MacBook Pro 13" bootcamp: XP vs Win 7 for gaming

[KeithP]

So I am getting ready to set up boot camp on my new MacBook Pro 13". One of the things I will be using Windows for is gaming. For the other things I will be using Windows for, XP vs Win 7 doesn't matter.

Given the MacBook Pro 13" doesn't have the greatest GPU, I am thinking it would make sense to stick with older games, which leads me to think Windows XP would be the best choice for compatibility reasons.

The games in question would probably be mostly shooters.

Any comments on that logic?

EDIT: it occurs to me this might be better in the PC gaming section. Mods, do with it what you will.

-KeithP

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I would go with Windows 7 just so you are as future proofed as possible.

 

[Kmax82]

I think it depends on HOW old. If you're talking System Shock 2 old, then yea, I'd stick with XP. But if it's HalfLife or newer, you should be fine with Win 7.

 

[ViRGE]

I'd suggest XP. The 3D emulation drivers for XP are still snappier than for Vista/7, and it has a smaller memory footprint. And it's not as if the VMs support DX10 or higher...

 

[VinylxScratches]

What games are you trying to play? I recently got Wine setup and I am able to play Baldur's Gate on my Mac Mini in OS X

 

[0roo0roo]

xp
macbook is too slow to use dx 10 anyways.
xp uses way less harddrive psace for a minimal install as well.
so yes, xp all the way.

 

[Narse]

I run Windows 7 on my 13 MBP 2010, The 320M is better than many people may think. I run SC2 on medium settings and it runs great in windows 7. I don't think it would run crysis but hey it does pretty good.

 

[KeithP]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I decided to try Windows 7 first. We will see how it goes. I will post my experiences once I get some games installed and have a chance to play around with them.

-KeithP