Windows 7 Returns on Modern PC: i5-14600KF Intel CPU, Z790 motherboard/DDR5 & RTX GPU

[@Jackpkmn]

What's kind of funny is that RTX 20 and RTX 30 series cards work on windows 7. But cards newer than GTX 10 series are not supported on Windows 8/8.1.

[@O_mores]

From what I’ve heard, Windows 7 remained highly popular in China when RTX cards were released, with about 49% of the market share. These numbers were impossible to ignore. In fact, not only Nvidia supported Windows 7 but also Microsoft which provided tools to get DirectX 12 support for Windows 7 gaming.

[@himmelskibet]

yeah its annoying , but it is possible to install RTX 3090 Ti windows 8.0. i did it myself

[@BillyRazOr2011]

Actually GTX 10 series for Windows 7 CAN install on Windows 8.1 and still functional, even you're using RTX 20 and 30 series.

[@griffin1366]

Huh? Ive had no issues with a 2080ti on Windows 8. The only versions that don't work are Windows 10 1507-1609 or whatever the numbers are.

[@Jackpkmn]

@@griffin1366 Notice I said not supported, not cant be made to work.

[@stevesibaja3123]

Long Live Windows 7 SP1 64 BIT in 2025

[@mickplayvm]

Yay, new video!

[@O_mores]

Yep, but I didn't forget about Half Life 2 - Episode 1. Tonight I'm going to have some fun on Windows 98 using my Intel 13th Gen config from the HL2 video.

[@sankel_01]

the score on windows 7 so perfect 7.9

[@O_mores]

Windows 7's way of saying, 'You’ve maxed out my awesomeness!'

[@Gabriel-hp6ub]

Salur este wow ce faci pentru o suma atat de mica de abonati. Si da scriu in Romana pentru ca stiu ca esti din Romania. Succes in continuare!

[@O_mores]

Salut! Merci pentru incurajari! Te mai astept pe aici!

[@arnislacis9064]

I still use Windows 7 on my secondary PC, often use it for daily basis. But it have more authentic hardware, based on X58 Gigabyte GA-X58-UD3R LGA1366 motherboard, Xeon W3565, 24GB DDR3 RAM, 512GB NVMe PCI Express x4 SSD (I did installed modded BIOS, to make NVMe possible on these types of motherboards), GeForce GTX 980Ti, modified HP EliteDesk 8300 chassis, and 1600W Superflower Leadex Titanium powersupply, yeah the powersupply is too overspec, but I got two of those for good price, slightly used. And I use Windows 7 with 4K 27" monitor. So amazing to see Windows 7 at 4K😊 GeForce GTX 980Ti do support 4K 60Hz on HDMI and Displayports.

[@O_mores]

I had that motherboard back in 2010 paired with a 40GB Intel SSD and the the go-to quad-core for the platform: i7-920. I was so proud of that setup, especially about the triple channel feature. But I have to admit, I missed the charm of the traditional FSB scaling, going from FSB 33 to 66, 100, 133, 166, 200 MHz over the years. Switching to QPI on socket 1366, with its locked base clock at 100 MHz, took some of the fun out of overclocking for me. Still, it was an unforgettable era!

[@arnislacis9064]

@O_mores the Gigabyte GA-X58-UD3R is the best LGA1366 motherboard, I ever had and have. Before that, I had used HP Z400 for that purpose, but two HP motherboards died in a row 😬. Then I bought this Gigabyte GA-X58-UD3R motherboards, and few months ago bought similar, Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P, just to have spare one, in case if something happens, but they are Ultra Durable or aren't?

[@Pullip_tech]

THX for the Stats site!

[@O_mores]

You're welcome!

[@MerolaC]

Check the Gamer's Nexus coverage on the bending issue of the 12/13/14gen chips. The contact frame makes a LOT of difference, especially long-term, since the CPU bends with heat cycles and by the fact it's getting bent by the ILM by default. Also, make sure to use the latest BIOS for the motherboard! So it doesn't overvolt the CPU with its bad microcode.

[@O_mores]

Yes, the BIOS was updated to the latest version released in November 2024-just two weeks old when I got the motherboard. Windows 98 still runs perfectly fine! :) I watched Gamer's Nexus videos, and I agree that using a contact frame makes a difference. What I don’t understand is why motherboard manufacturers don’t offer their own versions. It’s just a small piece of metal, probably costing around $0.80 to produce. Manufacturers could easily create their own branded plate, add a fancy design, and charge $15 extra for it. Yet, even on premium models, they stick with a standard ILM. The good news is that the new socket 1851 has an improved ILM with a few extra pieces. (it's marked as "RL-ILM")

[@MerolaC]

@@O_mores Nice! That CPU is safe then! I agree with you about the contact frame, but I am pretty sure it's because of user error and Intel. Let me explain. When installing a contact frame, you need the perfect amount of pressure applied so that all the pins on the socket contact the CPU, and users can fail doing this, plus the risk of said users damaging the pins. Also, the standards set by Intel had to be followed by the motherboard makers, so I doubt they can provide a contact frame. Yes, the new ILM "fixed" the issue.

[@jamieknight5345]

I am still using windows 7 on a semi daily basis and if you use professional you can get the esu updates and have recent security updates

[@ersatz_]

This is a wonderful video! I wish I could have known all this sooner. I daily windows 7 on a newer pc with a 12th gen i5 and an rtx 3060. The OS runs perfectly for the most part, and its been a stable and snappy system for the past few months. All the drivers have installed properly, but I've had a few issues with the cpu and I was wondering if you could tell me if you've experienced them running on your hardware and if you know why they're happening. You seem a lot more knowledgeable than I am so I would greatly appreciate it. Most of the information regarding running windows 7 on modern hardware centers on AMD processors so its been hard to research. The problems I've had are, 1. The cpu clock speed and other info not being properly recognized by CPU-Z (I also get an error message), 2. The cpu doesn't show up in device manager at all, and 3. It seems like the cpu is unable to turbo boost to its max single core speed. Most of these issues are trivial and I haven't seen any noticeable decrease in performance compared to other OSes but I think it ends up causing some issues with single threaded tasks.

[@O_mores]

It’s great to hear that you haven’t noticed major performance impacts despite these quirks. You might still encounter slight inefficiencies compared to Windows 10/11 as 12th Gen Intel CPUs rely on a microcontroller to manage thread allocation between the E-cores and P-cores in collaboration with Windows Task Scheduler. Intel says that this process is specifically optimized for Windows 11, but it will work with Windows 10 as well. Frankly, it feels like more of a marketing push to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. From Intel website: "The optimization between the processor and Windows Task Scheduler relies on Intel® Thread Director technology. Intel's Thread Director is a microcontroller built in each Alder Lake processor (12th Generation Intel Core processors ) that is optimized for Windows 11 Task Scheduler to decide which thread goes where (P-core or E-core). Thread director also works with Windows 10 Scheduler, but it is not optimized for it."

[@mmatej16]

Great video, i enjoyed it but you need a better microphone!

[@O_mores]

Yes, I'm working on it...

[@ages2001]

Waiting for NT 3.51 and 95 lol

[@O_mores]

I didn’t have time to install NT 3.51 and Windows 95 and now the motherboard is gone. I did briefly try running my 'portable' preinstalled version of NT 3.51, but it didn’t work-possibly due to having too many CPUs and the MPS support was enabled. The good news is that NT 4.0 runs fine, even with multi-CPU support, and so does Windows 2000.

[@ages2001]

@@O_mores okay, it sounds good. What will be the next motherboard? I hope it's A620 AM5 :)

[@liliwinnt6]

are we going to install Windows 2000 onto this i5 14600KF computer?

[@O_mores]

The motherboard is gone, but I did have time to test how Windows 2000 runs on this setup. I used my Windows 2000 installation with UniATA drivers, and it booted without any issues + multiprocessor support through MPS - though limited to 2 CPUs due to licensing restrictions. I think I’ve gathered enough footage for a future video.

[@liliwinnt6]

great!

[@BillyRazOr2011]

Windows 7 does recognized modern NVMe controllers without install storage drivers?

[@O_mores]

NVMe support was added to Windows 7 at a later stage as the standard itself was introduced around 2011-2012, with the first drives becoming available in 2013. The good news is that the NVMe drivers are more easy to backport, for instance, NVME and works perfectly well even on Windows XP.

[@minipicc95]

Windows 7 is a lot easier to install on modern desktops than modern laptops since they get a bsod!!! I installed Windows 7 on my ASRock Z79P PG Sonic Motherboard by using the same via usb 2.0 pcie card and also using a disc with updates, patches, and drivers. The on board usb does not work while booting it from the original install disc!!!

[@O_mores]

Having a PCI-E card with native USB 2.0 support is incredibly helpful, but I need to investigate what went wrong with port 0x60/64 emulation. When Intel removed EHCI controllers in 2015-right when Windows 7 was at its peak popularity-most motherboards were still able to emulate USB keyboards and mice as PS/2 devices during the Windows 7 setup. This allowed installations on USB 3-only motherboards and effectively resolved the issue at the time. However, on the H610 and Z790 motherboards I’ve tested, this emulation now only works in DOS, and not even in Windows 98.

[@1he-user]

i just did this recently on whiskey lake, but i upgraded to 10 after i wasn’t able to get working wifi

[@O_mores]

Indeed, the latest WiFi 6 chips and even some newer Intel Gigabit cards aren't retro-friendly at all. This Z790 motherboard, for example, has a Realtek 8125 2.5 Gigabit chip from around 2021, which does have Windows 7 drivers. As for the included Wi-Fi 6E, I didn’t even bother searching for Windows 7 drivers.

[@1he-user]

@@O_mores it’s really a shame since everything else had drivers, and i was surprised that i couldn’t mod an inf to get it working. (i have an intel wireless 9560 btw)

[@O_mores]

The 9560 WiFi chip is 2017 model and is only Windows 10+ compatible. This motherboard has an AX211 chip which is a 2021 model... that's why I didn't even bother. Anyway similar WiFI 6 chips from Realtek released 2020/2021 do have Windows 7 drivers so at least we can find good WiFi 6 USB sticks for Windows 7.

[@hugevibez]

@@1he-user you also should check underneath the shielding of your wifi adapter if it is maybe a separate m.2 board and not soldered on to the motherboard (I think this is the case on most modern motherboards), then you could find a compatible Wifi adapter and just plug that in instead. They should be very cheap, especially older models.

[@1he-user]

@@hugevibez ive seen a teardown of the laptop, it’s just a standard m.2. i do have an older intel wifi card from 2014 lying around, but idk if it’ll fit

[@fitlifeinsider]

On win 10 updates are gonna shut down and 7 still has it

[@s1oplus_wt]

Nice. Windows 7 fails to boot on my UEFI system due to csm not being able to be activated in the setup for some reason

[@jasonhawkins4528]

Win 7 doesn't support CSm on. Should be able to load uefi without csm win 7 64 bit

[@s1oplus_wt]

@ it dosent boot at all if its on or not

[@BillyRazOr2011]

Windows 7 wasn't natively support for full UEFI mode, it's required to enable CSM mode for working. If UEFI without CSM mode is impossible to boot Windows 7, so make sure UEFI mode is on and CSM mode also should be on.

[@Henk717]

Windows 7 does have a UEFI mode but on some of my ISO's that broke.

[@O_mores]

On newer motherboards you cannot activate CSM if you are using the iGPU, as these are now UEFI only. Is this your situation?

[@dennisp.2147]

Are there native Wondows 98 drivers for the 7900GS?

[@O_mores]

Native Windows 98/ME drivers are available for the NVIDIA GeForce 6000 series. These drivers can also support the 7000 series by modifying the .inf file to include the hardware IDs for the 7000 series. However, while the 6000 series is officially supported, the driver has known issues, particularly with 512MB cards. Fortunately there are patches made by the legendary R. Loew to address these problems. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37cfGCEf9CGpdE

[@1976oswald]

the windows file manager and winamp runs better in win 7 .... in win 11 22 & 24 H2 crashes all the time

[@O_mores]

I’ve also experienced issues with File Manager on Windows 10, but to be fair, my video editing folders often contain 5,000-6,000 files, which could be contributing to the problem.

[@neelaveronte745]

Yes should be... This is Intel. Development code (6.1.7600) on latest hardware. Microsoft (azure) and Nvidia will finish that. Build 9863. DDR 5 is a meteor lake as I remember (not 10 nm Core).

[@fitlifeinsider]

Really updates are working?

[@O_mores]

Yes, they are. But you have to follow the steps...

[@fitlifeinsider]

@O_mores when will updates stop in 2025? When

[@O_mores]

It looks like the end is in October 2025, as shown in the video. For Windows 7 the updates will end for good, while Windows 10 will enter in the ESU phase (Extended Security Updates) for at least three more years.

[@Glinckey]

Why is it easier to do it with a modern intel pc and not a modern amd PC

[@O_mores]

I think it's the same business with both Intel and AMD. Actually I have installed all Windows OSes on my Ryzen 9 3900X PC. (all except Windows NT 3.1) From my experience Intel works better when it comes to V86 mode. So if you are using a DOS window in Windows 3.1 or 9x it will be faster on an Intel CPU. For me the PS/2 port matters as well. As of 2025... I can buy an Intel Z890 motherboard (released 2 months ago for the Ultra 200 series) with a PS/2 port but not a high end AM5 X870/E motherboard. Luckily there are X670 motherboards with PS/2 ports.

[@Glinckey]

@O_mores can you tell me what did you do to make Windows 98 work in that build

[@O_mores]

You can take a look here on how I installed Windows 98 on Intel 6th Gen/13th Gen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnTEe4CCYrJrZpo

[@Glinckey]

@@O_mores i meant on an amd build, it doesn't wanna work with amd pc witha 5600g

[@O_mores]

I didn't have any problems with my AMD build, it's very compatible. Are you using your Vega 7 iGPU? It shouldn't be a problem with this model, but newer iGPUs will make BIOS to disable CSM mode - as these IGPUs work only in UEFI mode.

[@lukebowers536]

i am so glad to see this video, i absolutely detest windows 11, windows 7 was my favorite, its just so clean & stable & simple & fast, just what i am looking for as a music & graphics professional. 11 forces crap on me i dont want or need & removes functionality & control & is a bloated mess. Ive been contemplating going back to w7 black edition on my Zbook for some time now, it spends most of its time offline so security is no real problem as its air gapped. I have a pair of Nvidea A3000 gpu's & an intel gpu inside it that i am worried about getting drivers for.

[@O_mores]

I still have Windows 7 it as a boot option on my main PC. But what I found more interesting is that I have a relative, nearly 70, who still uses a Windows 7 PC daily to stay online. The kind of computer user who might click on the wrong links or install questionable software (I found some adware installed), yet goes online every day-mostly to read online newspapers and spend time on Facebook. Amazingly, their Windows 7 installation has survived for many years without any major issues, last time it was installed in 2018.

[@lukebowers536]

@@O_mores i to was running a w7 installation on one of my stage mashines right up till last summer, i used the network on it regularly & never had any security issues, but i did have Eset nod32 on it tho wich is a pretty bulletproof security system, the only reason its no defunct is i burnt out the CPU constantly hammering it with live visuals runing in HD at events in scorching hot clubs, it nuked it eventually, the CPU's cach die fried from the constant hot environment & it could no longer do anything more than run DOS after that

[@DL-mk4mz]

Screw Microsoft. I've switched to Linux and though it can be a pain in the ass I'm not being spied on and can run it on whatever hardware I want. Only time I use windows, and certainly not 11, is offline. 98, XP and 7

[@O_mores]

Meanwhile, I’ve gone the multiboot harem route-every Windows version gets its moment to shine. Need something snappy? XP. Feeling nostalgic? 98. Something functional but still modern? 7. -- Written on Windows 10.

[@syafrilzein1601]

Next try: Windows 8/8.1 on Z790 because Windows 8/8.1 using supports UEFI GPT

[@O_mores]

I don't have this motherboard anymore, but I will give it a try on a Z890 motherboard which I'm about to have it soon.

[@radekstaniszewski1883]

Where nvme ssd install windows 7 ?

[@O_mores]

Hi, I didn’t install it directly onto an NVMe drive because I have the original DVD, and it just felt right to use it. For an NVMe installation, you’d need to create a custom ISO with the NVMe drivers slipstreamed. Alternatively, you can install Windows 7 on a regular SATA SSD, as I did in the video, then add NVMe support by installing the NVMe update. After that, you can use cloning software to transfer the SSD partitions to the NVMe drive, and it should boot without issues.

[@stevesibaja3123]

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64 Bit in 2025

[@Alejandro-md1ek]

Good

[@O_mores]

Thanks!

[@sawex33]

Not csm support pc install windows 7 turkish lnguage kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnyvkJJ6e6x9prssi=-UJi5oPiEtLbR_So

[@O_mores]

Too bad my Turkish is so rusty... it might need a WD-40 update!

[@ArtisticTrex54]

Pin me

[@O_mores]

I can't even remember to pin my own comments that might actually help the channel-like links to my other videos. :)

[@battlehacka]

Waste of time when I can get better results with Linux

[@masterkamen371]

Technically all hobbies are a waste of time. Windows 11 is probably more worthwhile running than Windows 7 at this point (you just have to use Rufus to bypass some installer rubbish, then use winaerotweaker or something similar to rip all of M$'s bullcrap out). But there's something fun about running old systems on hardware that has no business running it.

[@deathtrooper2048]

You can't, windows > Linux overall

[@ImInterestedInApathyII]

@@deathtrooper2048 thats not how computers work

[@ImInterestedInApathyII]

its about appreciating the old operating system

[@sillycado]

Can i get just ONE day without someone mentioning Linux on a video related to Windows?