Help! 32 vs. 64 bit XP

S

Soupmaker

New Member
Im going to upgrade the RAM in my PC tomorrow. And I think its time to reformat my drives.

Should I use XP 32bit or 64bit. I have both, but not sure what to install.
I want to get the most out of my PC. I am self employed as an Arch. Tech.
So I do alot of CAD type work and also 3D.

Whats do you guys think? or dump XP and go with Vista?

I have read so many opinions my head is going to burst.

Help me out please:o
 
If you decide on a 64bit version of Windows the obvious answer is a Vista 64bit edition since that will see far more support then the XP Pro64 flop that should have been named ME II. That's one version that sadly lacked any real support from 3rd party sources for hardwares as well as softwares.

Many are either looking at the Ultimate or Home Premium 64bit editions when going for a 64bit OS. A 32bit edition will only see some 3-3.12gb out of a total of 4gb if you have that or more memory installed.

Note when first going to install a 64bit edition of Vista with 4gb of memory you will likely need to pull one 1gb dimm or one 2gb dimm of memory in order to see a successful installation with the new version. This is a known problem with large amounts of memory installed.

For working with CAD and other rather "memory hungry" not pc games types of applications you will want a look at Vista64 since the amount of ram can be increased as well as the new version seeing far more support. A 32nit can still use 4gb installed but simply wouldn't see all not taken by the board and mapped out to devices available for use.
 
If it has to be XP, go 32-bit, 64-bit XP had horrible driver support and looking for all them drivers is going to be a pain. However, I would recommend Vista anyways, there's a thousand reasons to go for Vista over XP, the only valid argument for getting XP over Vista is not having powerful enough hardware, but seeing as you have decent enough specs (I assume you're talking about the rig in your sig here), you may as well go Vista, and go 64-bit to make full of use of your RAM, 64-bit Vista has way better driver support so that should be no worry.
 
Im just curious why ppl say driver problems with Xp pro x64? I use Xp pro x64 and have hed minor issuse after the initial install. Which included modem drivers and sound drivers. But after these and aquiring the drivers I had absalutly no problems at all.

I run a milion Apps from Adobe Master 3 Collection, 3D max suite 2009, Sony Vegas pro,UT2004. and everything in between!

But all drivers I've needed are fine. But just componients I have installed fine.
Even bios drivers worked like a charm.

Anyways, just my 2 cents again :)

Id say go with Xp pro x64 if you want, and if you need drivers I can help you with finding the ones you need. I can assure you, you'll need sound drivers and a UAA drivers
 
The reason you are finding drivers now for XP Pro64 is due to it having been out for a little over 3yrs. at this point. Currently softwares still have to play catch up with just the 32bit editions of Vista.

It seems like with every version of Windows going back to the 9X family you waited for some time when upgrading to a newer version in order to see softwares and drivers that work. You were fortunate there simply due to your specific hardware/software requirements. For the next person that comes along and wants to run XP64? ut oh...
 
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