Decision Time

[FZ1]

For my i7 build, I can install XP Pro (32 bit) or Vista (32 bit) business (got it free through school). Seems like most of the biggest issues with Vista have been worked out. I'd like to see what everyone thinks. For reference, I will be running the following core components:

i7 920 (shooting for ~3.6GHz)
Asus P6T
3GB Corsair Dominator 1600
9800GX2

[Alathald]

You can use the 32bit vista key to install 64bit and that's what I'd do...

[InspectahACE]

Ditto on what Alathald said...good thing is, I know some of those mobo vendors are releasing bios updates that let ya use the whole 1600 mhz speed on the ram..so that will be nice..

[FZ1]

You can use the 32bit vista key to install 64bit and that's what I'd do...

But then I would need to buy the 64bit version

[martini161]

well since you own the rights to use a copy of vista, be it 32 or 64 bit it be legal to just download it

[DMB2000uk]

Vista is the way to go

*shudder* did I just say that?

Dan

[Alathald]

But then I would need to buy the 64bit version

Nope, you'd just need to find/borrow a 64bit disk. You can use a 32bit key with 64bit and vice versa with Vista. martini has a good idea for acquiring said disk

[Skippman]

Vista 64bit.

My Reasons
DirectX 10
Sooner or later you'll want more than 3GB RAM
Why install something that may soon no longer be supported
64bit O/S

[KnightRid]

Vista 64 - like everyone said - just get a copy of a disc and you can legally use your key to install it. There used to be a way to get one from MS for a small fee, but I think that ended.

XP is outdated - you want to look to the future, not the past ;)

Mike

actually I guess they are still doing it - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1 ... fault.mspx

[FZ1]

Are there still al ot of driver issues with V64 though? Specifically, for NVidia and X-Fi sound cards?

[Illuminati]

I haven't seen any driver issues for a long time now from a major company... at least a year. Nvidia 64bit drivers are fine in my experience for basic functionality... but I don't have a lot of gaming variety on my vista systems. Check the manufacturer's sites for 64bit drivers and as long as they are recent, you shouldn't have any problems.

[martini161]

well realisticly what will you be doing with it?

[FZ1]

Normal stuff plus gaming, video/image editing (PS CS3), media encoding/ripping. Eventually i will pick up a blu-ray drive to watch movies on it.

[martini161]

no reason to go 64bit really then... personally i would go with xp pro

[Illuminati]

no reason to go 64bit really then... personally i would go with xp pro

Well, I'd twist that around and say no reason to stay with XP Pro then... when is EOL? Despite what you might think, 64bit is no harder to install or use than 32bit and can do all normal everyday work plus gaming. People should be asking "what reasons do I have NOT to go Vista 64bit", not "what reasons do I have NOT to go to with a 7 year old OS".

I'd say XP Pro should be off the table at this point. If Vista 64 scares you, then go Vista 32.

On a Core i7 with triple channel... you may find in the near future that you could use the extra three gigs (for a total of 6 gigs in triple channel) with the video converting and you'll be kicking yourself for not going 64bit from the beginning.

[martini161]

i have vista 64bit on my HTPC, its not so much that fact that its the 32 bit version then that its vista that i dont like. XP is very mature and works with everything, no questions asked. and personally im thinking about switching to 64bit linux for my HTPC

[FZ1]

I think I'll give v32 a go. My version of Photoshop CS3 is not optimized for 64bit which is what I use the most. This will tide me over until Windows 7.

[vicaphit]

I guess if you ever add more RAM you can switch to 64bit.

[Alathald]

TBH there is no real reason NOT to go with Vista x64, pretty much all the 32bit programs (including PsCS3) will run just as well on x64 as they do on x86 (faster if you have 4gb or higher ram) and the ones that are 64bit will run much better. I'd try to obtain a x64 copy of the install media and at least give it a shot, if you aren't satisfied you still have your original x86 (32bit) media to fall back on.

As KnightRid pointed out you can get the media for about $10 from M$ or free from many places online (eg technet if you're a subscriber or a torrent otherwise).

EDIT: erm, had a grammatical inaccuracy

[stopthekilling77]

TBH there is no real reason to go with Vista x64

*ahem*
"No real reason NOT to go with Vista x64"
(You're welcome Kyle )