Windows XP or VIsta For New System?

Atrocities · #1 June 5th, 2007, 08:45 PM

If you were going to order a new PC, and you had the option to choose Windows XP, XP 64 (Assuming system is 64bit), or Vista what OS would you choose?

The devil you know is often the devil I opt for. In this case I know Windows XP sp2. But since everything is gearing toward Vista, wouldn't it be prudent to go with vista?

Choices choices choices.

This is roughly the system I am thinking about buying with some minor tweaks.

Suicide Junkie · #2 June 5th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Given those choices, I would go with Linux.

Atrocities · #3 June 5th, 2007, 09:04 PM

What do you think?

Quote:

$1595.00
-$80.00 rebate
$1515.00

CASE: CoolerMaster Stacker 830 Tower 420W Case W/ Side-panel Window
CPU: (Sckt775)Intel� Core� 2 Duo E6320 CPU @ 1.86GHz 1066FSB 2x2MB L2 Cache 64-bit
MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core Supports) Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select or Major Brand)
VIDEO CARD: NEW!!! NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 2: NONE
LCD Monitor: NONE
HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
Data Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive
Optical Drive: (Special Price) 18X DVD�R/�RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
Optical Drive 2: 16X DVD ROM (BLACK COLOR)
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

What do you think about water cooled CPU's? Never really considered one before. Are they dependable?

What about wireless net work cards? What is a good one?

Should I go with Vista, XP x64 (System is 64bit) or XP Pro?

Caduceus · #4 June 5th, 2007, 09:53 PM

Games are beginning (just beginning, mind) to be on Vista only, i.e. Shadowrun and Halo 2, XP still has some life in it, I'd get the XP Pro version so you can upgrade to Vista more easily (cheaply) in the future.

DirectX 10, etc will require Vista, if I am not mistaken.

And this is when the Windows haters come out of the woodwork...

But 90%+ of the world uses Windows, Vista will be required in the next few years. You can dislike that fact, but it is most likely going to happen.

Spoo · #5 June 5th, 2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Suicide Junkie said:
Given those choices, I would go with Linux.

Unless you want to play SE5...

Santiago · #6 June 5th, 2007, 10:28 PM

XP Pro would be my choice.

New copies of XP will stop being sold in 2008 but still supported til 2012.

Vista is nice and has some improvements but has hi system requirements is is full of conveniences but not essentials.

Vista will take at least a year to settle down. If you're happy with trying to keep up with all the driver updates especially video drivers, then go for it. Note: Nvidia drivers are loaded with bugs and there are several class action lawsuits being formed. Nvidia's "Vista Ready" just isn't. But about half seem to have some kind of problems and not just with games. Hardware too.

Microsoft did such a horrible job of working with vendors on legacy XP-Windows 2000 application-hardware compatibility that everything is up in the air. Don't expect windows vista drivers for hardware you already own until late 2007 at best.

Atrocities · #7 June 5th, 2007, 10:48 PM

Thanks guys.

XP Pro it is. Now which one? XP Pro or XP X64?

Since the system is 64 bit, should I go with the 64 version of XP?

DeadZone · #8 June 6th, 2007, 12:22 AM

I have a 64bit system, but Ive stuck to XP32bit, due to some hardware not having 64bit drivers (last I checked anyway, might need to relook)
But then, IIRC, some software has problems with XP64
So, look into making sure the hardware has 64bit drivers, and the software you use is known to work on XP64

Or maybe, Ive just been out the game for so long Im talking total rubbish

Suicide Junkie · #9 June 6th, 2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Spoo said:

Quote:

Suicide Junkie said:
Given those choices, I would go with Linux.

Unless you want to play SE5...

That's what my win98 box is for.

Thy_Reaper · #10 June 6th, 2007, 01:06 AM

The 32 bit version of XP has a lot more support for just about anything, and very few applications have embraced the 64 bit era. I'd suggest sticking with 32 bit.

Also, I see that you have a Core 2 Duo E6320 picked out.

If you do decide to go with the 32 bit XP, I'd suggest getting a Core 2 Duo E6600. From the quick pricing I did, it seems the E6600 is about $80 more, but runs at 2.4GHz compared to 1.8GHz. If you can upgrade to that and don't mind the little extra cost, that's a pretty significant speed increase.