XP 64, worth it?

[[R-DEV]Rhino]

Hey all.

At the moment I'm considering a upgrade to my system, one of these is moving to 64bit mainly so my system can use more than 3gbs of RAM, as right now, 75% of my system CTDs are down to me running out of memory when running multiple apps such as the BF2 editor, photoshop etc.

So ye, my main question here is, is Windows XP 64bit a good move? I really want to hear if any one here that uses it etc has any problems, a list of pros and cons would be nice too, and ye if any one can confirm the BF2 editor, 3DsMax, Photoshop and other programs like that all work smoothly on XP 64, as well as any bits of hardware that have problems via drivers with XP 64.

Cheers

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And Ive been thinking of doing the same as Im due to reinstall my OS soon, so to add to Rhinos question, is there some kind of 32bit compatability mode? Some programs that Ive got now, are 32bit ( eg 3ds Max ) - is there anyway to use that on a 64 bit system?

[[R-DEV]Rhino]

Originally Posted by [R-CON]space

And Ive been thinking of doing the same as Im due to reinstall my OS soon, so to add to Rhinos question, is there some kind of 32bit compatability mode? Some programs that Ive got now, are 32bit ( eg 3ds Max ) - is there anyway to use that on a 64 bit system?

I've heard of 32bit emulators thou not looked into them at all.

Thou I think 3DsMax9 supports 64bit? Autodesk 3ds Max 9 Supports 64-Bit
There might be 2 versions of it thou ie, a 32bit and 64bit version thou not sure there.

[[R-DEV]Deadfast]

There is the built-in WOW64 thing.

You don't have to worry about 32bit apps not working

[[R-DEV]Rhino]

Originally Posted by Deadfast

There is the built-in WoW64 thing.

You don't have to worry about 32bit apps not working

cool, take it that's just telling the shortcut or w/e to run in 32bit compatible mode ye?

[[R-DEV]Deadfast]

Originally Posted by [R-DEV]Rhino

cool, take it that's just telling the shortcut or w/e to run in 32bit compatible mode ye?

Nope, you just open the app

Windows does this by itself.

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That sounds cool - one question though - my vague understanding is that 32bit, by its nature cant use more than 4gb total, so if you use this app, does that <4gb limit come back into play?

If so, it would be kind of pointless for alot of the programs I use.

[[R-DEV]Rhino]

Originally Posted by [R-CON]space

That sounds cool - one question though - my vague understanding is that 32bit, by its nature cant use more than 4gb total, so if you use this app, does that <4gb limit come back into play?

If so, it would be kind of pointless for alot of the programs I use.

I'm not sure about that but on a slightly different note, my system can't use more than 3gbs on mine, I have 4gbs of RAM but if I put all 4gbs in my mobo, XP pro 32bit can only use 3gbs, but I've head if you use two sticks of 2gbs you can get it upto 4gbs, but I have four sticks of 1gb.

Also even if the app was running it in 32bit and couldn't use more than 3 or 4gbs for that app, then in theroy the rest of the memory that wasn't in use should be able to be used by other programs in 64bit?

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It uses the full 4gb, but that is the maximum it can detect ( or is it page? )

Half is used for running windoze and that leaves half for running apps, unless you use the 3gb fix, which means that the most RAM you can use for apps is 3gb under 32bit. Alot of programs still only use 2gb of RAM after applying the 3gb fix ( I think bf2 is one of them! )

If I moved over to 64bit, I would seriously consider buying 8gb of RAM, but if the WoW64 compatability app, had the 3gb limit too, then it would all be a bit of a waste - ( though Im sure I could lay my hands on a copy of 64bit 3ds max from somewhere )

PS - wheres all the R-TECs when we need them )

[[R-DEV]Rhino]

Ye, I've never been able to get over 3gbs thou with 4x1gb sticks.....

But ye, providing I can confirm the BF2 Editor, Photoshop and 3DsMax all can work on 64bit and or if you have to use the 32bit program thing, you can still use more than 3gbs I will defiantly be getting something like 8gbs.

Originally Posted by [R-CON]space

PS - wheres all the R-TECs when we need them )

ye, where are they? slackers