Game compatibility with Windows XP64?

[batai37]

Hi all,

Just got another 2x1gb of memory for my new system, for a total of 4x1gb. I'm currently running Windows 2000 Pro SP4, which I'm generally happy with except it doesn't recognize all 4gb of my memory...it only recognizes 2.5 although the BIOS does properly see all 4096mb. Although according to M$, Win2k is supposed to support 4gb total, I've read a number of posts in other forums that users have problems getting Win2k (and XP 32 bit for that matter) to see all 4 gb.

My question is this: I'm thinking of migrating to Windows XP 64 because I hear it's preferrable if you're using 4 or more gb of memory, but what kind of compatibility problems might I run into with apps but particularly games? Is using 4gb on Win2k or Xp 32 bit a waste of money for the extra memory? TIA for any info.

[General Crespin]

The problem with XP 64-bit isn't applications, but device drivers. Applications will run at 32-bit if there isn't a 64-bit version, but drivers MUST be 64-bit. If you can find 64-bit drivers for all your stuff, you're good.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. :)

[pxc]

Regular 32-bit WinXP will see all 4GB of the memory, but the largest that a single task can use is 2GB without non-standard voodoo.

I have been using WinXP x64 for about 6 months now on my primary desktop. Games play fine, but there's no reason to use it unless you have a need to run 64-bit applications (or if you really need up to 4GB per task). I recommend going with regular WinXP.

[batai37]

Thanks for the replies...I did a bit more research (as I should have before posting admittedly), and it doesn't appear that 64 is worth the upgrade for my purposes.

What about Windows Server 2003? Aren't tasks able to utilize more than 2 gb with that OS?

[khanable]

The problem with XP 64-bit isn't applications, but device drivers. Applications will run at 32-bit if there isn't a 64-bit version, but drivers MUST be 64-bit. If you can find 64-bit drivers for all your stuff, you're good.

can anyone confirm this? I rather interested in an answer as well.

To the OP:

check out media center 05 maybe?

[osalcido]

yes you need 64bit drivers for them to work with the kernel

also

the 32-bit emulation is not 100% guaranteed

there are some (read: very few) that will not work on WOW (windows on windows emulator)

For example, I cannot get COD2 to play on a freshly installed XP-64 for more than 10 seconds before crashing to desktop

[khanable]

Thanks!


(sorry to hi-jack!)

[altima97]

i havent had many problems running xp64. all my hardware has drivers. i only have a few games, but they all work (quake4, aoe3, rise of legends). I did have a problem with EZ CD working.. it wont install. Norton AV wouldnt install either. and Winrar wont integrate into the shell for some reason. believe it or not those things are very annoying though and have almost got me to go back to xp32.

[so_cal_forever]

I've never had any problems with games running on x64. Software apps, however, either work or dont in my experience. IE, when I tried to grab the WMP 11 beta, MS said I couldnt because I was running Windows 2003 (quite a bit of x64's code is based from 2003). So, it really depends on what you want to use. Most major software works fine, it's just a few apps here and there.

Personally, I'm going back to XP pro when I get a new HDD.