Win XP Pro 32 or 64 bit?

[krh1326]

Hello All,

I have a computard question(s) for you.

I have 2 computers that I am working on, so I have two ask this 2 times. I also have XP Pro 32 and 64 available to me.

System 1 is a QDI Superb 4FX-SiS 648FX+SiS 963 - 6AL mobo with a Pentium 4 (HT) 3.4Ghz with 3 gig memory.

System 2 is an ASUS M4N78 Pro mobo with an AMD Phenom 9600 Quad-Core 2.3 Ghz with 3 gig memory (room for ALOT more).

I am told that system 2 definately should have 64 bit, and various answers for system 1.

I have tried to research my own answers, but as I said, I am a real technological dinosaur, computard, but I am trying to learn. The definitions and explanations that I seem to find are way beyond my realm of understanding.

Any input and very basic explanations would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank You

[jdc2000]

One issue with Windows XP 64 bit is drivers. You would want to make sure you had 64 bit drivers for the hardware, printers, etc. that you will be using before deciding whether to use 64 bit or 32 bit XP on a system.

[Midknyte]

Both systems only have 3GB of ram, so i don't see a real need to run XP64. You should run XP32 because of drivers (as jdc2000 mentioned) and application compatibility.

[krh1326]

OK,
Thank you for that explanation.

I would love to load up system 2 with alot more memory. I want to keep playing high end games, as does my kids. My wife plays with several gigs of photos and continually running windows movie maker into the ground.

As for the drivers, this is where I start to go nuts. I have found sources that claim that the 64 bit os can utilize 32 bit app and such, if those don't have or can't support 64. Supposedly there is a folder in the OS called 84 or something like that. I have no idea. I have found evidence supporting both claims. I am searching still.

From what I have found, it seems that certain boards and processors can or cannot even run 64 bit.

In system 2, I have xp 32 for now for testing and fooling around, and it does not seem to be recognizing all of the mem. I do have 3 gigs total installed, and it reads 2.75 gigs in system props. Mem test show the sticks as OK.

So to this, I was told to run the 64.

If I am going to run system 2 on 64 should I run the 64 on both (for simplicity)? Can system 1 even run 64, or must it be 32?

Thank you again.

[Midknyte]

As for the drivers, this is where I start to go nuts. I have found sources that claim that the 64 bit os can utilize 32 bit app and such, if those don't have or can't support 64. Supposedly there is a folder in the OS called 84 or something like that. I have no idea. I have found evidence supporting both claims. I am searching still.

XP64 would emulate the XP32 environment aka Windows on Windows. Some apps are ok with it. Some will run slow. It's best to check with the software vendor first. If you are going to play a lot of games, I would stick to XP32 over 64.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WOW64

In system 2, I have xp 32 for now for testing and fooling around, and it does not seem to be recognizing all of the mem. I do have 3 gigs total installed, and it reads 2.75 gigs in system props. Mem test show the sticks as OK.

Sounds like you have onboard video. Part of the ram would be reserved for that. It has nothing to do with it being on XP32.

You need to be more specific with system1's cpu. Get the exact SSpec of the P4. CPUID can get that. Then you need to look up if that SSpec supports EM64T or not.
http://www.cpuid.com/

Phenoms are 64-bit compatible. If you're going to bother running 64-bit, then at least get Vista or Win7.