XP v. XP64 Question

[Anaxibius]

I am confused about something. I just purchased an AMD 64 x2 3800+ and it seems odd to me to run normal windows XP with this processor. But after reading more in the OS forum, it seems like not too many people are actually running the 64 bit version. Are there problems with running the 32 bit version? Am I missing out on something if I do? I am just a bit confused...64 bit processor without a 64 bit OS seems counter intuitive.

Help!

 

[mezrah]

64-bit windows is so new that there isn't a solid base of programs, drivers, etc specifically for it. The support is growing, but with windows vista around the corner, who knows how much support there will be in the long run for this os. There is nothing wrong with 32-bit windows xp. I wouldn't stress about it.

 

[dguy6789]

I was using X64 for a few months before I went back to the 32 bit one. If you have to ask, then you will not be one of the few who would benefit from 64 bit computing.

Windows x64 is a pretty decent solution, but there are MANY bugs in running existing programs on it. The 32 bit version of firefox will sometimes lose all settings and data, including bookmarks. MANY games will not run at all. The nforce drivers are STILL in beta. There is a TINY selection of antivirus programs to pick from. There is almost no printer and scanner drivers out yet, and owners of creative products may be completely out of luck depending on the sound card they own.

I will not be using my 64 bit version of Windows XP any time soon. I predict that by the time it is as close to perfection as it will get, that Windows Vista will be out.

 

[yukichigai]

Unlike dguy, I have had no problems with x64, save for the lack of Daemon Tools for x64. I have never had any problems with 32 bit apps. I even run Deus Ex -- a game 5 years old -- and it works great. (I do run it in 2k compatibility mode though) My HP printer has drivers built into x64, and all my onboard stuff has x64 drivers too. (nForce 4; nVidia and ATI have great driver support) x64, I have to say, is the most reliable OS I've ever run. Seriously. I've never had it crash unexpectedly, and I'm able to recover from freeze-ups and other nastiness almost all the time. The only time my computer ever restarts -- besides when I ask it to -- is when the power goes out.

With the stats listed in your sig the only thing I could see having a problem would be the Super Joybox. It may not have driver support at all.

 

[JackMDS]

First Step you have to access your Hardware and make sure that all the drivers are available.

If they are than you can use Win XP x64, otherwise it WinXP Pro Boring (x32) for you.

Second you to access what are you using the computer for since some Applications that are depending on the Core of the OS, would not work until they are rewritten for 64bits. As an example regular x32 Firewalls and AntiVirus program would not work with WinXP x64.

If your Hardware and generally used Games and Applications have No problem with x64 Really Rocks.

:sun:

 

[Schadenfroh]

Most of the problems i face (posting from XP64) could easily be fixed via software updates and drivers. I have no virtual drive software to mount my ISOs Nvidia has not updated my nforce3 drivers in over a year. My TV tuner card does not work. The only 64bit application i use is 7Zip 64bit version and it is not that much faster than the 32bit version. I cant use 64bit web browsers due to lack of Java, flash, and other plug ins. My favorite antivirus software does not work with xp64. I really wish microsoft would let me downgrade.

 

[Mesix]

I'm glad I went with a trial. It was great and I didn't have to buy windows for 4 months, but when it comes down to it..

Well, I bought XP Home today

 

[WebDude]

I've had a very positive experience with XP64. I've found drivers for all my hardware, and have encountered no software problems. She runs very stable. Now is there a performance benefit? So far, not really, not that I notice. I only have one small 64bit app, the rest are 32 bit, and I don't see much difference in their speed. I've gone with XP64 mainly because to my mind in the long run it will be a better OS, when more 64bit apps become available. Just trying to futureproof my install, as much as I can. But I can certainly understand why others would want to hold off in the meantime.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: WebDude
So far, not really, not that I notice. I only have one small 64bit app, the rest are 32 bit, and I don't see much difference in their speed.

You can get the sense of the Speed by comparing the IE 32 vs. IE 64 (both are installed by default in Win XP x64.

:sun:

 

[Mesix]

Things that don't especially like x64

A lot of those corny theming programs for windows
The drivers for my MIDI interface

That's about it.

 

[Farmer]

Anaxibius:

The AMD64 just has 64-bit extensions on the old x86-32 core, so, it can run in 32-bit natively, thus, it is a sort of hybrid 32-64 bit CPU (don't kill me on this one).

It will run 64-bit programs, but it runs 32-bit programs just as fast (and much faster) than equivilant 32-bit only processors from AMD and Intel. One look at any of the millions of benchmarks posted everywhere can tell you that.

So, don't worry. AMD is not stupid enough to release a 64-bit CPU that runs badly on 32-bit Windows at a time when almost every single PC user has a copy of 32-bit Windows. If that was the case, it would not have sold nearly as well as it has.

 

[xtknight]

I'm very happy with XP x64. Runs Quake 3 (PunkBuster works), Wolf: ET sort of (PunkBuster craps out in ET however), and Battlefield 2 (here PB works also). I have modern hardware so every last piece of it is supported, save for my TV tuner.