Windows 64 Bit - Is it worth it

fluiduk · 29 Jan 2006 at 16:36

Hi All

Getting close to my monthly windows reinstall, grr!

I now have an opteron 64 bit and was thinking of swtiching to 64 bit Windows. What are peoples thoughts?

Do 32 games and apps work ok on it?

Cheers
Aaron

Firegod · 29 Jan 2006 at 16:56

Would also be interested in this.

Is there anywhere which documents the pro's of the 64-bit OS? I'll see what Microsofts site says...

daven1986 · 29 Jan 2006 at 16:57

i have it, all apps work fine except maybe virus checker - can use avast! and firewall - I use nvidia one. if all your hardware is supported (google for windows 64 compatability list) i'd say get it, is solid and fast.

Firegod · 29 Jan 2006 at 17:01

^ Just found this from Microsoft regarding 32-bit apps...

"Windows XP Professional x64 Edition provides a rich platform to integrate 64-bit applications and existing 32-bit applications using the Windows on Windows 64 (WOW64) x86 emulation layer, providing customers with the ability to move to 64-bit computing without having to sacrifice their existing investment in 32-bit software and Windows expertise."

So Fluiduk, I guess they will still work.

Otacon · 29 Jan 2006 at 17:02

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17515184&highlight=64bit+faq

Covers enough.

Blood Hawk · 29 Jan 2006 at 17:03

Would it not be better to wait for the upcoming Windows Vista (sp?) version. Assuming you have a copy of XP already of course.

fluiduk · 29 Jan 2006 at 17:05

Vista wont be out for ages, you now what microsoft are like lol

Firegod · 29 Jan 2006 at 17:08

Blood Hawk said:
Would it not be better to wait for the upcoming Windows Vista (sp?) version. Assuming you have a copy of XP already of course.

...and I'd be waiting a few months until all the bugs are ironed out. Perhaps when an initial SP is released then i'd upgrade.

lordedmond · 29 Jan 2006 at 19:17

I run xp64 bit

provided you can get the drivers that you require its ok runn 99.99% of apps/games ect

But if I were you download the trial from Microsoft.com its free you get the key in the email from them. then you can decide at no cost legallly

but I would just sit tight untill Vista hits the ground

pabloB · 29 Jan 2006 at 19:30

fluiduk said:
Hi All

Getting close to my monthly windows reinstall, grr!

I now have an opteron 64 bit and was thinking of swtiching to 64 bit Windows. What are peoples thoughts?

Do 32 games and apps work ok on it?

Cheers
Aaron

Wow you reinstall every month? It's your call but is that neccessary?

Good Q though as I was wondering the exact same thing!!!

matt100 · 30 Jan 2006 at 14:11

I'm using it currently.. seems ok although I don't seem to be able to get a new version of msn to work properly and there were a few apps I had to go and get updated versions of (most notably vlc player which was fine on 32 bit but screeched and garbled in 64bit, an update sorted that though).

It certainly seems solid etc but not using any dedicated 64bit software I am sort of at a loss to see any benefit. I'd certainly say it's more miss than hit.. ie more effort finding drivers/small but niggly compatibility issues for pretty much 0 benefit over xp pro 32.