Windows xp 64 bit

[Getback]

Is it worth it to get windows xp 64 bit? Any problems or advantages?

Thanks in advance.

[BaldEagl]

I don't know much but what I do know is that it will recognize more RAM than any consumer motherboard has available slots for (something like 64 Gigs or maybe even more) vs the 32 bit limitation of ~3-3.5 Gigs but it's not compatible with some legacy hardware and software ( but I can't tell you what it's not compatible with).

[Caz1]

Getback:

This advice pretty much goes hand-in-hand with what Bald already touched on:  For the sake of full disclosure I'll start by saying that I've never used Windows XP 64 myself, but I have had several peers who went to the trouble of getting it.  To a man, they've all complained about an ongoing, never-ending, litany of driver incompatibility issues.  It seems many 3rd party vendors either do not, or will not provide direct XP-64 driver support for their products.  Even Vista-64 is still grappling with this issue (though to a much lesser degree).

My suggestion would be that you first verify that there are XP-64 drivers for your hardware before you make any final decisions to take the plunge.  Doing so does not guarantee they'll provide adequate performance, but at least you'll know whether they even exist before you dole out your greenbacks for a copy of the OS.  If you have any "can't live without this" hardware, not having a driver for it would make your decision an easy one.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Yeah there's absolutely no sense in going 64-bit at the moment. All applications are 32-bit anyway and 64-bits brings zero performance benefits.

On the other hand 64-bits will bring you a huge potential for driver related problems and other incompatabilities. It's a no-win/lose situation.

I wouldn't go there.

[1701E]

I currently use a 64-bit and have never had any problems with compatability or driver problems...I've never used a 32-bit that i can remember so i can't say anything about it  .

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I currently use a 64-bit and have never had any problems with compatability or driver problems...I've never used a 32-bit that i can remember so i can't say anything about it  .

You have only 2.5 gigs of ram and still run 64 bit? Why?

[alskahawk]

 I use windows xp 64 and have had no problems. In windows xp 64 bit there is a option to use 32 bit (explorer) for programs.
 On another thread I think Skuzzy(?) said that the Microsoft will support xp pro until 2012? but not home or lesser versions. But thats not a factor this year. I doubt there is a performance advantage over the home version vs the 64 bit except that 64 bit recognizes more memory.

[1701E]

You have only 2.5 gigs of ram and still run 64 bit? Why?

I don't really need any more than that...maybe another gig but nothing much more than that.  Also mine runs 32-bit simultaneously as well.

[Getback]

Thanks all, I leaning towards not getting it. This comp runs very very well. I was thinking of putting in 8 gig of memory. That was the only reason. Seems us gamers always want more.

[Caz1]

I currently use a 64-bit and have never had any problems with compatability or driver problems...I've never used a 32-bit that i can remember so i can't say anything about it  Thumbs UP!.

1701E - Just to make sure I understand you - you're saying that you've never used, nor owned any copy of Windows before 2005?  If so, that's amazing dude.  Windows is everywhere.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I don't really need any more than that...maybe another gig but nothing much more than that.  Also mine runs 32-bit simultaneously as well.

You do realize that the only benefit you get from 64-bits is being able to see more than 3.5gigs of ram? If you run it with 2.5gigs it's like buying ugly expensive and uncomfortable racing tyres to a Ford Pinto.

[Skuzzy]

There is also one other side effect of the 64 bit version.  It uses more memory than the 32 bit version does.

If you want the best supported, most stable operating system you can get, then it is the 32 bit version of Windows XP.

[1701E]

Until XP 64-bit i was using Mac computers as i never played computer games (as crazy as that sounds).  But it matters not now my gaming computer with 64-bit on it died at midnight    trusty PC.  I currently am using my new PC (same specs as before) just with 32-bit  I guess it reached it's limit of gaming.

[eh]

I've been using XP 64 bit since I bought an AMD 64 3 years ago. After a year of putting up with driver issues and strange, unsolvable beeping at startup, I installed Windows XP Home on a second hard drive.

Long story short: the 32 bit version is superior to the 64 bit, which, for me, anyway, has become a monumental pain in the butt.