Which Windows? Vista 64 or XP?

[mgpg89]

I need Windows to run apps like AutoCAD, Revit (3D modelling etc) for school and for some casual gaming at home (Far Cry 2 at the moment)

Should I run Windows Vista x64 or XP ?


My machine's got 4gb of RAM, what about that? I've read that XP can only support so much.

 

[timestoby]

vista 64 runs 4 gb i think. and i think 32 runs 3gb

 

[mgpg89]

vista 64 runs 4 gb i think. and i think 32 runs 3gb

so it would be a waste NOT to use windows vista 64?

 

[mgpg89]

any other opinions?

i did a search for some benchmarks and they all were pretty much the same, so i guess i should choose for the 4gb ram in vista 64, right?

 

[ayeying]

Anything above 3GB go with a 64-bit OS. You'll be able to use all of your ram. Unless you're using a Server based OS (Windows Server 2003 for example, can use 3.98GB in my tests on a 32-bit).

 

[sangosimo]

go with vista.

 

[nick9191]

Vista anyday. The 64 bit version is a hell of a lot better than the 32 bit version, and not only that but the SP1 release has turned it into a really nice OS.

One thing however, if you're going with Vista 64, check that all your gear has 64 bit drivers.

 

[mgpg89]

Vista anyday. The 64 bit version is a hell of a lot better than the 32 bit version, and not only that but the SP1 release has turned it into a really nice OS.

One thing however, if you're going with Vista 64, check that all your gear has 64 bit drivers.

How do I find out?

I installed Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit and installed every update except for the optional language packs etc ... I also installed Service Pack 1.

Do I have to install stuff like DirectX etc manually? Or is this included in the Windows Updates?

My machine gets a 5,5 in the Vista performance rating ... is that 5,5 on a scale from 0 to 10? (hope not)

 

[RickR WIN-TEAM]

Hello mgpg89, I work with the Windows Outreach Team and would like to offer you some advice. We definitely recommend that you install Vista for its Stability, security, and power saving. However the choice between 64 or 32 bit is going to be something you need to consider. As for your 4gigs of RAM, 32bit can only take advantage of up to around 3 gigs of that, but 64 can utilize up to 16 gigs of RAM. But the real question will surround the compatibility with your specific software you have mentioned. Many 3rd party software producers have been slow to update their software to run with 64bit Vista. We recommend you check the Vista Compatibility site to see if your various software, will be compatible. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Search.aspx?type=Software&s=autocad . If you cannot find the information on that webpage then we recommend you go to the Software’s support page and get updates. As for Gaming 64bit Vista is great for gaming and should provide you with an excellent Gaming experience.
Rick

 

[mm2u]

Why?

Why would you want Windows?

 

[Tex-Twil]

Why would you want Windows?

I guess he needs it for games.

I was also hesitating and finally went for Vista 64

 

[cg165]

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I need Windows to run apps like AutoCAD, Revit (3D modelling etc) for school and for some casual gaming at home (Far Cry 2 at the moment)

Should I run Windows Vista x64 or XP ?


My machine's got 4gb of RAM, what about that? I've read that XP can only support so much.

I would check those specific software sites and check the frequently asked questions if they support 64 bit vista. I've got a 2.53 unibody mbp and vista ultimate 64 bit flies and plays games very nice. I didn't want to waste money on an older operating system but if I already had a copy I would have used that. You can find vista home premium for about $100 on newegg.com just make sure it says 64 bit. I'd recommend 64 bit to anyone who has more than 3gb ram but that's my opinion.

 

[mgpg89]

Just installed Far Cry 2 on Windows Vista Ultimate 64 and it played pretty damn nice.

Although it said my GPU drivers were too old before the game started, the game ran perfectly.
(I tried to install the drivers from the Nvidia website but then I got some errors saying they weren't the correct drivers ... I chose the 9 series drivers for 64 bit windows ... those are the right ones, right?)

 

[Stridder44]

any other opinions?

i did a search for some benchmarks and they all were pretty much the same, so i guess i should choose for the 4gb ram in vista 64, right?

Vista 64 dude. Been running it on my early 2008 MBP since February (purely for gaming too) and it's been fantastic. XP is a dinosaur (XP 64 was never good to begin with).

All big companies do not go to vista. Its userinterface "redesign" is awkyard. Go for XP x64. Its -like vista ultimate- 64 bit and will use > 4GB (which a normal 32 bit XP can not). Youll not find all drivers on the MacOSX CD, but yu'll find them here: http://www.withoutink.com/technology/how-to-install-windows-xp64-on-a-mac-pro/

I installed XPx64 recently on a mac pro. Heres my story https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/588452/

Because all big companies = average consumer.

 

[stefanwoe]

Keep away from Vista

All big companies do not go to vista. Its userinterface "redesign" is awkyard. Go for XP x64. Its -like vista ultimate- 64 bit and will use > 4GB (which a normal 32 bit XP can not). Youll not find all drivers on the MacOSX CD, but yu'll find them here: http://www.withoutink.com/technology/how-to-install-windows-xp64-on-a-mac-pro/

I installed XPx64 recently on a mac pro. Heres my story https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/588452/

 

[fongyuen]

Just installed Far Cry 2 on Windows Vista Ultimate 64 and it played pretty damn nice.

Although it said my GPU drivers were too old before the game started, the game ran perfectly.
(I tried to install the drivers from the Nvidia website but then I got some errors saying they weren't the correct drivers ... I chose the 9 series drivers for 64 bit windows ... those are the right ones, right?)

i think you need a modded INF file in order to install the latest nvidia drivers on the mbp. i recently installed Vista 64 on my mpb and i'm very happy with the results. you can grab the modded nvidia drivers here:
http://laptopvideo2go.com/drivers/vista64/180.43
just dl the driver and modded INF file, then move the latter into the folder of the former, then install.

 

[ayeying]

All big companies do not go to vista. Its userinterface "redesign" is awkyard. Go for XP x64. Its -like vista ultimate- 64 bit and will use > 4GB (which a normal 32 bit XP can not). Youll not find all drivers on the MacOSX CD, but yu'll find them here: http://www.withoutink.com/technology/how-to-install-windows-xp64-on-a-mac-pro/

I installed XPx64 recently on a mac pro. Heres my story https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/588452/

XP x64 is a DISASTER since most stuff won't work. Vista is a step forward in 64-bit, yet also a step backward in Windows. XP x64 is based off the 5.2 NT Kernel, or Windows 2003 Kernel