What OS for Intel Midrange Workstation/Oct. 2007

[Technical Talk]

I am buiding the Midrange Workstation described in the Anandtech October 2007 Guide. I need some recommendations about the best OS to use for this system. Anandtech recommends Vista 64-bit, but I don't know if I want to go to Vista yet. I am thinking that XP Pro 64-bit is the way to go.
My main use for the system will be editing very large WAV files with Sound Forge 4.5. Yes, I know this is old software, but it does everything I need to do.
Will SF 4.5 work with a 64-bit OS? Will I gain anything by going to XP Pro 64 over XP PRo 32-bit?
There is a ton of info that praises going either direction, but I really need some sound and specific advice.
I really appreciate anything you can offer.

 

[D13S3L]

Go Vista 64.

 

[Technical Talk]

Thanks for the response, but I need some specific information.

 

[wwswimming]

i tried something similar with 3D Max, and ended up back-tracking to XP32, after installing
XP64.

i also got Vista Ultimate 32 for its speech recognition capabilities, but i couldn't recommend
it yet.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Technical Talk
Thanks for the response, but I need some specific information.

It's difficult to recommend XP 64 at all because driver support is pretty lacking. Vista 64 should have much better driver support, especially for newer hardware.

You need to determine if your Sound Forge software will run on Vista before you make your decision.

 

[Technical Talk]

Thank you both for your replies. It looks like XP Pro 32 for me, at least until Vista matures a little more. I know the SF works fine with XP Pro 32, but I was hoping for "super" speed with one of the 64-bit operating systems. Thanks again!

 

[Modelworks]

I think I would check with other sound forge users to see what they are experiencing with various OS.
For me its xp x64.
I love the os and have not had any problems with lack of drivers.

 

[wwswimming]

I was hoping for "super" speed with one of the 64-bit operating systems.

me too !

 

[Modelworks]

Faster would have been nice !
I think the biggest thing I like about having a 64 bit OS is the larger memory support.
With 4Gb installed I can run a game or application that takes 2 or 3GB and exit the application and there is no swapping, no hard drive thrashing, just a quick quiet exit.
Then the pc is instantly ready to do something else.

 

[Spicedaddy]

XP 32bit and upgrade to Vista 64bit in a year

 

[Technical Talk]

Thank you all for your input and support. I think Spicedaddy has the right approach:
XP 32-bit now and Vista in a year. You know, it's very nice how people I don't even know take an interest in this...and offer good suggestions. Thank you, and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas (or, if you prefer, a Happy Holiday Season).

 

[postmortemIA]

if you have <=~3GB of RAM then XP 32 for sure.

Since old SF is 32-bit software, it won't take any advantage on 64bit system.

I use 64-bit XP at work, but I'm able to use all memory thanks to Java 64-bit distribution, and i'm making only Java stuff.

 

[MovingTarget]

I'd stay steer away from XP 64 bit unless you know that you can get the drivers for your hardware. With those specs though, Vista should run fine. I still prefer XP though. 32-bit XP will work alright as well. That upgrade path I think you will be the most satisfied with as Spicedaddy recommended. Of course, you could always join the darkside and go linux. Good luck with what you chose though!