The best windows choice to take advantage of a 8800GT mac pro?

[Thunderbird8]

In the title really, for specifically windows gaming (FSX e.g.) I have heard that Vista 64-bit takes advantage of the mac pros many cores? As I am a dimwit I don't really understand this.

So, all I need to know is this, which windows OS should I use to get the very best from a new (8800GT) 2.8 quad-core mac pro?

Thanks!

[richard.mac]

use vista x64 so your 8800GT can take advantage of directx 10 and multiple core support.

[Heliconsoul]

32-Bit Vista is fully capable of supporting multiple core and CPUs. You just need to make sure that you buy Ultimate or Business to support more than one physical CPU.

The advantage that 64-bit Vista has is that it will recognize more than 2GB system memory.

[Thunderbird8]

Aah, I see. Thanks for that. So, as I understand it, if I only have 2GB of RAM then 32 is OK, but 64 if I expand it?

[aaronw1986]

Yes, if you have 4GB or more of RAM, you will want a 64 bit version of Windows.

[Supaklaw]

I think you want 64 bit in either case, it's addressing the processor, the RAM isn't preventing you from using the 64-bit system. But, if you have a new Mac Pro... you absolutely want a bare minimum 4 Gb of RAM, the system is designed use a min. 4 slots of RAM. So for optimal performance, you want at least 4 chips, composed of 2 sets of paired RAM. You need to install them specifically as pairs as well, check OWC for info on that... they include instructions how to set that up.

[Thunderbird8]

Thanks. Gulp.

[mac2maverick]

32-Bit Vista is fully capable of supporting multiple core and CPUs. You just need to make sure that you buy Ultimate or Business to support more than one physical CPU.

The advantage that 64-bit Vista has is that it will recognize more than 2GB system memory.

I have a single 2.8 quad core. Does that mean that vista home basic won't be able to take full advantage of my 8800GT or quad core while gaming, etc?? I'm totally ignorant about this 32 vs 64-bit stuff.

[mac2maverick]

When I order Vista 64-bit, why does it matter if its home basic or premium?

[Thunderbird8]

OK, so I'm looking at getting this:

4GB of RAM in my Mac pro. I actually have a specialist Apple retailer near me who fit an extra 2GB at a fraction of the cost of getting it from Apple.

Anyway, I have narrowed it down to either:

* The 32-bit XP Pro OEM version
* As above but 64-bit

Price is the same effectively, about £85 ($170)...

So... what should I get? This is bearing in mind my main (in fact only) Windows usage will be gaming, and that mostly flight simulators.

[The Flashing Fi]

I have a single 2.8 quad core. Does that mean that vista home basic won't be able to take full advantage of my 8800GT or quad core while gaming, etc?? I'm totally ignorant about this 32 vs 64-bit stuff.

The limitation is in the number of PHYSICAL CPUs on a motherboard. Vista Basic will recognize multiple cores on a CPU, but only one CPU.

When I order Vista 64-bit, why does it matter if its home basic or premium?

What do you mean, why does it matter? The different versions come with different things.

Vista Home Basic lacks Aero (the translucent borders and such), as well as Media Center.

Vista Premium costs a bit more (not much, I think around 30 bucks), but comes with Aero, Media Center, and other stuff. All versions of Vista come with DX10.

Vista Home Basic is basically aimed at older computers and low end computers. If you don't want to get Vista Premium, then that's your choice, but gaming performance will be the same.

Thunderbird, if there are no issues with the games you want to play with XP 64-bit (I doubt there will be), then you'll want XP 64-bit.

[cohibadad]

Anyway, I have narrowed it down to either:

* The 32-bit XP Pro OEM version
* As above but 64-bit

Price is the same effectively, about £85 ($170)...

So... what should I get? This is bearing in mind my main (in fact only) Windows usage will be gaming, and that mostly flight simulators.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't 64 bit XP have more compatibility problems than 64 bit Vista? I don't know how either of these are with respect to games. For a flight simulator, I would think you don't really need to think about the 4GB limit or multiple cores.

[Mr. Zarniwoop]

* The 32-bit XP Pro OEM version
* As above but 64-bit
You might consider that currently, Boot Camp 2.0.1 that ships on the new "early 2008" Mac Pros only supports 32-bit Windows XP Home or Professional Edition, and does not have driver support for x64 Edition.

The only 64-bit support in Boot Camp 2.0.1 is for 64-bit editions of Vista.

[elppa]

I'd really go down the Vista route - here's why:

[1] You'll probably get it at some stage anyway.
[2] You have a Mac Pro, sure Vista may be quite resource hungry, but you have a lot of resources at your disposal.
[3] Direct X 10, you may want to play a game in the future which requires this.
[4] As Mr. Zarniwoop points out, Bootcamp only supports 64 bit Vista.

[stainlessliquid]

64bit Vista has proven to be quite a bit faster in most games than 32bit. The ram has nothing to do with it, they are pretty different operating systems at the core and 64bit has stuff that makes stuff like games more effecient and has additional security measures (not related but still shows how different they are other than just addressing more ram).

If you are planning on using it mainly for games then get 64bit without a doubt. Benchmarks have proven that it is virtually the same speed as XP, with 32bit Vista lagging behind. Just dont get XP 64, that sucks and is practically a beta OS (not like you could use it anyways).

[Thunderbird8]

Looks like 64 bit Vista it is then.

[stainlessliquid]

Also keep in mind that when you buy Vista you get both 32 and 64 regardless of the disc you order, since the same serial applies to both versions. If you find you want to switch to another version you can order a "free" 32/64bit disc from MS and pay like $10 shipping and handling... or you can just torrent a retail disc and burn it yourself. You will have to activate it by phone if you switch from an activated copy of XXbit to another bit.

So you are totally safe if you get the 64bit version, if you run into problems you can just download or use a friends copy of Vista 32 (the version doesnt matter, basic/premium/ultimate are the same discs, it knows which version to install based on the serial)