Xp64

[spyblog]

Been thinking about upgrading to XP64 for my new gaming machine. Any opinions on that? Are the bugs worked out, are drivers readily available, will the performance gains be worth it, etc.?

Trying to determine if it's my best option or not. Thanks

[EzyStvy]

are drivers readily available-> Nope but getting better

will the performance gains be worth it-> Nope

[spyblog]

lol wanted to try something new but it seems XP64, WMC and Vista are all not that viable for now

[AnotherMuggle]

If you want to try something new then why not download a copy of a Linux Distro and install it on a seperate drive/computer.

That will give you plenty to play with!

[Xyphus]

I've been running a dual boot with Windows XP 32bit and Windows XP 64bit for about a year now. For most applications I haven't had any issues under XP64. Games are somewhat of a hit-or-miss however. Many of the current DRM schemes will not work under 64bit, so even if you can install the game, chances are the DRM will not work and you won't be able to actually run the game. There are exceptions to this. UT2K4, HalfLife2, and Far Cry all have 64bit versions. (either with a patch, or by replacing an executable). I haven't really noticed much of a difference in speed between 64bit versions or 32bit versions of the same game.

The 32bit games which will install and run under 64bit I have noticed either no real difference, or in some cases an actual reduction in speed and performance.

So, I would say until the OS has matured a little (especially with drivers), I would recommend staying with the 32bit version.

I personally really enjoy using the 64bit OS on a day-to-day basis running standard apps. It has been very stable for me. I haven't had an issue with drivers (other than most are beta) so far, but being an avid gamer, the OS just doesn't support gaming to a degree where I would switch over completely.

If you want to try out the OS before you buy, I think that Microsoft is still offering the time-limited demo version for download from their website. It is a non-crippled version of the 64bit OS, but it does expire after a certain length of time.

This way you could see for yourself if it is worth your investment. If you don't like it, you can merely just uninstall and be done with it.

[glc]

I recommend you wait for Vista and more 64 bit applications before doing a 64 bit operating system.