Folks, I will shortly be building myself a new system. It will have a 64 bit Dual Core CPU. As I have the need to purchase a new OS and of course Vista is not with us yet, my qustion to you is do I go XP 32 bit or XP PRO 64 bit?The machine will be utilised using FS 95% of the time and I will be upgrading to FSX when that time comes. I have read with interest the pinned topic on 64 bit XP. It is a little old and I am now assuming that there are 64 bit drivers a plenty nowadays.I am unsure if FSX is a 64 bit application (or optimized to use 64 bit). Nevertheless, it is my understanding that there are number crunching advantages in using a 64 bit CPU and OS, regardless of how the application is written. As there is little price differance between XP PRO 32 and XP PRO 64, can I call on you knowledgeable folks here to guide me.Any assistance will be appreciatedRegardsJock (YMML)

Tricky question. For broadest compatilbility use XP Pro 32Bit. If you have checked in advance that drivers are available for all of your hardware, I'd say go for XP Pro 64Bit.Good luck,Pat

Indeed, you'll need to check whether your apps will work and drivers are available. Antivirus sw or printers to name examples. AFAIK, XP64 is based upon the win2003 core so there are minimal differences. In certain disciplines the feel is snappier (i.e. copying files). FS performance seems identical overall. One consideration could be available knowledge? XP32 knowledge is obviously widespread. Good luck and kind regards Jaap

Lifespan of X64 likely to be short, as MS will undoubtedly push hard for Vista. Not sure investing in a different OS right now is likely to be cost-effective, except for testing all the devices under 64-bit environment. No gain for FS though. Stick with XP32 for now, I'd say.Allcott

Zero gain with FS9 or FSX. Both are 32-bit program. Stick with XP32 otherwise you'll run into lots of minor issues that you didn't expect.Example: Divx and XViD have no 64-bit drivers.

>>Zero gain with FS9 or FSX. Stick with XP32 otherwise you'll run into lots of minor issues that you didn't expect.<< Do you have any proof or is this merely a personal experience? More infos or explinations are appreciated. Thanks and kind regards Jaap

Sorry about the delayed reply. I didn't see your comment.http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.aspSee Compatibility issues and other limitations from that review.

No worries, Loiosh. :-) And thanks, interesting read. Here's a thesis after reading Paul Thurrott's comments: Supposed somebody has compatible hardware, the following line would make me get the 64-bit version: >>Those hoping to upgrade should be aware of a few issues, too. 32-bit versions of XP can only be upgraded to 32-bit versions of Windows Vista. And Windows XP Professional x64 Edition can only be upgraded to 64-bit versions of Windows Vista (Business and above).<< Because of this: >>On the positive side, the x64 versions of Windows Vista are far more secure and reliable than the 32-bit versions.<< Security is great argument, isn't it? :-) I wonder what that "business and above" means..? I'm definitely not a "business or above!" Hmmm, it could equally suggest that if you can put your hands on Vista64, you'ld automatically be elevated to a 'business or above!' :-) That's a great investment! Buy five copies and you become a comglomerate! :-) Ten copies of Vista64 makes you a multinational... :-) Kind regards Jaap

I'm using WinXP x64 and it runs great on my rig (see signature). All the drivers are there (except the Creative SB Live! 64 bit driver is a beta version).Most 32 bit applications are running fine, FS runs without any issues, but I can't tell you about the performance difference because I bought a new system with that OS.Here are some of the issues I had after upgrading:- Beta driver version for my sound card, not WHQL signed.- Old antivirus didn't work. Bought a new 64 bit version.- Winzip & Winrar didn't have integrated shell menus. I solved this by downloading new versions, and they're both running normally now.Overall, I can feel that the system is more stable now, and communicates well with the CPU, using it more efficiently.That's all.Best of luck with your new system!Kinan

>I wonder what that "business and above" means..? I'm>definitely not a "business or above!" Hmmm, it could equally>suggest that if you can put your hands on Vista64, you'ld>automatically be elevated to a 'business or above!' :-) That's>a great investment! Buy five copies and you become a>comglomerate! :-) Ten copies of Vista64 makes you a>multinational... :-) >>Kind regards >>Jaap One-hundred copies makes you Secretary General of the U.N. and 500 copies makes you Grand Poobah of the Universe.One pirated semi-working copy makes you.... EVIL!!!!!!!!!:-sae Sorry. I'm soooo bad.~EwingKATLMSI K8N Neo2 PlatinumAMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHz2GB Corsair PC-3200 512x4 Dual Channel CL2.5 DDR DIMM eVGA nVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT 256MB DDR3Sound Blaster Audigy LSOCZ Powerstream 420WWinXPPro (SP1)