Windows XP x64

[Gamingphreek]

I am running XP Pro on my desktop and Ubuntu Linux on my Tablet PC. I will be running Ubuntu w/MCE on my Media Center PC.

The time has come for me to reinstall my main computer; however, I do not want to go to Linux completely. I have school programs that require Windows (and my Tablet doesn't have the resources for a constant VMWARE session).

In you guys experience, are the 64bit drivers mature enough, and will most every program run on x64 windows just as well as 32bit? I want to run the 64bit version of windows, but I need to verify that everything works just as well as 32bit before I convert my main machine.

Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[Thraxen]

Any specific programs you're worried about? I recently built a new Vista x64 based computer and everything seems to be running fine. I haven't had any issues with any programs or hardware drivers. But I really haven't installed that much yet... just basic stuff like Office, WinRAR, FlashFXP, Speedfan, Newsbin, etc... Then I also installed games like Crysis, BioShock, Mythos, and UT3. All run fine.

[edit] Oops, just noticed that you said XP x64 in the topic title. Can't help you much there.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Well, I believe I will be using MatLab again. Also my schools custom copy of the incredibly inept BlueJ program has to run (programming). Any other CS course programs need to run fine.

Games aren't too much of an issue as I don't have much time to play them anymore, but CoD4 sticks in my mind as something that I want to make sure runs.

The thing keeping me from Vista is that it just was so bloated and slow last time I used it which is why I want to stick with XP (Also for school programs compatibility).

-Kevin

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Well, I believe I will be using MatLab again. Also my schools custom copy of the incredibly inept BlueJ program has to run (programming). Any other CS course programs need to run fine.

Games aren't too much of an issue as I don't have much time to play them anymore, but CoD4 sticks in my mind as something that I want to make sure runs.

The thing keeping me from Vista is that it just was so bloated and slow last time I used it which is why I want to stick with XP (Also for school programs compatibility).

-Kevin

I can understand you being concerned about software compatibility,you can always dual boot, as to Vista x64 COD4 runs,so far I have tested about 60 games in Vista x64(99% are 32bit games) with no gaming issues,I even went a bit crazy and installed Starforce drivers with no issues.

Vista x64 will run a lot fo 32 bit software just fine.
Drivers are not an issue for me,just remember they need to be signed drivers for Vista x64( even most beta drivers are signed).

My games list well most of them (pasted,yeah I'm lazy ).

BG+exp pack
BG2+exp pack
Icewin Dale
Icewind Dale 2
Master of Orion 3
Stalker
KOTOR
KOTOR2
UFO-Afterlight
Morrowind+exp packs
Oblivion + Shivering Isles
Spellforce 2 Gold with Starforce drivers(even Starforce can't put a dent in my Vista x64 stability ).
Space Rangers 2
Prey
UT2004
Hellgate London
Two Worlds
Painkiller Overdose
Sid Meier's Pirates
Steam games(CS,DoD,TFC etc..)
Bioshock
Might & Magic 8
WoW+exp pack
Silverfall
Mythos(beta online game)
Jericho
UFO-Extraterrestrials
Jedi Academy
Jedi Outcast
Starcraft + Brood wars
SWG
DarknLight
LOTRO
Vanguard
9 Dragons
Archlord
Deus EX
Deus EX 2
Dungeon Runners
Jade Empire
The Witcher (uses TAGES drivers)
XCOM-Enforcer
UFO-Alien Invasion
NWN + all exp packs
NWN2 + MoB
NFSU2
SpaceForce Rogue Universe

 

[Gamingphreek]

I may just consider headed over and picking up my student copy of Vista Ultimate then....

I'm just concerned about leaving XP completely behind-- especially since we have to use a mapped network drive to one of the schools servers (CS Project)-- I'm not sure how IPv6 protocols and all will handle that...

-Kevin

 

[HannibalX]

XP 64 is essentially 2003 Server 64, keep that in mind. Certain apps that specifically want "XP" (like Microsoft's Zune theme) won't install on XP 64.

If you are going 64, go with Vista. XP 64 is really a "incomplete" product, rushed to market to fill a product gap.

 

[Canterwood]

Originally posted by: Pale Rider
If you are going 64, go with Vista. XP 64 is really a "incomplete" product, rushed to market to fill a product gap.

What an absolute load of utter BS.

Honestly, there seems to be more crap written on these forums about XP x64 than even Vista, and thats saying something! :roll:

The only thing lacking from XP x64 was proper driver support from vendors in the early days.
That being said, most major vendors produced decent x64 drivers in the end.

Other than that its a very 'complete' product which works just as well as Vista x64 imho.

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
I'm not sure how IPv6 protocols and all will handle that...

They aren't used unless they are needed. Mapping a drive in Vista works just fine when connecting to xp or 03R2.


From my expereinces with XPx64 check all the manufactures for drivers, out of the box Vistax64 was better prepped driver wise. I still have a few things that don't have XPx64 support and supposedly never will.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Ok-- I believe the server we map to is running Server 2003.

I don't think I can run 64bit Vista. For some reason, my school, Virginia Tech, only offers the 32bit Enterprise and Ultimate versions. I wonder if there is anyway I can get MS to send me a 64bit version of Ultimate.

-Kevin

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Ok-- I believe the server we map to is running Server 2003.

I don't think I can run 64bit Vista. For some reason, my school, Virginia Tech, only offers the 32bit Enterprise and Ultimate versions. I wonder if there is anyway I can get MS to send me a 64bit version of Ultimate.

-Kevin

I tried and it has been a NO-GO for me.
I just dumped x64 after two years of usage and going for Vista64 in one of my older gaming rigs.
My advice: Stay away from x64 since it's simply a MS's step child and its been a painful experience for me finding a wireless USB that works with it.

 

[Modelworks]

Ignore all the xp x64 bashing, they love to do that here, and try it out for yourself for free:
http://www.microsoft.com/windo...64bit/facts/trial.mspx

 

[Modelworks]

Originally posted by: Canterwood

Originally posted by: Pale Rider
If you are going 64, go with Vista. XP 64 is really a "incomplete" product, rushed to market to fill a product gap.

What an absolute load of utter BS.

Honestly, there seems to be more crap written on these forums about XP x64 than even Vista, and thats saying something! :roll:

funny isn't it. Any thread that mentions xp x64 is loaded with comments on how x64 is bad , evil, doesn't work and you must use vista, its god like !

I like vista some and xp x64 as well.
guess people can't stand variety.

 

[rudder]

Why do you need XP64? I upgraded to Xp64 just to be able to use more ram. Since the OS was free and I would have had to pay for Vista64 I gave it a go. Its been decent. Mostly work with photoshop and do some gaming. The only issue I have had is with my Cisco vpn client that I use for my day job. It does not work.. but does not work under vista 32 either. It could be I just need to get the latest client... but other than that I have had no issues. You need to check what devices you have and see if the drivers exist. My printer works but it is using beta drivers which will probably never be updated.

 

[Madwand1]

XP-64 support is not at the top of Vendors' priority list these days. While you might be able to easily get by in some cases, what matters is your own hardware -- check it out in detail beforehand to find out if each of the vendors (chipset, video, printer, etc.) have supplied drives.

You can also try it and see.

http://www.microsoft.com/windo...64bit/facts/trial.mspx

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Ok-- I believe the server we map to is running Server 2003.

I don't think I can run 64bit Vista. For some reason, my school, Virginia Tech, only offers the 32bit Enterprise and Ultimate versions. I wonder if there is anyway I can get MS to send me a 64bit version of Ultimate.

-Kevin

GEt a copy of Vista x64 from someone or place and use the key from your purchased x32 edition you bought. If you try to get a cd from MS (if you can) they will charge you for the cd also.

 

[Gerbil333]

Go with XP Pro.

Vista 64 is evil. I've been running it since December. MATLAB works fine, though.

 

[Griffinhart]

Originally posted by: mooseracing

GEt a copy of Vista x64 from someone or place and use the key from your purchased x32 edition you bought. If you try to get a cd from MS (if you can) they will charge you for the cd also.

Well, let's be clear, they charge you shipping and handling for the media. $10 or so in total.