xp 64 bit?

[shocker5304]

whats the difference between windows xp 32 bit and windows 64 bit? is the 64 bit worht it?

[rspassey]

Basically, x64 has the ability to run 64 bit applications and use the 64 bit computing capabilities of a 6 4 bit CPU. Whereas XP32 Bit does not. However, I recommend to stay clear of x64, as driver support appears to be a nightmare, and people claim to experience many more headaches than that it is worth. I have also seen many accounts where x64, which claims to be able to handle 32 bit applications also, doesn't not run them correctly. In my opinion, save your self the trouble, and go with XP32 bit (home or pro). Besides, at the moment, there are few average-user applications that would take advantage of 64 bit computing.

[shocker5304]

i am building a supergaming computer, will a 64bit OS give me a noticable performance boost?

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by shocker5304 i am building a supergaming computer, will a 64bit OS give me a noticable performance boost?

At this moment, I would say no... but, after the distribution of Windows Vista, I would expect to see an increase in 64 bit Computer Games.

[shocker5304]

so would it be good to get in the long run? does it hurt gameplay performance?

[jgis19]

Actually,I dual boot 32 bit & 64 bit and I must say I am impressed with Win XP 64 bit. Ifound all of my drivers,ie: Creative, ATI and chipset drivers. Runs NOD32,Spybot & Ad-Aware etc. I am not much of a gamer so I haven't tried any games yet,but all of the others applications I have tried run noticeably faster and smooth as silk.
Microsoft offers a free 120 day trial download,all they ask for is your feed back.

[shocker5304]

with that trial, is it safe to use? will it restore my old OS when its done? (my burner is broke)

[jgis19]

You need a CD burner a it is an ISO image. I dual boot so I put it on my secondary hard drive. It leaves the origional 32 bit XP install intact!

[doctorgonzo]

I've been using the trial. I don't know about what happens at the end, though, nor do I know anything about getting your old OS back.

I like Windows x64. I was able to find drivers for just about everything. The only real issue I have with it is that there is as yet no packet-writing driver for my DVD burner. Thus, I can't use a DVD-RW or a CD-RW as another drive; I have to burn things to it instead. Nero says that they will have a 64-bit driver "sometime." Other than that, all of my applications work, and they are very stable. Some experts say that the WOW64 subsystem (the system that runs 32-bit applications in 64-bit Windows) is more stable than plain old version of Windows 32-bit.

I'd check for compatibility if you have any unique apps first (there are lists out there), but if you are willing to give it a shot and don't mind hunting down drivers, it's not a bad idea.

[shocker5304]

im willing to try, im downloading it now so i have to update all my drivers if i install this?

[jgis19]

Yes you will need 64 bit drivers.

[shocker5304]

where can i find these drivers? drivers for what hardware?

[jgis19]

Go to the Mfg's web site,you will need drivers for your chipset,video card,sound card, printer & USB periphials, and probally some I can't think of off the top of my head.