do i need 64bit windows

[j12]

i'm gonna get an amd athlon x2 3800 and i was wondering if i had to install 64bit windows for my computer to function properly.
can someone reccomend me a good aftermarket fan for this proccessor. preferably (spelling?) under 30 bucks.

 

[UA_Iron]

No, 32-bit XP is probably ideal at this point.

stock heatsinks/fans on the AMD's work pretty well - get a good thermal paste and you shouldnt have any heat issues.

 

[TimBlanchard]

vista is gonna be 64 bit

 

[Saint71]

You wouldnt want the 64 bit version on xp anyway because its impossible to find drivers for all of your stuff. The 32 bit or xp pro is your best choice right now until vista comes out.