I have both WindowsXP, and Windows64 disks. Which should I go with?
From Microsoft: Overview of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
If you're looking for large amounts of memory and improved floating-point performance for tasks that rely on real-number data, such as mechanical design and analysis, three-dimensional (3-D) animation, video editing and composition, and scientific and high-performance computing, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is designed for you. With its 64-bit processor, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition gives you access to greater amounts of memory while continuing to support 32-bit applications.
More memory, improved performance: The expanding data and performance needs of business, academic, engineering, and scientific organizations have pushed the limits and capabilities of existing information technology (IT) platforms. Millions of people worldwide need to access gigabytes or even terabytes of data in real time. The increasingly sophisticated demands for making home movies, working with digital photographs, using digital media, and playing 3-D games is also stretching the capabilities of existing 32-bit PCs.
Advances in processor technology that extend the capabilities of x86 architecture have brought the power of 64-bit computing to you. Now, you can use a 64-bit operating system to seamlessly run 32-bit and cutting-edge 64-bit applications. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition takes full advantage of this new architecture.
Comparing 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows: The major difference between 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows is memory support. With more memory, you can run more programs at the same time, and run more memory-intensive programs like multimedia, gaming, and database programs. And your computer's performance will be faster overall.
Currently, 32-bit editions of Windows are capable of supporting up to 4 gigabytes (GB) of system memory, with up to 2 GB of dedicated memory per process. Windows Professional XP Edition x64 currently supports up to 128 GB of RAM, with the potential to support up to 16 terabytes of virtual memory as hardware capabilities and memory sizes improve.
Another difference between 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows is the increased number of registers available on 64-bit processors. This enables faster performance for applications that perform intensive floating-point calculations.
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition provides faster performance, increased reliability, and greater flexibility to today's most demanding users. With Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, you can take advantage of the new 64-bit technology to improve your PC or workstation performance.
IP: Logged
04:57 PM
htexans1 Member
Posts: 9114 From: Clear Lake City/Houston TX Registered: Sep 2001
Xp for 64 bit systems will work, but it may be a problem finding drivers for video cards network (ethernet) and such. before you install 64 bit XP find all of your required drivers, or do what I did, I dual booted 64 bit and 32 bit windows for both 32 and 64 bit computing pleasure.
I put 32 bit on one drive, and 64 on another hard drive.
S.WIlliams
------------------ 1988 Fiero Formula T-tops CJB 143 of 1252 "factory T-top cars"
IP: Logged
08:19 PM
Sep 11th, 2006
DtheC Member
Posts: 3395 From: Newton Iowa, USA Registered: Sep 2005
Hay Boonie, can I have your 'old stuff', Sweet corn season is practicaly over but I might be able to find some good stuff hidden away. Right now I'm running a 650mhz P 3. Please help me out if ya can. I'm not worthy.
------------------ Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto. Turning white on top, like owner. Leaks a little, like owner. Doesn't smoke, unlike owner
IP: Logged
04:03 AM
Boondawg Member
Posts: 38235 From: Displaced Alaskan Registered: Jun 2003
Hay Boonie, can I have your 'old stuff'. Right now I'm running a 650mhz P 3. Please help me out if ya can.
All my 'old stuff' gets migrated down into my other computers. I'll have to see what's left when I get done "migrating". I might have a P4 -1.0 processor & motherboard when I'm through, tho. It ain't much, but would that help?
P.S. My new store-bought teeth don't work too good on that corn-on-the-cob!
[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 09-11-2006).]
IP: Logged
05:18 AM
Deabionni Member
Posts: 4088 From: Kalkaska, MI Registered: Mar 2004
If you can afford the SATA drive without breaking the bank, I'd get it. If not, then you can always add it later.
As mentioned earlier, the biggest problem with Windows64; are issues with finding correct drivers. If you have both versions of Windows, then I'd try the 64-bit version first. If you can get it working properly with all of your hardware, then great! If not, then reformat, and install the 32-bit version of Windows instead. As long as you have all of your data backed up, then the only thing you'd be out if it didn't work, would just be your time.
