Gaming: Help choosing operating system.

I know that there are dozens of threads about this but none seem to come to a conclusion, it is really frustrating. I can't pick between XP pro SP2 and Vista Business 64 bit SP1.

I just got a brand new Mac Book Pro- 2.4 Cpu, 8600 GT 256 MB. I am PLANNING to uprgade to 4 gigabytes of ram.
Am I correct in saying that I need 64 bit vista to utilize the 4 gig of ram and dual core?

I'm sitting here and my mind constantly changes, 1 second I know I'm getting xp, the next I read a comment on the forum and I think, oh no no, i need vista.

90% of the reason for me using Windows is for playing games. I plan on playing Flight Simulator X, COD4, and Crysis, thats it. Thats why I am really feeling like I want to have DX10 ability from Vista.

Is DX10 worth the possible loss of performance from Vista? I don't care about losing ~5-10 fps but I want it to be playable and decent/nice graphics.


I really wish windows would make this easier instead of being moneymongers. It is making me mad simply not knowing which to pick.
I would really appreciate just one honest, no-biased, recommendation that will leave me happiest.

ozthegweat said:

So are there many games that won't work with Vista 64bit?

Click to expand...

For me this is not an issue because the 3-4 games I will play use DX10.

So, in my case, should I go for Vista and get DX10 or should I stick with XP pro so I can play it safe with performance?


Edit: Thanks alan, I think will get Vista Business 64 OEM. thanks for helping


if anyone wants to support the idea of getting xp I am still open to what you have to say, as i'm not getting it until sometime next week anyways.