What to buy 32 or 64 bit?

[Netscorer]

Hi,

I am assembling new PC based on Intel Dual Core 6600 and need to buy Windows license.

Couple of questions in this regard:
- since Intel's CPU is 64-bit should I buy 64-bit version of MS Windows? Are there any surprises awaiting for me with driver or program incomptability? I checked NVIDIA (my video card) and Canon (my printer) for 64-bit drivers and both have them available. But what about programs? Would 32-bit programs run without any issues on 64-bit system?

- NewEgg lists MS Windows XP Pro 64-bit OEM as "1pk DSP OEI". What the heck does it mean? I can decipher 1pk but need help with the rest of lettersoup. Here's the link: newegg link

- what about games? I realize that they are also just prgrams but wanted to have a separate question (and hopefully answer ;-) as for the modern games general compatability with 64-bit version of OS. Any experience in this area would be highly appreciated.

Cheers,

netscorer

 

[IamDavid]

32

 

[pkme2]

:thumbsup: 32bit

 

[Netscorer]

Guys,

I certainly appreciate your quick responses but would you care to elaborate a bit

 

[John]

This question is asked quite a bit, and most people agree that 64-bit can be a headache. Lack of drivers is one problem, and the performance gains are marginal at best. If you don't plan on adding more than 4GB of memory stick with 32-bit until Vista is available. Right now Newegg gives you an upgrade to Vista voucher when you purchase different versions of XP.

DSP means ?Delivery Service Partner?. OEM means ?Original Equipment Manufacturer? and normally with a computer manufacturer?s name stamped on it. DSP software is similar to OEM software however there is NO manufacturer?s name stamped on the manual or printed on the license. DSP software is more generic and OEM software is sold directly to the computer manufacturer. Thus the distribution channel is different for DSP. DSP software is distributed for smaller system integrators and system builder hobbyists for ?clone? or no-name computers. Like OEM versions, DSP versions often come with only an electronic help manual, which is built-in to the software or a small getting-started manual. The software itself contains the same programs as the Retail Box version, except the Retail Box version normally comes with a small printed manual. Both OEM and DSP Microsoft software include a COA, which is a Certificate Of Authenticity label or sticker from the manufacturer.

 

[IamDavid]

Originally posted by: Netscorer
Guys,

I certainly appreciate your quick responses but would you care to elaborate a bit

Sorry for the short answer.. It has been covered many times here.. Go for 64bit if you work with very large files. Larger then 1gb.. 95% of software out will see no benefit from 64bit. You will however be annoyed that allot of you previous apps don't work in 64. ie: firewall + anti-virus..

 

[Nothinman]

Go for 64bit if you work with very large files. Larger then 1gb..

File size has nothing to do with it, unless you're using some program that wants to map the entire file into it's memory space and then you'll want a 64-bit version of the program too.

 

[Netscorer]

Originally posted by: John
This question is asked quite a bit, and most people agree that 64-bit can be a headache. Lack of drivers is one problem, and the performance gains are marginal at best. If you don't plan on adding more than 4GB of memory stick with 32-bit until Vista is available. Right now Newegg gives you an upgrade to Vista voucher when you purchase different versions of XP.

At Newegg's FAQ for Vista upgrade is Vista 32 or 64 bit? they say that Vista is going to ship in two versions as well. What I am afraid about is that if I order now 32-bit verson of XP Pro I will only be qualified for a 32-bit Vista CD. Then I'll be stuck with it for a foreseable future.
I sent this question to Newegg but of course they posted a bogus Email address on their FAQ page and my Email to them bounced.

 

[John]

http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/vista.asp

Q: Will Windows Vista be a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?
A: Virtually every Windows Vista edition (with the exception of Starter) will ship with both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions on the same DVD. Microsoft expects the computer buying public to switch to x64 during Vista's lifetime. There will not be an Itanium version of Windows Vista.

AFAIK that still holds true.

 

[Netscorer]

Thanks John,

this means I can safely order 32-bit XP Pro now and still be able to upgrade to 64-bit Vista later!

Cheers,

netscorer.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Netscorer
At Newegg's FAQ for Vista upgrade is Vista 32 or 64 bit? they say that Vista is going to ship in two versions as well. What I am afraid about is that if I order now 32-bit verson of XP Pro I will only be qualified for a 32-bit Vista CD. Then I'll be stuck with it for a foreseable future.
I sent this question to Newegg but of course they posted a bogus Email address on their FAQ page and my Email to them bounced.

Actually, if you buy Windows XP Professiona X64, you have have to ERASE it and start over to upgrade to any version of Vista.

Microsoft: Vista Upgrade Planning

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: John
http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/vista.asp

Q: Will Windows Vista be a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?
A: Virtually every Windows Vista edition (with the exception of Starter) will ship with both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions on the same DVD. Microsoft expects the computer buying public to switch to x64 during Vista's lifetime. There will not be an Itanium version of Windows Vista.

AFAIK that still holds true.

My understanding is that the 32- and 64-bit versions will NOT be on the same DVD. But I don't have any links that verify that.

 

[Lemon law]

Question----with one windows license could one install a 32 bit and 64 version of the given windows OS as a dual boot system--and have the best of both world's---assuming its true that both the 32 and 64 bit versions are present on the same install disk.

 

[Nothinman]

My understanding is that the 32- and 64-bit versions will NOT be on the same DVD. But I don't have any links that verify that.

Well the beta ISOs that MS released were seperate so I would say that's a good indication that the final discs will be seperate too.

Question----with one windows license could one install a 32 bit and 64 version of the given windows OS as a dual boot system--and have the best of both world's---assuming its true that both the 32 and 64 bit versions are present on the same install disk.

Doubtful and it would be a ton of wasted space and hassle to reboot all of the time.