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32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:12 am
by Foxtrot
I am confused whether I need a 64bit OS for Intel dual core processor, which is a 64bit CPU I assume, or not. I know I want XP and not Vista, please advise which is better for gaming and general usage: XP Pro or XP Pro x64.
Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:45 am
by skier
RAM and compatability are the only things that are involved with 32 bit vs 64, if you want to use 4GB or more, then definately go 64 bit(which is less compatible with certain things(just a "less support for 64 bit things" type deal because less people use 64))
in general, 32 bit is the way to go, even though 64bit is the "path to the future" it lacks support as anyone will tell you as of now

Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:02 am
by stopthekilling77
Foxtrot wrote:I am confused whether I need a 64bit OS for Intel dual core processor, which is a 64bit CPU I assume, or not. I know I want XP and not Vista, please advise which is better for gaming and general usage: XP Pro or XP Pro x64.
i'd stay away from 64-bit XP Pro. a lot of discontent with that OS due to program incompatibility. Vista 64-bit has been much more accepted as far as i've been able to see, and i had no problems when i used 64-bit Vista Ultimate.
so general use, if you want to use 4Gb+ of RAM, go with Vista 64-bit
if not, then you'll be fine with XP Pro
that is unless you want to go Linux :D
Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 5:49 pm
by kappage
ok just, I Have to ask I have a E6850, on a 32bit operating system. If i went to a 64bit OS (most likely vista) would i notice any difference, in gaming. If i did this without putting more ram in of course.
Sry for thread Jacking by the way.
Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 8:39 pm
by stopthekilling77
kappage wrote:ok just, I Have to ask I have a E6850, on a 32bit operating system. If i went to a 64bit OS (most likely vista) would i notice any difference, in gaming. If i did this without putting more ram in of course.
Sry for thread Jacking by the way.
it'll be interesting to see if Nate has input for this (i'd like to know too)
Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 5:12 pm
by Zelig
stopthekilling77 wrote:Foxtrot wrote:I am confused whether I need a 64bit OS for Intel dual core processor, which is a 64bit CPU I assume, or not. I know I want XP and not Vista, please advise which is better for gaming and general usage: XP Pro or XP Pro x64.
i'd stay away from 64-bit XP Pro. a lot of discontent with that OS due to program incompatibility. Vista 64-bit has been much more accepted as far as i've been able to see, and i had no problems when i used 64-bit Vista Ultimate.
so general use, if you want to use 4Gb+ of RAM, go with Vista 64-bit
if not, then you'll be fine with XP Pro
that is unless you want to go Linux :D
My thoughts exactly.
kappage wrote:ok just, I Have to ask I have a E6850, on a 32bit operating system. If i went to a 64bit OS (most likely vista) would i notice any difference, in gaming. If i did this without putting more ram in of course.
Sry for thread Jacking by the way.
Probably not in any situations where it would be relevant.
ie. With settings cranked up in big Supreme Commander games, you run into limitations of the 32-bit architecture, and get crashes out of the game. However, it wouldn't be running at a playable speed if you got to this point in any case.
Re: 32 or 64bit OS for Intel dual core CPU?
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:34 pm
by ibleet
I doubt you will see any noticeable difference switching from 32bit to 64bit.