Machine spec for an XP based print server

Some time ago I asked about using WindowsXP as a low cost print server. We
have a new HP-5500 coming to replace our HP-1050, and I just don't trust HP
drivers. With the 1050 we regularly had to reboot the server because a large
file crashed the que. Given that no more than 2 or 3 people at a time will
be plotting to the 5500 as we are also getting a Xerox B&W plotter, I think
this should work.
So now I am wondering if anyone has done this with a withered old machine.
We have a PII-300 Tristar sitting here, with 256M of ram. If need be we
could bump the ram, or even dual processor it (the second processor needs a
new CPU heatsink and fan, otherwise I would just start with it as a dualie).

Any comments from anyone? Given the graphic intensive use this thing will
get, I am thinking .5G of ram would be better, but if that is all it is
doing maybe it will be fine?

Best,
Gordon

 

I think that would work fine.
Jeremy

 

To clarify, I think using the computer with no upgrades should be fine. As
long as the computer has no other responsibilities.

 

Warning: on a Print server, everything that is in the queue is stored on the hard drive of the server (in the windows\spool folder, if you didn't change the registry)
So for an NT print server, you do not need very high CPU or lot's of RAM, but your C-drive should be gigabites to buffer all the plot data in the queues.
I have 50 queues on 1 NT4 server with 386MB ram, dual P3 700Mhz (but the 2nd processor never has to do a thing) and on a 8GB C-drive. Windows Swap files are on D:

If all your clients have XP, the the server may be XP. If you still have some other clients, place Win2000Pro on the server. Printing system and drivers are the same for XP and 2000, but not for NT4.