XP V. Windows 7 The Great Battle!

[Jmarcelo]

As glc and several others know I am building a more powerful computer than the one I have currently and after talking with a friend that works in the computer industry about my system specs he suggested that I get windows 7. He stated that XP only recognizes 2 gb of Ram and Also that XP runs slower because win7 is a 64-bit OS where as XP is 32. Is the extra amount of RAM recognized a better trade off for losing the ability of running legacy programs? And are there more shortfalls of regcognizing hardware in XP? Thanks for any answer!

[ChoboSeki]

Originally Posted by Jmarcelo As glc and several others know I am building a more powerful computer than the one I have currently and after talking with a friend that works in the computer industry about my system specs he suggested that I get windows 7. He stated that XP only recognizes 2 gb of Ram and Also that XP runs slower because win7 is a 64-bit OS where as XP is 32. Is the extra amount of RAM recognized a better trade off for losing the ability of running legacy programs? And are there more shortfalls of regcognizing hardware in XP? Thanks for any answer!

Windows XP 32bit will address a total of 4GB RAM. Your friend is wrong.

Windows XP 32bit will usually say (with 4GB installed) 3 GB to 3.3 GB of RAM. This is because the system allocates memory for other hardware such as the motherboard, video memory, PCI devices and memory mapped I/O.

Windows XP 64bit will detect and use up to 128 GB of RAM.

edit
Windows 7 is only 64bit if you install the 64bit version. There is a 32bit version.

As far as which is better for your system, I'd have to know the hardware specs.

For newer computers I would suggest Windows 7. If you have a 64bit processor I definitely suggest the 64bit operating system.

If you have an older computer under 1.6 GHz, I'd probably use Windows XP Pro 32bit with Service Pack 2.

[David M]

Additionally, Windows 7 has better protections against malware and attacks.

[ChoboSeki]

And more additionally, you can install Windows 7 and completely DISABLE the sidebar and setting the theme to Original, thus saving a lot of memory, enhancing performance.

[Jmarcelo]

http://www.pcmech.com/forum/build-your-own-pc/218242-new-cruncher-gaming-box-critique.htmlFor the parts use my first post for most things. The gnu changed to a 470gtx and my CPU is now a phenom II x4 970 black edition Deneb 3.5 ghz. Also after some research I'm going to go with the ultimate edition of win7 if there are any other points to be made. Now the question is to OEM or not to OEM

[David M]

Ultimate is rarely needed.
Windows 7 Pricing Buy Install Choose Edition Features Upgrades Offers

Get the OEM version, it's less expensive, otherwise you have bought an expensive box. Seriously though, the big difference is the OEM version does not come with tech support from Microsoft. You can get better tech support here, for free.

Get the 64 bit version if you ever think you may want more than 4 gigs of RAM....or just get it anyway if you want to run 64 bit apps.

[Jmarcelo]

Originally Posted by David M Seriously though, the big difference is the OEM version does not come with tech support from Microsoft. You can get better tech support here, for free. .

You are totally right! I was looking at the ultimate OEM on newegg and it only ran for 179.99 with free shipping.

If I have to compromise I I would go with professional. I honestly don't even think I will use bit locker so thanks for making that point.

[glc]

Unless you need XP mode, there's no reason to get anything more expensive than 7 Home Premium OEM.

[Jmarcelo]

I do need Xp mode....

[David M]

Originally Posted by Jmarcelo I do need Xp mode....

You might if you have some old software you need to run. If you find that you do you can always upgrade later.