XP or Vista and 32-bit or 64-bit

[irobot10]

I am building a new system for the first time. Which should be a better choice of O.S.?
1) XP vs Vista (both 32-bit)
2) XP vs Vista (both 64-bit)
3) Vista 32-bit vs Vista 64-bit

My system is -
Athlon 64 X2 5600+;
ASUS M2N32-SLI-DLX-Wireless;
2Gb 800MHz Corsair XMS2 (2x1Gb);
EVGA GeForce 8600GT 256Mb;
WD Raptor 150Gb & WD CaviarSE 320Gb;
OCZ GameXSteam 700W PSU;
Cooler Master CM-690 mid ATX case;
Samsung 226BW 22" Widescreen LCD.

 

[Psymon]

The only real reason to go with Vista 64-Bit is if you need to support more than 4 gigs of RAM. This is because the architectural limits of 32-Bit only allows it to read 4gigs.

Issues with 64-bit Vista are mostly...

- It requires that all device drivers be designed specifically for 64-bit and be signed.
- Doesn't support 16-bit programs. It can use 32-bit, but doesn't really provide any performance benefits in them. 64-bit programs will have performance increases but there aren't many of these currently.

Windows XP is a completely different story. 64-Bit there could be useful, and 32-Bit as we all know is already very stable and very utilized.

I'm currently using 32-bit Vista and can say that a lot of previous issues from the RC days are gone, and even though we still have a ways to go, it's a very good and stable OS.

If you are an extremely hardcore gamer (in all aspects) and want to use Vista anyways, I suggest a dual boot configuration with Windows XP. Make sure you install Windows XP and then Vista in this scenario.

At this point in the game, I would suggest doing what I did, and that is buying Vista Ultimate (contains both 64 and 32 bit) and using 32 bit now, but upgrading to 64 bit later once it is more utilized and supported.

 

[Build it Myself]

I just went with 64 bit vista because it will unfortunately be the future OS in the years to come, so I figured I'd have to get used to it sometime, might as well get a jump on it. I bought the premium 64 bit because I didn't see paying for the ultimate (which ran close to $300 for retail) so I just got an OEM 64bit for $110...I see it as a long term savings, and if I decide to upgrade in a few years, I'll call India (microsoft) and explain how I had a power surge that killed my mobo...

 

[JackMDS]

Technically Vista64 should be the choice.

However you have to least first what you are going to use on the Computer and make sure that it has versions thta are compatible with your version of the OS.

BTW, the retail version of Vista has both 32 and 64 on the same DVD.

 

[Build it Myself]

only the ultimate, the premium does not...

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Psymon
The only real reason to go with Vista 64-Bit is if you need to support more than 4 gigs of RAM. This is because the architectural limits of 32-Bit only allows it to read 4gigs.

Don't forget that Vista x64 also has improved security even over 32-bit Vista. That dastardly driver-signing requirement is probably NOT popular with rootkit writers

 

[balane]

Vista 64 bit is my first 64 bit operating system. I got it the very next day after release. I honestly expected the PC industry to jump on the 64 bit bandwagon and couldn't imagine everybody not wanting to go 64 bit. I was wrong, PC people are hanging on tough to their 32 bit lifestyle while the computing world advances around them.

I had a mere two driver issues with Vista 64 immediatly. Printer and scanner. Printer is now fine, the scanner never had a driver written for it.

Drivers are now stable and fast. My benchmark scores have finally caught up to my XP boot so it games fine. I've never had a recent program not run on it. I turned off User Account Control and required driver signing so I can install anything I wish.

I really like 64 bit Vista and am happy with my choice. I play a lot of games too. My vote is for everybody on the fence to go with 64 bit and help speed along technology and also force hardware manufacturers & software developers to embrace it.

 

[Psymon]

Yeah, it does have improved security, and yes, it is possible to get drivers and make it work, but not always.

In a general sense, 64 bit Vista still isn't very well supported, anyone will admit that. So the issues do exist, but if you research the drivers you need and the system you intend to build, you'll be able to decide if you can use 64-bit Vista or not. If you can, by all means, do it, because it is better once utilized.

 

[themisfit610]

I'd be inclined to agree. I've been on Vista x64, and the biggest issues I've run across

1) Creative's drivers are not up to par with their XP drivers
2) Slightly slower bottom line performance in gaming and other intensive applications
3) No iPhone compatibility (I had to setup XP in a virtual machine to get my iPhone activated (!))

Thats about it. I haven't had any trouble getting applications to run on x64, even specific stuff like virus scanners, cd imaging and burning software, etc...

- It requires that all device drivers be designed specifically for 64-bit and be signed.

True that drivers must be designed for 64 bit, but you can bypass mandatory driver signing if you need to. That's a very good thing!

The overall fluidity of Vista is very pleasing - provided you've got a strong CPU and lots of RAM (which you do). The performance difference is present, but negligible and very much worth the benefits in most cases IMO.

The DX10 issue is complicated. There's not much point still, with hardware mostly incapable of acceptably running DX10 - but that will change over the course of the next year.

The way I see it, you're better off making the switch, now that most of the issues with Vista have been addressed. We're all going to want it when DX10 is mainstream in a year or so - thus, it's to our benefit to get comfortable with the OS as soon as possible. I know from my perspective as an IT worker, it's worthwhile knowing Vista so you can support end users who had it reinstalled on their computers.

As an added bonus, the few 64 bit applications out there are indeed faster. Also, having access to the extra RAM makes virtualization very easy. Imagine running VMWare with multiple virtual machines on a quad core processor and 8 gigs of ram. No problem

~MiSfit

 

[0roo0roo]

over the long term 64 bit is the way to go. are you going to rebuy windows within 3 years?

 

[fleabag]

Actually if you want to use over 3GB, then you'll want a 64bit OS. I don't know how much driver compatibility has evolved for XP x64 but I can't imagine that Vista 64bit is any better.

 

[Roguestar]

I've used Vista x64 Ultimate for over six months now and I've never had a single issue, drivers or stability or whatever. Works perfectly fine for me. DX10, stupidly Vista-only games and >4GB RAM? No worries.

Of course, the price is the worst part, though getting mine for $30, completely legit was what sealed the deal for me . Highly recommended.

 

[biostud]

I think I would get vista64, but I still run winXP 32-bit and have absolutely no reason to upgrade since I don't have DX10 hardware, as it is the only reason to upgrade to Vista as far as I can see. So I'll probably stick with winXP for the next year or so.

 

[themisfit610]

I don't know how much driver compatibility has evolved for XP x64 but I can't imagine that Vista 64bit is any better.

Actually XP x64 is pretty much abandoned, except in a few niche areas. Vista x64 is definitely the focus of driver development as far as 64 bit windows desktop operating systems go.

Also, desktop compositing and SuperFetch are very good reasons to get on Vista

~Misfit