 'popcount' instruction required by Windows 11.

What is Tiny11 and why is it used in this experiment?

Tiny11 is a stripped-down version of Windows 11, version 23H2, created by NTDev. It removes many standard Microsoft components and bypasses hardware checks, making it suitable for older machines that aren’t officially supported.

Which storage devices were used in the setup, and how were they utilized?

A 240 GB SATA SSD was used to install Windows 11, while a 1 TB M.2 SSD was intended for additional storage and Steam library. The M.2 SSD in the PCIe slot was not bootable.

What graphics cards were tested and what were the results?

The Nvidia Quadro K2200 (4 GB) initially worked, but later modern GPUs were tested: an RX 970 XT failed due to CPU limitations, while a 6750 XT (12 GB) successfully ran Oblivion Remastered, demonstrating compatibility with newer GPUs.

How did the video creator overcome USB 3.0 compatibility issues?

The installation initially failed with a no-name USB 3.0 card installed. Removing the card allowed the system to recognize the boot device and storage, resolving the issue.

What software and games were tested on this vintage workstation?

The creator tested web browsing (Firefox and YouTube), Steam games including The Long Dark and Oblivion Remastered, and Atomfall, a modern 3D game, all running surprisingly well for the age of the hardware.

What lessons does the video convey about old hardware?

The main lessons are that obsolescence is arbitrary, old computers can still be functional, and even very old machines are not necessarily e-waste if they can be used for learning, experimentation, or gaming.

What role does the IOD device play in the installation process?

The IOD (optical disc drive emulator) emulates a USB CD-ROM drive, allowing the computer to boot from ISO images without physical discs.

Why does the creator emphasize the power consumption of the setup?

The system uses a 1000 W power supply, which is very high relative to the computer’s age and performance. This highlights the inefficiency of retrofitting modern components into old hardware.

What is the significance of the AMD Opteron CPU in this experiment?

The AMD Opteron was the first x86-64 CPU, making the Sun Ultra 4 theoretically the oldest computer capable of running Windows 11, which requires a 64-bit processor.

How did the video creator ensure airflow while powering a modern graphics card externally?

The external power supply wires were routed through an empty slot cover, allowing the computer case to close while maintaining proper airflow for cooling.