for gaming is xp better than vista????? need help?

Answer 1

Vista supports DirectX 10 so Vista is better as long as you are playing newer games (older games may not work). It also depends on your computer's capabilities; Vista consumes a lot more resources so you would need to make sure you exceed the minimum requirements for Vista. Vista Service Pack 1 is scheduled for release sometime in January, 2008.

I had XP and now have Vista and it works fine for me, so it just depends...

Answer 2

Well yes and no. Vista has the advantage of having Direct X 10 support but the reality is that very few games are designed for DX10 at the moment. Vista has also proven to be rather fickle when it comes to installing games and having them run properly, it isn't always an issue but it will probably come up. Vista, being a more intricate OS, also takes up more system resources like RAM which could otherwise be utilized for gaming.

At the moment I'd just stick with XP, and switch to Vista at a later date.

Answer 3

I personally think Vista is better because I have got two laptops. One running on XP and one running on Vista. I always play on games on my laptop with Vista. The only downside is that some games don't work on this OS. But sure enough, games production companies will bring out games for Vista. There are even some out now!

Answer 4

I'm attaching a copy of the Kim Kamando new letter that was posted this morning. It explains your question better then I can.

The right OS for a high-end gaming rig
I’m a serious gamer. I’ve built an awesome PC: a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad and two NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX video cards in SLI. I’m running 32-bit Windows XP Home, with 2 gigabytes of RAM. I want a 64-bit OS so I can add another 2GBs of RAM. Is there a 64-bit XP? No way am I going to Vista. It’s a frame rate killer for games. I play Battlefield 2, Battlefield 2142 and F.E.A.R. So, I need the speed and an OS that will handle it.

You certainly have built a smoking machine. That’s really what you want when building a gaming rig. New games push our PCs harder than any other program. And the games you play certainly do some pushing.

You are trying to max out your computer. To add the RAM, a 64-bit operating system is the way to go. Your 32-bit system probably could not take much more RAM. Its address-space limitation is too small. I have a tip that explains that.

Before making the switch, check your hardware. You’ll need a 64-bit compatible motherboard. Don’t forget to check your sound system, as well. In fact, you may need 64-bit drivers for several components. I can tell you that your processor and graphics cards are fine.

There is a 64-bit version of Windows XP. It is called Windows Professional XP Edition x64. I can’t recommend it. You’ll have a tough time finding drivers. Some of your existing programs and hardware may not work correctly.

When you upgrade, it should be to 64-bit Vista. Now hold on, don’t write me off just yet. I know you said there’s no way you’re switching. But there are some very good reasons you should. This is especially true for a serious PC gamer. I even have a fix for that frame rate issue you mentioned.

Vista comes in several different editions. I have a guide that’ll show you what’s in each.

A 64-bit version is available for all Vista editions, except Starter. Vista Ultimate is packaged with a 64-bit DVD. It is not packaged with any other edition. But Microsoft will send you the 64-bit DVD for free.

Like it or not, Vista is the coming thing. You wouldn’t think of installing Windows 2000 on your machine, right? It’s outdated. XP eventually will be outdated, too. Many companies, including game producers, will soon be writing specifically for Vista. Plus, your graphics cards were created with Vista in mind.

Moving to Vista is important if you plan to play into the future. Many upcoming games are being optimized for Vista. Some will even be Vista exclusives. Those you can play on XP will never reach their full potential.

Maybe most important, there's DirectX 10. This is a new graphics technology. It allows game makers to push graphics to a higher level. Graphics processing is faster. Developers can create more realistic environments. And they’ll populate your screen with more unique objects. It’s something to see. If you haven’t, do a Google Images search for DirectX 10.

Microsoft will not release DirectX 10 for XP. You can only get it for Vista. DirectX 10 will run fine on 32-bit Vista. Your RAM problem is the only reason to switch to 64-bit.

Specific graphics cards are needed for DirectX 10. Your GeForce 8800 GTXs are high-end DirectX 10 cards. In XP, your cards are not reaching their full potential.

I understand that you don’t like Vista. You’re not alone. Many gamers prefer XP. Part of it is resentment over being forced to buy Vista. But there have also been complaints of poor frame rates. Nothing kills a game session like a slowdown.

Microsoft is working with graphics card companies to provide fixes. NVIDIA keeps a list of updates and drivers for Vista. Several are targeted at issues causing low frame rates in games. They even target specific games with which players have had problems. These include Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2142. ATI has a similar list for its hardware. These lists are regularly updated.

Gaming on Vista occasionally has rough edges. But they are being smoothed out. The same is true of DirectX 10. PC game makers are still learning how to use Vista. There are a growing number of games made for it.

Only a handful of games use DirectX 10. One, Crysis, just came out. Alan Wake and Unreal Tournament 3 are on the way. Inevitably, the list will grow.

I don't see an immediate solution to your problems. It’s understandable if you want to wait until Microsoft resolves Vista's issues. I know some people have had problems. I know others who have not.

However, If you stick with XP, you won't get the full benefit of DirectX 10. In some cases, games may not play without DirectX 10.

I don't think 64-bit XP will help you much. You'll probably have a bunch of problems finding drivers. So, I'd stick with the current machine. It sounds like a first-class gaming computer. Watch the game reviews online. When Vista's problems are solved, you can switch.

Answer 5

I think Vista is better as it allows faster game play and better graphics (as a result of a higher level of occupied RAM and running speed), but because of the OS of Vista some of the older games might not work on this system. But other than that, there is not that much of a difference, especially if you are on a tight budget.

Answer 6

XP is better than vista full stop. you only need vista if you are running a extreamly large hard drive or twin quad core's or something like that.