DX10 Games Vista 64 Quicker than XP32

[Siron]

I played Crysis in XP Pro with all settings on HIGH at 1600x1200 without any serious problems. I just installed Vista Business 64 on a third drive. I was leery at first given all of the bad posts here but I am pleasantly surprised. it's very quick compared with XP (although not as quick as OSX) and I had no problem with drivers as the OSX disk has all that you need
I installed Crysis and after finding the 64 bit executable file in the folder launched the game again. I play with all settings on VERY HIGH at 1600x1200 with very good frame rate. I've read that DirectX 10 allows more of the CPU to be used and uses the GPU more efficiently. The difference in the graphics quality between DX9 and DX10 is noticeable.
As more games come out with DX10 support then Vista 64 becomes more of an attractive option for games (particularly Business which can use all 8 cores and all installed RAM).
Alan

 

[iFizz]

Which version of Vista is best for the 1st Gen Mac Pro (2+2 processor chipset)?

 

[Siron]

Which version of Vista is best for the 1st Gen Mac Pro (2+2 processor chipset)?

I'm not familiar with the earlier Mac Pros but if you use a version of Vista other than Business or Ultimate it will:

1. I don't think you will see more than 3GB of RAM
2. Not use more than one CPU

If you get the OEM version (which I highly recommend) the difference between Home and Business is not much.

 

[iFizz]

Thanks for the info. In your opinion, pros and cons of Business vs. Ultimate? Anyone else care to comment? I see in a lot of PC mags the gaming PCs come with Home [EDIT] Premium.

 

[Siron]

I chose Business 64 because I don't need all the bells and whistles of Ultimate (Media Edition, free future programs etc.). Vista Ultimate 164 OEM is $190 and Business 64 OEM is $139 (all online from ZipZoomFly.com). Home Premium does not support dual (or quad) CPUs (but does recognize dual cores). You will need this to take advantage of the Mac Pro.
Alan

 

[yellow]

but if you use a version of Vista other than Business or Ultimate it will:

1. I don't think you will see more than 3GB of RAM

I think this is more based on 32bit vs 64bit OS.

IIRC, the 32bit version won't see more than 3GB.

 

[Siron]

yellow
Yes your are correct on that. After I purchased XP Pro 32 I realized I'd made a mistake (but had opened the box so couldn't send it back). I bought Vista Business 64 bit and am very happy I did.
Alan