Windows XP :: 32 bit or 64 bit?

[lacerta]

Or maybe vista even? Ive read qutie frequently that xp is 'more solid' than vista for audio production so ive kinda decided that route. so now should i go 32 or 64 bit? I use sonar and plan on using pro tools soon so im wondering how the software works with 64 bit now.

my computer:
ASUS p5n73-am
intel core 2 duo e7300
4 gigs of ram

[Blast9]

Sonar = 64 bit or so I understand.... therefore 64 bit version of XP would enable you to use more than 4GB of RAM thumbsup

PT -> I'm not sure but I believe 32 bit only!

[357mag]

I'm using XP 64 bit currently. Works just fine. I got 4 GB of RAM going and since I'm using a DAW that is Large Address Aware I decided to do it. Everything else though as far as other programs and plugs is still 32 bit.

Either 32 bit or 64 bit XP are excellent choices.

[kafka]

Originally Posted by lacerta

I use sonar and plan on using pro tools soon so im wondering how the software works with 64 bit now.

It doesn't. ProTools is only supported on 32-bit.

[crypticglobe]

XP x64 is a WONDERFUL OS. However... you will find that in many cases it was never properly supported by many hardware/software manufacturers. I would recommend Vista x64. It's very solid since SP-1 and most of 2nd party drivers are really great now too.

[Lemontree]

XP64 but double check the driver support of your hardware. Saying that, most stuff with vista 64 drivers will run on XP64 even though it's not officialy supported.

Do your research and make sure someone has tested what you propose to do before you and all will be well.

I'm one of the first users of the Yamaha N12 on XP64 using the vista 64 drivers, 32 bit cubase and the yamaha/steinberg 32bit entensions. Result is rock solid system and 4GB of RAM where XP32 was showing 2.9GB thanks to my UAD cards.

[space2012]

Win XP sp2 32-BIT + Sonar 8 PE 32-Bit with 64-Bit engine active.

[grandaddy]

Originally Posted by crypticglobe

XP x64 is a WONDERFUL OS..

I 100% agree with this....best O/S I have used

[NesNeedsGear]

depends what software you'll use. not every program is 64-bit compatible.

but even so...

I'm still on a Win XP 32-bit system using Nuendo 3, and it sounds great as ever.

[switch777]

I've had problems running Sonar on XP x64. Not to mention the problems finding reliable drivers for all my other components. The performance different was negligible for me (AMD x64 dual core 4ghz, 4GB RAM).

I've found that for my standard tracking, I'm sticking with XP 32 because it just plain works all day long. I'm still able to get 60+ tracks, plugins, everything with no problems (I used multiple Layla 3G's).

When it comes time to mix down, I export the buses down to 8 tracks typically and then I actually load that stuff up on my Vista 64 build. I'm not super happy with Vista in general, but I do notice a performance enhancement when I start doing intensive post mix/pre master stuff. Bounces down to Powr 2 are much faster as well.

[Quint]

So now that we're about to be in 2010, how's XP 64 looking? I know a lot of you will say just to go with Windows 7 but I don't trust it yet and there's no way I'm ever using Vista. The reason that I'm asking is because I'm about to reinstall XP after repartitioning my hard drive and was considering going 64 instead of 32 bit. I currently run Sonar 7 and use an Echo Audiofire 12 on a home built, Q6600 processor computer with 2 gigs of ram. Anybody know of any issues with a setup like this and XP 64? I don't use a ton of plugins but would hate to lose the capability of the ones I do use if they're not 64 compatible. The extra ram and 64 bit capability with Sonar seem compelling but I don't want to paint myself into a corner, so to speak. Don't most plugins, even if not 64 bit compatible, still just reliably run at 32 in a situation like this (bit bridge or whatever it's called)?

Also, how hard is it to switch to 64 bit after the fact if I go ahead and just reinstall XP at 32 again, just as it was previously? Is it just as simple as going into BIOS and making a switch to 64?

[Quint]

Ah, it would appear that maybe there are some answers here:

Anyone Using XP-64 bit os ona DAW...

I still would like for somebody that knows a lot about this to chime in though.

[jcschild]

would not do XP 64
Win 7 is the way to go. as a system builder this is the first time we have sold a Windows OS at release.
normally its a yr down the road (first SP) before we do.
Vista 64 is also good at this point (only took 2+ yrs) but why when you can do win7 which is better.


Scott
ADK

[Quint]

Originally Posted by jcschild

would not do XP 64
Win 7 is the way to go. as a system builder this is the first time we have sold a Windows OS at release.
normally its a yr down the road (first SP) before we do.
Vista 64 is also good at this point (only took 2+ yrs) but why when you can do win7 which is better.


Scott
ADK

I'm really not interested in going to Windows 7 at the moment. It's still too new. It's either XP 64 or XP 32 for now. I'm just trying to decide which one. It would seem at this point that 32 might be the best bet given that a lot of plugins still won't support 64. I'd like to be told otherwise though, if I'm wrong about that. XP 64 sure does look attractive from a power standpoint.

[jcschild]

i am telling you otherwise.
software is not the concern it will be the same with any 64bit OS
of the available 64 OS windows 7 is by far the best option you will most likely need Jbridge regardless
the only thing that is a concern is hardware drivers for win 7.
XP 64 is an un-supported OS by most manufacturers and its the worst of the 64 bit OS.

Scott
ADK

[357mag]

I have now switched back to XP32. The main reason for doing so was I was tired of printer hang-ups. I realized I didn't need 4GB of RAM and my projects work just fine with 3GB.

But XP64 worked just fine for me for recording purposes.

[jrwaltb]

Originally Posted by Quint

I'm really not interested in going to Windows 7 at the moment. It's still too new. It's either XP 64 or XP 32 for now. I'm just trying to decide which one. It would seem at this point that 32 might be the best bet given that a lot of plugins still won't support 64. I'd like to be told otherwise though, if I'm wrong about that. XP 64 sure does look attractive from a power standpoint.

I think you will find better driver support with windows 7 then XP.. For example my Motu MK3 UL runs better with the new windows 7 drivers in windows 7 then it did in windows xp sp3...Most companies are now developing for windows 7 and not Xp. Windows 7 is far from new from a testing standpoint..

[Bob Olhsson]

The bleeding edge generally bleeds.

XP 32 has had by far the most bugs squashed and seems as fast or faster than anything newer. Virtual instruments are about the only reason I can think of that one might want a 64 bit system.

[Simma Lugnt]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

The bleeding edge generally bleeds.

XP 32 has had by far the most bugs squashed and seems as fast or faster than anything newer. Virtual instruments are about the only reason I can think of that one might want a 64 bit system.

+1

Agree, see no point of using a heavy system as Vista or Windows7.

[Quint]

Originally Posted by jcschild

i am telling you otherwise.
software is not the concern it will be the same with any 64bit OS
of the available 64 OS windows 7 is by far the best option you will most likely need Jbridge regardless
the only thing that is a concern is hardware drivers for win 7.
XP 64 is an un-supported OS by most manufacturers and its the worst of the 64 bit OS.

Scott
ADK

Well I'm just not willing to go the Windows 7 route yet. I just don't trust it yet. XP is very stable and gives me no issues. The only decision I have to make right now is either XP 64 or XP 32. So that being said, I'm probably leaning towards going the 32 route again just because I know it works. Anybody else wanna weigh in on the pros and cons of XP 64 vs XP 32?

[357mag]

Originally Posted by Quint

Well I'm just not willing to go the Windows 7 route yet. I just don't trust it yet. XP is very stable and gives me no issues. The only decision I have to make right now is either XP 64 or XP 32. So that being said, I'm probably leaning towards going the 32 route again just because I know it works. Anybody else wanna weigh in on the pros and cons of XP 64 vs XP 32?

I wouldn't jump on Windows 7 yet either. It's too new. XP is proven and stable. Your instincts are good.

[Quint]

Originally Posted by 357mag

I wouldn't jump on Windows 7 yet either. It's too new. XP is proven and stable. Your instincts are good.

Yeah, I agree. There are going to be bugs that still remain to see the light with Windows 7 and I don't want them causing issues with my audio. I'm not gonna jump on 7 just because it's the latest greatest thing. Maybe in 2011.