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General discussion

64-bit OS or not?

by Adi May 17, 2005 2:42AM PDT

I am getting a PC with an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ processor, but with Windows XP Pro. My question is, since this is a 32-bit OS, will I lose the point of having a 64-bit processor? Or will I still get better performance regardless?

I'm wondering whether to get the Windows XP Pro x64 edition, but it sounds complicated what with having to get 64-bit drivers etc., and that word "compatible", in reference to 32-bit programs, often makes me uncomfortable, as there can problems.

So, should I just stick with Win XP Pro? Will I still get a performance boost from having a 64-bit processor over a 32-bit one?

Or to utilise 64-bit power, do I need a 64-bit OS?

Thanks in advance,
Adi

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Simple. Use it.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 17, 2005 3:20AM PDT

Virtual Dub, today and for some time uses that 64-bit on good old XP 32-bit. For many applications there is little payoff for this 64-bit, but you'll find it in video editing and the big item... games.

Since so much is written about this, please start digesting...

Bob

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So XP 32-bit can use 64-bit?
by Adi May 17, 2005 4:04AM PDT

Forgive me if I'm being stupid here, but just to confirm, are you saying that 64-bit capabilities can still be used from the 32-bit OS? And hence not to bother getting the 64-bit version?

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No exactly.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 17, 2005 4:21AM PDT

XP-32 the OS can't get into 64 BIT mode. But the applications can. AMD has a Visual Studio add-on which allows programmers to kick it up a notch in this odd circumstance (AMD 64 and WinXP32.) I supplied just one application that does this today and is worthwhile to see in its glory. Well, glory may be a tad overstatement, but it does move better on 64s.

You would be hard pressed to find anyone tell you that email, word processing and "the internet" will run better on XP-64.

But I can take a safe bet, that JC (Joe Consumer) standing at the meat shop (uh, computer store) when asked if they want 64 or 32 bits will say "Uh, 64, that's more? Right?" Right.

The really interesting software will be what happens to games.

Bob

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Thanks
by Adi May 17, 2005 4:27AM PDT

Thanks for your help, I think I understand now. The main reason I wanted to go 64-bit is for the gaming improvement, so as long as they can still use the 64-bit power from a 32-bit OS, that's great.

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