Opinions on new machine.

Have purchased a newer machine to tinker with and would like some opinions.I already know its old.
New machine is a Gateway E4100, P4HT (3.0 socket 478) and 40GB hard drive installed , 512MB RAM. No OS installed.
Current machine is HP Paviliona345w (P4 2.6GHz single core socket 478) 160GB hard drive, 1GB RAM.
Hard drives are interchangeable and I have extra RAM for the Gateway.
Opinions wanted on which would be better as primary machine to use for best all-around performance.

 

I'd say the gateway due to hp's 2.6 @400 fsb and gateways @800 fsb and hyperthread

 

add ram and an OS to the gateway and youre set.

 

About what I was thinking, along with the smaller size.
Already have RAM to install (2x512MB PC3200)
Will be taking the 160GB hard drive from the HP and switching them out. Sell the HP and get some $$$ back. HP still working. Using it right now.

 

Just recieved the Gateway by UPS.
Installed Windows 98SE ( only available OS on hand)
Installation went very smooth. 98 very fast on this machine, but have a few problems.
Hoping someone can help with.
1. Cable modem not recognized even after drivers were loaded, so no Internet access.
2. USB drives are not being recognized, so cannot install AV or firewall.
Anybody have any suggestions?

 

Thanks for responding.
Thumbdrives are SanDisk Cruzers (2GB and 8GB)
Only info I can find on modem is Ambit and model U10C018. Came from Suddenlink.
Will have to get back to you with the others.
There is no Ethernet card or connection visible when I tried to run the Internet Connection Wizard. Only showed dialup(which I do not want to go back to)

 

Finally got the drivers for the NIC installed, Ethernet says enabled, but still no luck. Message saying "Server cannot be found".

 

to plodr and everybody else that responded.
The situation was resolved when I said"Heck with it"
Have just finished installing a fresh new copy of XP Home and this disk had everything needed. Am currently using the Gateway.
Appreciate all the help and the intentions involved. That kind of help is what makes this a great site.
Once again, thanks everybody.