Upgrading to a 64-bit OS

[Skyceman]

Any of you tech heads out there have any advice for me?

Microsoft is running a promo for people buying a new OS. Basically you can get a free upgrade to your OS when Vista releases at the end of January. Since I'm planning on getting a new rig in the next few 3 - 4 weeks, I'm contemplating whether to go with Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit. The promo does not work if you are running 32-bit (to my understanding) and want to upgrade to 64-bit.

I'm a fairly big gamer and I understand the benefits of 64-bit but is it worth it right now? Should I just go with a 32-bit OS?

[kermitology]

Is your computer using a 64-bit processor? Or the one you have in mind? If not, I don't see why you'd bother.

Check this out for more on 64-bit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit

[Top Shelf]

Tough one, I run the 64-bit version of XP on my Athlon 3400. I love it, but it also took a lot of time and digging and googling to find proper drivers.

A few of my challenges:

- Logitech never did release a 64-bit driver for their webcams
- Cisco VPN client does not work on 64-bit
- My Sony CyberShot was tough to get going, but an obscure little fix seems to have worked
- I'm stuck with really generic HP printer drivers
- Since you're a gamer, and I am too, nVidia makes readily available video drivers
- Probably need to get new Antivirus software too. I found a version of Symantec that works, but it took a while to find

So x64 support is way better then it was, but there are still a few snags. Once Vista has been out there for a while, I would imagine most vendors will have proper driver out for that OS. Developers probably just didn't think it was worth it to write the drivers for the 64-bit version of XP, it's not a really popular OS even now...

I still really like it though, noticeable speed increases for me anyways.

TS

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by Skyceman

Any of you tech heads out there have any advice for me?

Microsoft is running a promo for people buying a new OS. Basically you can get a free upgrade to your OS when Vista releases at the end of January. Since I'm planning on getting a new rig in the next few 3 - 4 weeks, I'm contemplating whether to go with Windows XP 64-bit or 32-bit. The promo does not work if you are running 32-bit (to my understanding) and want to upgrade to 64-bit.

I'm a fairly big gamer and I understand the benefits of 64-bit but is it worth it right now? Should I just go with a 32-bit OS?

Just stick with the 32-bit version. The 64-bit version is a whore to get some things working on it. A lot of companies still haven't started putting out 64-bit drivers for everything. There also won't be a HUGE difference in speed/etc.

[teamchachi]

I really doubt you'll notice much in terms of a speed difference.

The big deal with 64 bit operating systems is the ability to address way larger amounts of memory. Not too big a deal for the average home user.

The limiting factor on performance for most people's systems is the disk subsystem anyway.

Throw in the fact that drivers are a royal pain... and it just isn't worth the headache.

Ask again in 2 years!

[Wookie]

What are you using now?

You could just buy the 64 bit, assuming it's cheaper then vista 64 when it comes out, and not install it until vista comes out, if it requires to even be installed. Use whatever you're using now.. or some other creative method and then...

I ran 64 for awhile.. it wasn't that bad, but no camera drivers, no printer drivers, there were a few other things (no norton, or other major AV, I used avast, and still do since going back to XP-32)

[Top Shelf]

Originally Posted by Wookie

What are you using now?

You could just buy the 64 bit, assuming it's cheaper then vista 64 when it comes out, and not install it until vista comes out, if it requires to even be installed. Use whatever you're using now.. or some other creative method and then...

I ran 64 for awhile.. it wasn't that bad, but no camera drivers, no printer drivers, there were a few other things (no norton, or other major AV, I used avast, and still do since going back to XP-32)

If you're still looking around for an AV, Symantec does have a version that supports 64-bit XP.

[BlackEleven]

I've been running a 64-bit Linux O/S for quite some time now. At first, it was extremely painful getting drivers to work and some apps quit working as well (evolution, my mail program). And there are still some things that are not supported. Fortunatley, I have a 32-bit box sitting right next to it that I can use. At this point, if it is your only machine, I would not recommend updating to 64-bit.

[Dirty Mr. Clean]

Windows XP 64-bit will running faster then 32-bit until you run an application on it. It will likely have to run it in a emilation mode since 99% of the applications are still 32-bit. Then those applications will run about 50% slower then they would have on the 32-bit OS. Right now it's not worth it for the home customer. It may be a different story on the server-side.

[Skyceman]

Thanks for the tips guys.

After reading your posts, I'm resolved to just go with a 32-bit version. Wait a year or two and then consider doing a clean install of Vista 64-bit. Maybe by the time 64-bit is truly being harnessed by software developers I'll probably have to upgrade again anyways

[cheung31]

Are you entirely sure that the 32-bit OS is not included in this deal?

Because all vendors and manufacturers currently are doing the "Express Vista Upgrade" program if that's what you're talking about, and 32-bit is included.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...ssupgrade.mspx

[Skyceman]

From 32-bit to 64-bit (from what I read) is where the deal doesn't qualify. For example, if you buy Windows XP 32-bit - you cannot get the Vista 64-bit upgrade - only the Vista 32-bit one. Same goes if you buy the 64-bit version.