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View Full Version : A quick couple Vista x64 Question



JPeitzman
04-16-2007, 01:15 PM
1. Is Vista x64 going to start to see better program and driver support compared to XP Pro X64? I am a XP Pro x64 user, I love it, I have to say it is one of the best OS's I have used, with some minor glitches. I never really had a problem with driver issues, except for my printer, but did have some program problems. The main place was with anti-virus software, and a few games. Is Vista x64 going to bring about a movement to go 64-bit AND multi-threaded?

2. This is mostly pertaining to the first question, but is there a reason for me to switch right now? I am mostly worried that Vista x64 will get left in the dust, and Vista (normal 32-bit) will get all the latest and greatest software and drivers. I had Vista Ultimate RC1 and RC2 for a while, they where the 32-bit versions just because at the time I was guaranteed driver support on the 32-bit RC's....well mostly. I would like to stay 64-bit though (for reasons explained below), I just don't know if now is the time to switch, any thoughts?

*Reasons I want to stay 64-bit*

1. There is a speed up in some programs, or atleast a perceived one. Things like Photoshop CS2 seemed to get a boost, though like I said, it could just be a mind trick.

2. Both Far Cry and Half-Life 2 support x64, hopefully there will be others soon. Though I am not sure it isn't just something that could have been added in 32-bit...Far Cry with the x64 patch and content pack looks awesome. Aside from maybe running a little faster I don't know if there is really a difference in HL2.

3. I have actually considered going to 4GB of RAM in the next year or so, hopefully DDR3 (so 08/09 at the latest). I don't really OC much so I think I can deal with 2T and the lower max OC speed. If I do though I want to be able to see it all, and as far as I know x64 is the only environment that will allow that.

4. I like being the only one in my group of good friends/summer LANers that runs something other than XP Pro...I am vain...what can I say :)

Wolfsburg18
04-21-2007, 01:49 AM
Have you considered duel or multi boot? Right now I am running XP Pro x64, Vista Business x64 and Novell Linux.

I think it is really going to be choice, personally I don't worry much about a virus as I have changed my set up so many times I can't really count.. so much most of my sig is out of date and I am just too lazy to fix it but really. A separate HD for each boot... aka just wipe a HD and set up your Multi-boot all over again.

Just a thought

Frostbyte
05-02-2007, 02:54 PM
Dual boot is the way to go. AND it will impress your friends! ;)

The driver issue is obviously huge, and a roadblock to acceptance now, but I do think it is getting better. Vista x64 driver standards are higher than XPs requirements, which is good and bad. Bad because it is more difficult to get WHQL drivers out if you are the vendor, but good (actually GREAT!!) once they are out there. Much higher quality and better security (no default Admin access). I saw Creative Labs getting bent over by not providing decent Vista x64 drivers, and after the outcry they are trying harder. I think that surprised them.

Frostbyte
05-02-2007, 03:03 PM
btw, a good place to read up on some of the VIsta requirements is here:

http://http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/drvsign/drvsign_perOS.mspx

Frostbyte
05-02-2007, 03:04 PM
Sorry, misposted link. Here you go:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/drvsign/drvsign_perOS.mspx