Getting this PC, should I install WinXP 64-bit edition?

[RahulM]

I have WinXp Home, but since I can get the free trial of the 64-bit edition of windows, perhaps it would be better to go with that. Based on my hardware, please advise me on the best course of action.

Here is my system:

Case: Antec SLK3000B Black
CPU: Athlon64 4000+
Motherboard: DFI Lanparty UT NF4 SLI-D PCI-E
Video Card: 2x MSI 6800 Ultras
Hard drive: 2x Raptor 10k RPM (Raid 0)
Power Supply: OCZ Powerstream 600W
Ram: Kingston 400mhz DDR NO-ECC [2Gig kit]
Monitor: Dell 2405FPW

I intend to use it as a gaming PC primarily.

What should I do? I want to avoid driver problems, I know that only a few companies have released 64-bit drivers, so I dunno if it's a good idea at this point. Should I just stick to Home?

 

[powerMarkymark]

I hear that not all hardware companys have released drivers for WinXP 64-bit edition.

Go and get the drivers for your hardware before you install the 64-bit edition and if you cannot gather all of them, you will have your answer.

M@rc

 

[RahulM]

Do you think it's ok to install beta drivers?

 

[The Pentium Guy]

You might void the warantee, but if you don't care ... go for it.

 

[RahulM]

Hmm, I do care for that, getting expensive parts and I want to conserve the warranty.

In your opinion, is it worth it to switch to 64-bit for a gamer?

 

[exilera]

My PC runs games better on x64. It's worth it, but make sure you have all the drivers. I neglected to find a driver for my new Canon Pixma IP5000 and found out that Canon, for whatever reason, "has no plans to release a x64 driver at this time".

The OS is very stable though, and well worth it, imo.

 

[Sunner]

Originally posted by: RahulM
Hmm, I do care for that, getting expensive parts and I want to conserve the warranty.

In your opinion, is it worth it to switch to 64-bit for a gamer?

He means you won't get support, running drivers, no matter what stage of development they're in, will not void the warranty.

 

[EndGame]

More and more drivers are being released daily for XP 64 bit. I've been running it basicly since the final version was released and now have everything except an H.P. scanner and an older web cam running without problem.

In my expiereince, I have not run into any serious problems whatsoever and no more problems overall than I had moving from 2K to XP. Several games do acheive somewhat better performance with 64 bit but otherwise, much seems almost identical.

 

[ProviaFan]

Printer drivers are quite a sore spot. Most gamers don't notice, of course, but those of us who are heavily into digital photography are saddened by printer manufacturers' reluctance to get off their hindquarters and start working on some XP64 drivers. Epson is slowly working on it, but they're behind schedule and they haven't announced any plans of supporting my Stylus Color 880 anyway, so I'll have to upgrade - probably to another manufacturer who takes 64 bit drivers seriously.

 

[RahulM]

thanks guys.

bump for more opinions.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Wait a few months for drivers to mature, no real reason right now.

 

[RahulM]

That's the option I was leaning towards. I just want to enjoy games that I haven't been able to experience on this old PC. I'll upgrade and take advantage of this 64-bit CPU when the drivers are released properly.

 

[P0ldy]

Agreed, the performance increase in gaming right now is minimal at best. Wait for FarCry 64 and then have a go, because a popular game like that will encourage nVidia to put out better drivers.

Nice setup, btw.