"New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64?

jonw9 · 01-06-09, 11:45 AM

SO my desktop PC died, and instead of buying a new one, I (nifty03

) is just assembling some components for a new one.

Basically it is used for basic stuff, some office, Internet, itunes, very mild photo editing.

Anyhow, the CPU I ordered is an AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103255

I can get a (legitimate) copy of either XP pro, SP3 or XP 64 for the same price.

Will there be any benefit of using a 64 bit operating system. I will be running 2-1 GB of RAM, and probably won't be upgrading anytime soon.

Update: It appears I can also get Vista Business, SP1 or 64 as well. I am familiar with Vista, as it is installed on my notebook, but I am unsure about "business".

Nifty03 · 01-06-09, 01:08 PM

You're Nifty03? Then who am I?

Vista Business pretty much has some backup stuff added and the Media Center stuff removed, I see little difference between Business installed on my Desktop and Premium installed on the wifey's laptop.

jonw9 · 01-06-09, 08:47 PM

When I say "I am" I meant "you are"

I guess nobody has an 32 vs. 64 opinion.

Jay G. · 01-06-09, 08:50 PM

Vista Business is basically the Vista counterpart to XP Professional. It has some added features beneficial to a business/professional environment (like joining domains, group policy, backup, and remote desktop). Business doesn't have the Media Center that Vista Home Premium does, and I think you lose DVD Maker.

Here's a comparison graph from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...s/default.aspx

When you buy Vista, you get a license and key that applies to both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The retail versions of Vista typically only come with an install disc for the 32-bit version, but you can request the 64-bit version disc from Microsoft for a $10 shipping fee:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...s/default.aspx

If you buy an OEM version of Vista Business or Ultimate, you can "downgrade" it to XP Professional (32-bit or 64-bit), although you'll have to have an XP Pro disc, since Microsoft won't supply one to you:
http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2007/09/2...r-vista-to-xp/
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...rencesheet.pdf

So to sum up: Buying Vista Business 32-bit gives you a license for 64-bit Vista Business, although you can only request a 64-bit disc for the retail version. If you buy the OEM version of Vista Business, you can install XP Pro instead, if you have a disc, and can upgrade to Vista later, either 32-bit or 64-bit.

So of you have ways of getting a XP Pro install disc and 64-bit Vista install disc, Vista Business OEM offers the most options.

As for which version you should start with, XP 32-bit is the most compatible version out there at the moment. Vista has made in-roads in compatibility and stability since it's release though. If going 64-bit, I'd go straight to Vista, since being 64-bit breaks enough compatibilities that XP 64-bit doesn't offer any advantages aside from familiarity. 64-bit does offer some performance advantages aside from the larger memory address space, provided you're running 64-bit apps. The availability of hardware drivers is possibly the biggest concern.

If you're recycling any hardware from a previous PC, including external hardware like printers, check to see if there are drivers for the version of Windows you're interested in. Microsoft has a Vista Compatibility Center that will tell you if a given software/hardware is compatible with Vista 32/64 bit:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/

Lateralus · 01-06-09, 10:27 PM

I don't see any performace upgrade going with the Vista 64-bit. I use 64 bit at work and I use 32 bit at home and they both run the same speed. The only issue I have seen with a 64 bit system is that I can't use the Cisco VPN client with a 64 bit operating system.

fumanstan · 01-06-09, 10:32 PM

Yeah, I have the same Cisco VPN issue on my 64-bit Vista install at home.

I use 64-bit because I have 4 GB of RAM, but otherwise for basic stuff 32 bit is probably fine.

jonw9 · 01-06-09, 10:56 PM

Cool, thanks for the info.

I can get licenses for all 4 versions. I think I will go with the Vista 32.

It sounds like nothing the PC will be used for will benefit from 64.

al_bundy · 01-07-09, 08:19 AM

64bit is for running apps that need more than 4GB of RAM. we have win 2003 x64 servers with 32GB of RAM and might upgrade to 64GB this year. for the desktop there are very few apps where you need 64 bit

jonw9 · 01-07-09, 10:50 AM

Thanks. I was seeing if there was any other benefit for the 54 beside the RAM.

GHackmann · 01-07-09, 01:22 PM

On AMD and Intel chips, some apps run faster when they're built for 64-bit than when they're built for 32-bit. Mostly specialized stuff like Matlab and Photoshop. It doesn't look like you're running anything that's going to benefit from going 64-bit (and probably most of what you run won't even be available in a 64-bit version).

wmansir · 01-07-09, 03:36 PM

Probably the biggest benefit to users who with under 4GB is that 64 requires signed drivers. All it means is that the driver author must digitally sign their drivers with there own certificate or pay for MS's WHQL testing and then MS will sign it. It can be bypassed, although not easily, and because devs can sign it themselves it doesn't necessarily mean the driver are of better quality, but it does help keep the riff-raff out and ensure everyone is on best behavior.

EDIT: I moved from Vista Business 32 to 64 a few months ago and aside from a power supply hardware failure it's been very stable. More so than the 32 bit version although to be fair I had been running that install since launch. But still, I did or rare occasion get a BSOD early on and I haven't had a peep with this install. My 32 bit install came to an end when after a restart one day it just went to BSOD on bootup, despite many hours of troubleshooting that install would never boot again.

There are a few software issues but if 64 remains this stable I'll gladly make the tradeoff.

01-06-09, 11:45 AM	#1
jonw9 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: On the banks of the Red Cedar Posts: 9,001	"New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? SO my desktop PC died, and instead of buying a new one, I (nifty03 ) is just assembling some components for a new one. Basically it is used for basic stuff, some office, Internet, itunes, very mild photo editing. Anyhow, the CPU I ordered is an AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103255 I can get a (legitimate) copy of either XP pro, SP3 or XP 64 for the same price. Will there be any benefit of using a 64 bit operating system. I will be running 2-1 GB of RAM, and probably won't be upgrading anytime soon. Update: It appears I can also get Vista Business, SP1 or 64 as well. I am familiar with Vista, as it is installed on my notebook, but I am unsure about "business". __________________ "Damn straight! Today the mad scientist can't get a doomsday device, tomorrow it's the mad grad student! Where will it end?!" - Professor Hubert Farnsworth Counting down to: I buy a premium membership 998 years 11 months 27 days 19 hours 47 minutes 33 seconds Last edited by jonw9; 01-06-09 at 12:15 PM.

01-06-09, 01:08 PM	#2
Nifty03 DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Waiting for the Zombiepocalypse Posts: 1,978	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? You're Nifty03? Then who am I? Vista Business pretty much has some backup stuff added and the Media Center stuff removed, I see little difference between Business installed on my Desktop and Premium installed on the wifey's laptop. __________________ Not another funny Signature. Steam Community: Nifty03

01-06-09, 08:47 PM	#3
jonw9 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: On the banks of the Red Cedar Posts: 9,001	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? When I say "I am" I meant "you are" I guess nobody has an 32 vs. 64 opinion. __________________ "Damn straight! Today the mad scientist can't get a doomsday device, tomorrow it's the mad grad student! Where will it end?!" - Professor Hubert Farnsworth Counting down to: I buy a premium membership 998 years 11 months 27 days 19 hours 47 minutes 33 seconds

01-06-09, 08:50 PM	#4
Jay G. DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 6,033	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? Vista Business is basically the Vista counterpart to XP Professional. It has some added features beneficial to a business/professional environment (like joining domains, group policy, backup, and remote desktop). Business doesn't have the Media Center that Vista Home Premium does, and I think you lose DVD Maker. Here's a comparison graph from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...s/default.aspx When you buy Vista, you get a license and key that applies to both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The retail versions of Vista typically only come with an install disc for the 32-bit version, but you can request the 64-bit version disc from Microsoft for a $10 shipping fee: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...s/default.aspx If you buy an OEM version of Vista Business or Ultimate, you can "downgrade" it to XP Professional (32-bit or 64-bit), although you'll have to have an XP Pro disc, since Microsoft won't supply one to you: http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2007/09/2...r-vista-to-xp/ http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...rencesheet.pdf So to sum up: Buying Vista Business 32-bit gives you a license for 64-bit Vista Business, although you can only request a 64-bit disc for the retail version. If you buy the OEM version of Vista Business, you can install XP Pro instead, if you have a disc, and can upgrade to Vista later, either 32-bit or 64-bit. So of you have ways of getting a XP Pro install disc and 64-bit Vista install disc, Vista Business OEM offers the most options. As for which version you should start with, XP 32-bit is the most compatible version out there at the moment. Vista has made in-roads in compatibility and stability since it's release though. If going 64-bit, I'd go straight to Vista, since being 64-bit breaks enough compatibilities that XP 64-bit doesn't offer any advantages aside from familiarity. 64-bit does offer some performance advantages aside from the larger memory address space, provided you're running 64-bit apps. The availability of hardware drivers is possibly the biggest concern. If you're recycling any hardware from a previous PC, including external hardware like printers, check to see if there are drivers for the version of Windows you're interested in. Microsoft has a Vista Compatibility Center that will tell you if a given software/hardware is compatible with Vista 32/64 bit: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/

01-06-09, 10:27 PM	#5
Lateralus DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Valley of Megiddo Posts: 8,337	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? I don't see any performace upgrade going with the Vista 64-bit. I use 64 bit at work and I use 32 bit at home and they both run the same speed. The only issue I have seen with a 64 bit system is that I can't use the Cisco VPN client with a 64 bit operating system. __________________ (Lat's 2009 book list) (Lat's 2008 book list)

01-06-09, 10:32 PM	#6
fumanstan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 22,216	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? Yeah, I have the same Cisco VPN issue on my 64-bit Vista install at home. I use 64-bit because I have 4 GB of RAM, but otherwise for basic stuff 32 bit is probably fine. __________________ XBox Live: Fu Man Stan "I've never derived "joy" from either comicbooks or torture porn, so you can imagine how I feel about the mainstream marriage of the two in The Dark Knight" - baracine

01-06-09, 10:56 PM	#7
jonw9 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: On the banks of the Red Cedar Posts: 9,001	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? Cool, thanks for the info. I can get licenses for all 4 versions. I think I will go with the Vista 32. It sounds like nothing the PC will be used for will benefit from 64. __________________ "Damn straight! Today the mad scientist can't get a doomsday device, tomorrow it's the mad grad student! Where will it end?!" - Professor Hubert Farnsworth Counting down to: I buy a premium membership 998 years 11 months 27 days 19 hours 47 minutes 33 seconds

01-07-09, 08:19 AM	#8
al_bundy DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Transfatfreeville Posts: 22,216	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? 64bit is for running apps that need more than 4GB of RAM. we have win 2003 x64 servers with 32GB of RAM and might upgrade to 64GB this year. for the desktop there are very few apps where you need 64 bit

01-07-09, 10:50 AM	#9
jonw9 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: On the banks of the Red Cedar Posts: 9,001	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? Thanks. I was seeing if there was any other benefit for the 54 beside the RAM. __________________ "Damn straight! Today the mad scientist can't get a doomsday device, tomorrow it's the mad grad student! Where will it end?!" - Professor Hubert Farnsworth Counting down to: I buy a premium membership 998 years 11 months 27 days 19 hours 47 minutes 33 seconds

01-07-09, 01:22 PM	#10
GHackmann Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 582	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? On AMD and Intel chips, some apps run faster when they're built for 64-bit than when they're built for 32-bit. Mostly specialized stuff like Matlab and Photoshop. It doesn't look like you're running anything that's going to benefit from going 64-bit (and probably most of what you run won't even be available in a 64-bit version).

01-07-09, 03:36 PM	#11
wmansir DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Land of the Lobstrosities Posts: 5,880	Re: "New" PC Build, XP 32 or 64? Probably the biggest benefit to users who with under 4GB is that 64 requires signed drivers. All it means is that the driver author must digitally sign their drivers with there own certificate or pay for MS's WHQL testing and then MS will sign it. It can be bypassed, although not easily, and because devs can sign it themselves it doesn't necessarily mean the driver are of better quality, but it does help keep the riff-raff out and ensure everyone is on best behavior. EDIT: I moved from Vista Business 32 to 64 a few months ago and aside from a power supply hardware failure it's been very stable. More so than the 32 bit version although to be fair I had been running that install since launch. But still, I did or rare occasion get a BSOD early on and I haven't had a peep with this install. My 32 bit install came to an end when after a restart one day it just went to BSOD on bootup, despite many hours of troubleshooting that install would never boot again. There are a few software issues but if 64 remains this stable I'll gladly make the tradeoff. __________________ wes Last edited by wmansir; 01-07-09 at 03:46 PM.