Seeking a powerful PC that can run Windows 7

December 13, 2024 12:41 PM

For reasons that aren't relevant here, I need to configure a decently powerful PC that will run Windows 7 and can easily stream 4K video. I did some research and found what seems to be a reasonable computer on eBay. I would like a second opinion before I order the machine.

It's a refurbished PC with these specs (I will install the operating system myself):

Fractal Design Custom small form factor gaming PC
Processor: Intel i7-7700K 4.2GHz
RAM: 16GB
SSD: 525GB SSD
GPU: GTX 1060

The cost is $229 with shipping included.

Does this sound like a good deal and will work for my purpose? As far as I can tell, the Intel I7-7700K is the most powerful consumer-grade processor that can still run Windows 7.

posted by akk2014 to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

I just ordered a machine dedicated to streaming video (via Plex) based on the recommendations of many. It does not have a powerful CPU overall but it's great for streaming 4K, can handle standard desktop applications, and is tiny and silent. Take a look at the Beelink S12 Pro.
posted by SNACKeR at 1:28 PM on December 13 [1 favorite]

It will definitely work for your stated purposes. As for the cost, is it low enough that you won't be too upset if it doesn't work? In terms of how much computers can cost, it is pretty much at the low end, so even if you found something comparable that was like 25% less, that wouldn't make a huge difference in the overall price.

My only concern about the hardware is that you'll want to make sure you have a reasonable CPU cooler on there with that kind of processor.

However: is Windows 7 really necessary? Do you need to use some specific software that's not available in later versions? It's just that Windows 7 is long out of support, not receiving security updates, etc. It's not really safe to use on an internet-connected machine.
posted by number9dream at 1:34 PM on December 13

Response by poster: @number9dream The computer has to run Windows Media Center, which isn't supported on any version of Windows past Windows 7. The intended user is not tech-savvy, is generally resistant to change, and would have a hard time adapting to any other interface (like Plex). The computer will be Internet-connected but will sit behind a firewall.
posted by akk2014 at 1:40 PM on December 13

Best answer: Apparently you can run Windows Media Center on later version of Windows.

How to install Media Center in Windows 10 and 11
posted by SNACKeR at 1:47 PM on December 13

Some of the hardware might not have driver support for WIn7.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 2:14 PM on December 13

Best answer: The Intel i7-7700K Kaby Lake is not in the supported list of processors for Windows 7
There have been unofficial workarounds to allow this processor to accept Windows7 patches.

The slightly newer i7-7800X Skylake is supported.

However I would not put a W7 machine on the internet in 2024 no matter how good the firewall.
posted by Lanark at 3:19 PM on December 13 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Yikes, I made a mistake in my original post. @Lanark is right. The i7-7700 processor isn't actually supported by Windows 7, contrary to what I said. Regardless, @SNACKeR has helpfully pointed out that I might not need Windows 7 after all. I happen to have a Win-10 machine that I'm not using, so I will try to install Windows Media Center using the installer in SNACKeR's link.

Thank you to everyone for your help.
posted by akk2014 at 9:26 AM on December 14 [1 favorite]