Windows XP Pro or Win 2003 Server (in workstation mode)

[bozilla]

Hi guys,

I have Dual Xeons 3.6Ghz 64bit and 4Gb of ram. I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 now and I have a bunch of limitation as far as memory cap of 2Gb and it just doesn't feel that XP is using dual CPUs properly. I would expect a snappier performance out of XP in dual configuration, so I've consulted with few friends and we came to a conclusion that Windows 2003 Server configured as workstation would be far better optimized for my configuration. I also game, but I found a few complete guides of setting up Win2003 Server as workstation where DirectX 9 and all that works fine for games too.

Thank you for your responses.

 

[MrChad]

That's silly. Windows 2003 and XP share the same underlying kernel, so you're not going to see any benefit from moving to a $1000 operating system.

 

[stash]

I have a bunch of limitation as far as memory cap of 2Gb

XP Pro supports 4GB.

and it just doesn't feel that XP is using dual CPUs properly

Based on what?

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: bozilla
Hi guys,

I have Dual Xeons 3.6Ghz 64bit and 4Gb of ram. I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 now and I have a bunch of limitation as far as memory cap of 2Gb and it just doesn't feel that XP is using dual CPUs properly. I would expect a snappier performance out of XP in dual configuration, so I've consulted with few friends and we came to a conclusion that Windows 2003 Server configured as workstation would be far better optimized for my configuration. I also game, but I found a few complete guides of setting up Win2003 Server as workstation where DirectX 9 and all that works fine for games too.
Thank you for your responses.

XP is Windows 2003 in what your calling 'workstation mode'. 2003 is worse for foreground applicatoins (e.g. your games) and some technologies like UPnP support for games isn't available at all on 2003.

Stick with XP

Bill

 

[ND40oz]

I think you'd see a better benefit to moving to XP 64-bit or Server 2003 64-bit, since they support more memory addressing then the 32-bit versions. They're pretty much the same kernal, but you'd find better support for your gaming under XP. The only thing you have to worry about is if you run 16bit apps, as you won't be able to run them under the 64bit editions.

 

[djdrastic]

*Waves Hands like A Jedi Master *

Don't use 2003 , it by default gives priority to background services rather than interactive apps



*Don't*

 

[spherrod]

Stick with Windows XP