Windows Xp 32-bit vs. 64 bit and FSX

[Sverre]

Hello!

Is It worth upgrading the OP to 64-bit. Will I get better preformance in FSX and perhaps a couple of more FPS?

I

[Brett_Henderson]

I'm not a hardware/software expert (maybe this post should be there where Nick might see it), but I'm reasonably sure that FSX is using every bit of that 2GB, and probably going to the HDD quite often.

From what I've learned, there are two reasons for using a 64-bit O/S. One, all modern CPUs are 64-bit, and even though most apps are not yet 64-bit, a 64-bit CPU will do all of its work more efficiently when it's working with a 64-bit O/S...

[anikun07]

I was under the impression that both versions (32-bit & 64-bit) of Vista can run DX10.  I'm still on XP so I haven't had the opportunity to test it firsthand, but I have been reading plenty about Vista before I upgrade.

[Brett_Henderson]

[quote]I was under the impression that both versions (32-bit & 64-bit) of Vista can run DX10.

[FlightHound]

FSX runs great on Vista 64 as long as you have 4 gig of ram and a fast cpu.  Quad core prefered.

[anikun07]

That's good to hear about Vista-64 and FSX.  What version of Vista are you running?  I've been looking at ultimate simply because the 64-bit disc is said to come in the box, as opposed to the other versions that need to be upgraded on MS's website for $10 + $6 for shipping.  I would agree that FSX is eating up my 2GB of RAM, but I'm not going add any more until I go 64-bit.  FlightHound, would you say FSX runs better on 64-bit than XP 32-bit?  Oh, and I agree with Quad core processors being preferred, but I have read reviews that a high end Core 2 Duo (C2D) is better than the low end Quads because of cache and FSB.  I just built my computer and used a C2D, but I cannot wait 'til Quads come down in price.  

[Papafox]

Two weeks ago I built a computer with a Q9550 CPU, 4GB of DDR2 ram, and Vista Premium 64. I was blown away by the smoothness improvement in certain missions such as the Reno Air Races and F-18 carrier ops compared to a previous 32-bit operating system, 2GB of memory and a 9450 CPU. You'll find that Vista 64 and 4GB or ram really is fantastic when paired with a fast cpu. Which component made the difference, though?

Last week I brought my Vista 32 Q6600 machine from 2GB to 4GB or DDR2 and saw a nice improvement with the missions mentioned above. Obviously the jump to 4GB DDR2 helped, but I really think the combination of 64-bit and 4GB of DDR2 is the way to go.

An upgrade to Vista 64 without bringing the ram up to 4GB would be a waste, and I wouldn't do it.

The biggest improvement in your MSFS X experience would come from running a faster processor, preferably a quad-core. If you already have a good case and power supply, the move is not that expensive, provided that your case and power supply are not proprietary (HP, Compaq, etc.) For $120 you can buy an ASus P5Q Pro motherboard, for as low as $78 you can get 4GB of fairly-fast DDR2 ram, and an intel quad-core will cost between $189 and $319. The Nehalem chips are now released, but those computers are quite a bit more expensive at the moment. Your graphics card is good, but there's lots of room for improvement with your CPU. Maybe it makes sense to take that plunge.

If you're an overclocker, spend $60 on a good cpu fan and enjoy the huge improvement. If you're not an overclocker, then a $319 Q9550 would still make you happy at stock speed.

[anikun07]

Wow PapaFox, if that's your box then our computers aren't too different!  I'm running a PQ5 Pro with a C2D E8400 and 2GB PC6400.  I would ask what graphics card you're running, but I know GPUs don't make a huge difference.  I've got two ATI HD 3850s in crossfire (I know FSX doesn't have special code for it - but it's ATI drivers that run it) and that never runs over 50% GPU load, unlike the CPU.

You have just inspired me to upgrade my consideration.  Are you running Vista Ultimate 64-bit, Home Premium 64-bit, etc.?

[FlightHound]

I'm running Vista 64 Home Premium.  Didn't need the other stuff in Ultimate.  Not worth the difference in price to me.

[anikun07]

Are the rumors I've read correct that Ultimate Retail Non-upgrade is the only version to come with the 64-bit version?

[NickN]

xp x64 here on 4GB and I wont touch Vista

Windows 7 will probably be my next upgrade

X64 is all about having access to more than 2GB of memory and a large video memory video card, and, FSX SP2 and Acceleration is marked to use more than 2GB so those running 64bit can take full adantage of it

[anikun07]

I like XP, but when I upgrade to 64-bit I want to also have DX10.

[SubZer0]

It's all up to you. Just remember that DX10 doesn't change much at all in FSX. Vista also takes up many resources from your computer, sucking the life out of it... Although I do use it myself. Follow Nick's guide to setting up XP and use it for Vista, doing as much as you can with it in Vista.

The main reason to upgrade to x64 is the 4GB+ of RAM.. So if you have it, then do it. But if you have just 2GB, I recommend either staying on XP x32 or upgrading the RAM to 4GB and getting Vista x64.

Honestly though, I think you'll encounter more problems than solutions in upgrading the OS. This comes from personal experience