Windows 64-Bit or Not?

[cheapherk]

Putting an Athlon 64-Bit system tomorrow. I have the 64-Bit version of XP, but I'm worried I won't be able to use my printer or scanner because there are no 64-Bit drivers for it. I do however have 64-Bit drivers for my video card and sound card.

Will the system perform any worse using the 32-Bit version of XP compared to the 64-Bit?
I really do know what the best thing to do is in this situation. Your input would be appreciated.

 

[n0cmonkey]

It should work fine in 32bit.

64bit XP is still pre-beta (last I heard). If you don't have drivers for your hardware, you won't be able to use it. Weigh that against a working (as well as always, and better when sp2 comes out) system.

 

[imported_raybay]

32-bit will work great... and you are ready for 64 bit when they finally get it right with decent prices.

 

[azel]

Besides drivers, going 64-bit Windows isn't much helpful if all your software aren't also 64-bit.
There's not much 64-bit Windows software out there, and tests show they could even run slower in a 32-bit system with the same Athlon 64 chip.

Athlon64 on Windows 32 works like a charm so I'd recommend sticking with it for now.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Do what many of us with A64 systems do, dual boot 😉 I use XP pro 64bit for some gaming and web browsing, and XP pro 32bit for everything.

 

[biostud]

I would wait for the Final release of winXP-64 before changing

 

[enricong]

if I run the 32 bit OS, is there still some way I can run some 64bit software like video compression?
I'm guessing no.