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General discussion

What kind of system do i choose for what I do?

by slowride45 Jun 11, 2009 4:15PM PDT

I would like to build a system that can be used for gaming, video editing, Photoshop, and some CAD. Questions:
To get a good system, do I have to move up to 64 bit?
What is the most durable system I can make with 32 bit?
[My main issue with the two are that many of my programs run on 32 bit and I really don't want to purchase the 64 bit versions, who knows if they're even available.]
Can I downgrade the system (windows XP Pro) efficiently and still get the most out of it, that is, if it was intended to run 64 bit OS?
I've seen a few barebones kits on tiger direct and newegg, are any of those worth getting?
Thanks for the help.

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Well... Here's what I suggest.
by FrankQC Jun 12, 2009 3:04AM PDT

You should really get 64-bit because with what you're going to be doing it will be useful to have more than 4gb of memory. If you want to use more than 3.5 to 4gb of memory, you will need to use a 64-bit OS so all of the gigs are registered rather than only 3.5 or 4 (that's the max a 32-bit OS can read).

To run 64-bit operating systems you need to get the 64-bit editions/versions of it. So, Vista 64-bit edition, etc. I don't think that you can buy XP at retailers anymore... I might be wrong, but that's what I heard a few years ago (that XP's is being taken off the shelves, and that Vista is in power). <I might be wrong> Google it.

You can run most 32-bit applications on a 64-bit EXCEPT hardware drivers.

I found this handy website: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

You should check it out.

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64 bit it is...
by slowride45 Jun 12, 2009 3:39AM PDT

Thanks for the info. I didn't know most 32 bit apps could be ran on a 64 bit system.

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Yes but as the site says...
by FrankQC Jun 12, 2009 3:47AM PDT

... Anti-virus might not work so, you might need to rebuy a 64-bit version.

Frank

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But the 32-bit application ...
by Kees Bakker Jun 12, 2009 3:54AM PDT

can only address 4 GB of memory. Well, that's a 1 hour movie to edit without ever going to virtual memory on disk. Should be enough for editing most home video's. Or some 1000 RAW pictures to edit simultaneously.
Why do you think you need more than 4 GB?

Kees

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Multitasking...
by slowride45 Jun 12, 2009 4:31AM PDT

Right now I'm running a Asus MOBO P4S800D-X (800MHx FSB, dual-channel DDR 400, AGP 8x), P4 HT @ 3.2GHz, 3Gb RAM, XP Home SP3, (1) AGP Sapphire HD3850, 1-200GB HD, 1-400GB HD.

Don't get me wrong, this is a fast machine compared to my old one, but from time to time when I'm multitasking, programs will freeze, or the system just starts running slow. I have turned off every program running in the background, checked for spyware, viruses, defragged...etc.

I've maxed out this mobo...the memory isn't that fast, and I don't even have PCI Express

I agree, 4 GB of memory is a lot, but my processor is a bit on the slow side by today's standard. Am I wrong?

Wouldn't a faster processor (Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 or Higher), faster memory, and a reputable PCI Express graphics card stop the lag?

I am on somewhat of a budget...I was hoping to get a few mobo, memory, GPU, recommendations and was thrown off by the 32/64 bit thing.
Thanks for the help

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