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Okay, maybe a dumb question, but I tried searching Microsoft's website to determine the answer and was still unsure.
I am looking at building a new rig, but this time I want to use an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor. I want to purchase a new copy of Windows XP (so I remain legal), however I am unsure if I have to go with Windows XP Pro x64 or if just a normal version of Windows XP Pro would suffice.
Do I get any benefits from going the x64 route?
You can install either version of Windows onto a 64-bit Athlon. But you'll only get the full benefit of the 64-bit CPU if you install the 64-bit version of Windows. There is no downside, as you can stiull install 32-bit apps without any problem onto Windows 64bit. Just make sure you can get 64-bit drivers for all the hardware before comitting yourself.
If you've got to purchase a new OS, I'd say go with the 64 bit version. It's where the world is headed, but like sparks said, make sure you have the drivers first in hand.