Windows XP and 64bit Processors

[zxnet2k]

Still quite new to this so apologies if its a dumb question

I was just wondering whether 64bit processors are a huge improvement over their 32bit counterparts - and also whether windows xp professional is able to support a 64bit processor - I heard a rumour that it was only Vista that was able to do this?

[0iD]

XP Pro won't notice whether you have a 64 bit processor or not, unless you use XP x64. It will work fine. It's limitation is mainly in memory addressing, where you're limited to 3gb with x32.

[shaithis]

Both XP and Vista have 64bit versions that take advantage of 64bit CPUs.

32bit versions of both will quite happily work on 64bit CPUs.

There aren't many gains from 64bit computing, except for the ability to address over 4GB.....32bit OSes are slowly becoming obsolete due to todays RAM requirements.

[Agent]

Normal XP won't use any of the 64bit features. You need a 64bit OS for that

This means that Vista 32bit will also not use the additional 64bit features. Unless you have a reason not to, go with Vista 64 when you plan to upgrade (or wait for Windows 7 )

[zxnet2k]

Thanks for the responses

Initially I'm planning to install XP Pro, and then as suggested get Windows 7 when available.

I'm planning to mainly use the system for gaming and graphic design, would I notice much of a difference when using XP Pro 32bit than if I upgraded to XP Pro 64bit?

[Funkstar]

I was just wondering whether 64bit processors are a huge improvement over their 32bit counterparts - and also whether windows xp professional is able to support a 64bit processor - I heard a rumour that it was only Vista that was able to do this?

I'm planning to mainly use the system for gaming and graphic design, would I notice much of a difference when using XP Pro 32bit than if I upgraded to XP Pro 64bit?

The Vista vs XP issue when it comes to 64bit isn't the ability to work on 64bit hardware (both have 64bit versions) it is that developers were never forced the make their applications or drivers work with XP64, but to gain Vista certification, they either need to provide a 64bit verion or at least make sure their 32bit code will work as well on a 64bit system.

As the others have said, both the 32bit and 64bit versions of Vista or XP will run just dandy on a 64bit system. But you will have a lot less compatability issues with Vista64 over XP64.

For games you might still have better compatability and performance from running 32bit XP (others can agree or not on this, I'm not a gamer). Graphic design apps should benefit from the higher memory available under a 64bit OS though. If you install the full 4GB or more that is.

[zxnet2k]

Just to clarify - does that mean that XP 32bit will only be able to use 4gb of RAM memory, regardless of the amount installed?

[shaithis]

Just to clarify - does that mean that XP 32bit will only be able to use 4gb of RAM memory, regardless of the amount installed?

Worse then that. It can only "address" 4 GB, that includes things like the various ROMs and RAM that are installed on things like your graphics card.

You can quite easily end up with ~2.5GB useable from 4GB with a decent gfx card installed and a 32bit OS.

[Agent]

Just to clarify - does that mean that XP 32bit will only be able to use 4gb of RAM memory, regardless of the amount installed?

It's actually a bit less than 4gig due to the way memory is address in 32bit (Search the forums for this, loads of info on it ). In some cases where other devices have a lot of addressable memory (like graphics cards with lots of memory) it can reach around 3gig or less with this taken out.

So yes, you're always limited to 4gig minus the addressing space for other stuff on 32bit. If you want to use 4gig or more, go 64bit

[scaryjim]

XP x64 had a serious lack of driver support from what I remember (I put it on a machine I built for my stepdad a few years back and remember waiting for months for HP to do 64bit drivers for the mutlifunction he had). Vista (and Windows 7) x64 seem to be much better supported, presumably for the reasons that Funkstar mentioned.

The other thing to consider is what upgrade paths Windows 7 might or might not let you follow. For instance, I strongly doubt you'll be able to a straight upgrade from Win XP 32bit to Windows 7 64bit - you're likely to need a fresh install. Whethre you'll be able to upgrade directly from Win XP 64bit I don't know. You should be able to upgrade from Vista 64bit, but that would mean laying out on Vista 64bit now. It might be as easy to get the Windows 7 RC and just resign yourself to another day reinstalling everything when you buy 7 proper...