Windows 64 Help?

Question

I'm a novice computer user. I'm looking to switch over to windows xp 64bit. Because the processor i've got is an AMD AM2 64 X2.

Does the 64bit OS provide the same functionality as the regular? Will i get better processing power?

I will mainly use this computer as the house multimedia center to store all my music, movies, and other files that the other computers can pull from around the house via networking. Also its plugged into my HDTV for the main entertainment system.

Also, the price is that same for the two OS's.

Would this be a good option? Mainly just to utilize my 64bit Processor?

Answer 1

Just because you have a 64 bit processor, doesn't mean you should use it.

Windows XP x64 is not a terribly good thing to have. Whilst 64-bit systems do provide many advantages, including performance, they won't be taken advantage of unless the software you use is designed for 64-bit too. For example, playing the latest games on Windows XP vs Windows XP x64? No difference, unless the game is specifically for x64 (hint: very few software at all have 64-bit versions).

Aside from that, the minor advantages you may get in some situations, are somewhat counteracted by the instability of XP Pro x64 edition. The OS itself isn't that great, and the drivers for it aren't too stable either. As a home theater PC, the last thing you need is driver problems and frequent crashing.

Vista 64-bit, that's a different story; it's pushing x64 a lot further than XP x64, but even that is a long way from adequate stability (as is Vista 32-bit).

As for functionality; nothing. It's the same. Theoretically 64-bit systems can have more than 4GB of addressable RAM, which is the limit of 32-bit systems. But I've yet to see that limitation lifted by all but the most high end motherboards, or even fully supported by the supposedly 64-bit operating system either. But desktop users don't need that much RAM anyway (yet).

Just stick to XP 32-bit. You'll thank me for it.

Answer 2

I would strongly recommend against this. While it may make better use of your processor, for what you are doing you will probably notice no difference. More importantly, there is very little driver support for 64 bit operating systems. You may not be able to make some of your hardware work after installing it. In addition there are several software applications that will not run properly on a 64-bit operating system. Most software and hardware is designed and optimized for best performance on a 32-bit Windows platform. The 64-bit system is really designed for users who use certain types of professional software applications that are designed for a 64-bit system. If it is Vista you are talking about, then it will be even more risky. You might be able to get away with Windows XP 64 and have only a few minor issues.

I think it will be more trouble than it's worth.