Vacation Blog: Windows NT 4 Server Build

I have some sort-of-involuntary sort-of-vacation coming up and so will have about a week filled with free time. I figured, it's a good time to work on the Windows NT Server build I've been meaning to do. It is intended to act as a server for my retro network and other retro computers (ranging from Win 3.1 to Windows XP, a few Macs of the same general vintage..).

As such, I will also document my progress and intend to report back here as I go. Probably over the course of a few days next week.

I have a Pentium Pro 200 and a 440FX Socket 8 motherboard, which seems perfect for this, so will be my base.

I need an opinion or two in other hardware components..

\- I think I am going to forego a sound card. It is intended to be a server after all.

\- I have a couple choices of period correct video card: ATI Mach64 VT, or ATI 3D Rage II. If you have a better suggestion, I *might* have it.

\- I have several options for network card; I assume 10/100 PCI would be best. I have Intel Pro 100B, Intel Pro 100S, 3Com 3C905B, and 3C905C.

\- Modem for dialing in: Internal ISA, Internal PCI, or external serial? Or forego analog modem altogether?

\- The 440FX motherboard has built-in IDE controller, but I do have a PCI SCSI controller or two (I think they have bootable BIOS); so, IDE or SCSI HDD? IDE or SCSI CD-ROM? I do have a bootable PCI SATA adapter, but that would be too anachronistic, I think.

A-la clabretro, I have a "retro" rack where I intend this server to live, so I have a 2U rack-mount case that this will fit in (including appropriate 90⁰ PCI adapters), or a generic beige desktop case on a shelf?

Will update tomorrow with chosen hardware, hopefully guided by your opinions. Tomorrow will be software selection...