WinXP 64, can it handle 4 cores?

[newls1]

I'm using a fresh install of WinXP 64 SP2, and I have a quad core chip on the way to replace my E6600. Can WinXP 64 SP2 actually benifit from a quad core or not really?

[ChaosMinionX]

Certainly can :) Especially on programs that use more than 2 cores you will see a big difference. The OS will also split between the cores as well I believe...

[rogueagent6]

Remember, WinXP 64 is essentially a workstation version of Server 2003... Meaning they are of the same build and have the same kernel. For example, these are the three systems listed in my sig, BETA-BOX is my Windows Home Server:

Host Name: C2D-E6600
OS Name: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional x64 Edition
OS Version: 5.2.3790 Service Pack 2 Build 3790

Host Name: BETA-BOX
OS Name: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Server 2003 for Small Business Server
OS Version: 5.2.3790 Service Pack 2 Build 3790

Host Name: OPTERON-165
OS Name: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Version: 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600

Take a look at the OS versions and you will see that XP64 and Server 2003 have the same build, while XP32 is build 2600.

Even service pack 2 for Server 2003 x64 and WinXP 64 are one and the same. =)

Server 2003/WinXP x64 Service Pack 2 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=893fd6c0-6283-44c3-bb84-b2f0315b2ae6&displaylang=en)

[newls1]

so in therory, XP PRO 64 can handle a quad better then XP HOME?

[littleowl]

yes in theory pro 64 can handle a quad better because it has a newer kernel so made with better/newer technology

[newls1]

yes in theory pro 64 can handle a quad better because it has a newer kernel so made with better/newer technology

awesome! Thanks

[EvlUndrWareNome]

so if we have xp home, and cannot get the x64 upgrade for cheap, should we move on to say vista ?

[littleowl]

I am in no way an expiert but the way I view it is kind of like your chip! your chip is an amd 64bit cpu that don't mean it will not run 32bit apps. it just means that the app as to be able to use the 64bit arcatecture.

Kind of the same thing for your OS questions. Win xp/home was not made when there was 4 cores on a cpu so will it support it.? IMHO no it will not but then again yes it will! The OS will more and likely see the chip and run fine but will not utilize all 4 cores as well as the 64bit arcatecture. I say the best os to have would be vista 64 bit so it will take advantage of all 4 cores as well as the 64bit tech.

Than again I may be 100% wrong

[[XC] mysticmerlin]

If it is not for gaming and just work/crunching then Ubuntu 64bit is free and the best os for quads atm IMO.

[XSAlliN]

Actually at this moment Vista has the most advanced Kernel from Windows Class, as for XP - you should wait for a patch that optimizes the use a quad core in XP same as the one for Dual Core. Yet M$ could decide, not to release a similar patch since Quad Core could be another good reason to buy Vista. :shakes:

PS.It's true that Unix/Linux based OS (even Mac) have better support for Quad Core - it all depends on your necessity from a system like that. A Unix/Linux based OS could benefit a lot from a Quad Core if it's use as a server, on the other hand Windows present games have no support for this CPU and you might get a better performance with a Dual Core at a higher frequency. :rolleyes: