I am in the process of doing research into computer parts to build a overclocked powerhouse computer with a 1500USD. One thing that I am really lost on is what OS I should get. I plan on building the computer in 3 stages...
Stage One
-CPU
-PSU
-MOBO
-GFX Card x1
-RAM 4GB
(will use my two 80GB hard drives for now)
Stage Two
-GFX Card x1
-RAM 4GB
-LCD Flatpanel Monitor x1
Stage Three
-LCD Flatpanel Monitor x1
-Hard Drive 500GB'ish (replace my 80GB slave with this)
-Physics Card (maybe still researching this one)
Right now I have a really low end computer that I watch movies on when I am using my main computer, for either making 3D graphics or playing MMORPGs or RPGs. I know that I really do not need at big a computer as I am building but I have the money so why not...
My quiestion comes in what OS would do me best. From what the information that I have read I will make a small table that gives the advantages of different OS. Can you please tell me if I am leaving something out.
Windows XP x32
-OS uses less RAM
-Can support up to 3GB RAM
-Easy to find drivers for
-Most programs are x32 based code
-Supports SLI
Windows XP x64
-OS does not use lots of RAM
-Can support more than 3GB of RAM
-Harder to find drivers than XP x32
-Most programs at this time can take advantage of x64 but a few can
-Supports SLI
? Can you still run 32 bit programs on this OS?
Windows Vista
*I do not really understand Vista to much I have never really played with it yet. If anyone knows a really good link that will help me understand the advantages to this over XP please post the links.
-Vista uses over 600MB RAM just sitting there.
-Hardest to get drivers for
-Does not support SLI
? Can it run both 32 and 64 bit programs?
If you can help with either links or advice on what information I do not know or am missing and the advantages/disadvantages that would be great. I am finding that picking the right OS is much harder than picking the best Hardware parts for my money.
Stage One
-CPU
-PSU
-MOBO
-GFX Card x1
-RAM 4GB
(will use my two 80GB hard drives for now)
Stage Two
-GFX Card x1
-RAM 4GB
-LCD Flatpanel Monitor x1
Stage Three
-LCD Flatpanel Monitor x1
-Hard Drive 500GB'ish (replace my 80GB slave with this)
-Physics Card (maybe still researching this one)
Right now I have a really low end computer that I watch movies on when I am using my main computer, for either making 3D graphics or playing MMORPGs or RPGs. I know that I really do not need at big a computer as I am building but I have the money so why not...
My quiestion comes in what OS would do me best. From what the information that I have read I will make a small table that gives the advantages of different OS. Can you please tell me if I am leaving something out.
Windows XP x32
-OS uses less RAM
-Can support up to 3GB RAM
-Easy to find drivers for
-Most programs are x32 based code
-Supports SLI
Windows XP x64
-OS does not use lots of RAM
-Can support more than 3GB of RAM
-Harder to find drivers than XP x32
-Most programs at this time can take advantage of x64 but a few can
-Supports SLI
? Can you still run 32 bit programs on this OS?
Windows Vista
*I do not really understand Vista to much I have never really played with it yet. If anyone knows a really good link that will help me understand the advantages to this over XP please post the links.
-Vista uses over 600MB RAM just sitting there.
-Hardest to get drivers for
-Does not support SLI
? Can it run both 32 and 64 bit programs?
If you can help with either links or advice on what information I do not know or am missing and the advantages/disadvantages that would be great. I am finding that picking the right OS is much harder than picking the best Hardware parts for my money.