AMD Dual cores and OS

[Askar]

I'm planning to build my first AMD rig soon. Currently I have a P4 3ghz with a nice intel mobo. I want to step up to the big leagues. One of my main quiestions is about the OS. If I get a dual core like the Athlon 64 X2 4200+, do I need a 64 bit OS or is regular XP Home fine?

 

[Blind_Arrow]

I am using Dua-Core on regular Home and Professional. though I was thinking of 64-bit as well, but the minus points of 64-bit O/S are:

you wont be able to find all hard-ware drivers for 64-bit.

and, some 32-bit applications runs slower on 64-bit os. better to get sp1a+ so you'll get dual processor support, otherwise Home only support 1 processor. (not the case in xp-pro)

 

[aliasaid]

XP home will run just fine. due to compatibility hardly anyone uses 64bit OS.

 

[Askar]

I had heard there were driver issues and stuff. I just wanted to make sure that you don't NEED a 64 bit OS. I've been debating on whether to get a dual core or just go for the top single core I can afford.

 

[Nitestick]

but like blind arrow said xp home will require sp1 or sp2 to have multi-processor support. win2k and xp pro already have multi-processor support

 

[Askar]

I think if you go to buy a new copy of XP these days they pretty much come with sp2 now don't they? Seems like when I was on newegg earlier they all seemed to list sp2.

 

[aliasaid]

..maybe they weren't expecting you to "buy"...

 

[Askar]

Maybe not. I'm kinda funny that way I guess. I do have my last XP installed on at least 2 different computers, but I want to get a new one for my new rig. Maybe I shouldn't bother, but I probably will.