Vista

fLaT · 22 May 2008 at 17:13

First, apologies if this is somewhere else and I've been a complete noob.

I'm looking at formatting my PC and basically may as well upgrade from XP to Vista. I've AMD 64 X2 4400+ with 2gb of ram and 7800gtx graphics card. I just have a few questions;

Should I go for the 64bit version or are drivers still pretty poor?

I only need it for my PC, do I need to buy the Retail version or is the OEM ok? I don't really understand the difference other than the price :rolleyes:

Cheers for any help guys.

mr.sly · 22 May 2008 at 17:15

x64 drivers are fine, no reason not to use it. And if you want to upgrade to 4GB+ in the future, you'll need to be using x64.

If you're only using the copy on that computer, OEM is what you need. The only difference with a retail copy is that you can install it onto 3 different machines.

fLaT · 22 May 2008 at 17:19

thanks very much.

RJC · 22 May 2008 at 17:22

I would go personaly go 64bit, I'm running my main pc and media center pc on Vista 64bit without any problems.
Belongs you did want to run really old pheripherals you should be fine. But I would recommend checking the websites for drivers.

OEM software is cheaper because it can only be used on the motherboard it was originaly activated on, you can upgrade all other parts, part from the motherboard.
The board dies and the warranty has expired then the license will expire.

Retail allows you to upgrade all parts without any problem belongs you only ever running one instance without breaking the EULA rules also you get Microsoft support weres oem your the support for the software.

Hope the above helps

Rob

fLaT · 22 May 2008 at 17:44

i know this is a software thread but i'm thinking of upgrading my ram alongside with the os upgrade.

i've got 4 slots on asus sli premium, currently using 2 with 1gb corsair 3200 (200mhz)

any recommendations of 4gb of better quality ram? or should i just add to the 2gb?

(i game a lot btw)

Burnsy2023 · 22 May 2008 at 17:55

2GB Ram isn't bad, but upgrade it to 400mhz stuff.

Burnsy

hp7909 · 22 May 2008 at 18:01

I'd make sure your mobo is fully compatible with Vista (especially X64). I got Vista (32bit) & had all kinds of issues with a Socket 939 mobo. Response from the manufacturer regarding supporting Vista was that mobo wasn't built for it :mad:

There were/are workarounds on the internet but eventually forced to upgrade no thanks to lots of BSODs

Also, goods luck finding 4GB DDR Ram let alone cheaply!