Vista or no Vista...that is the question.

So I just ordered my 512M XFX GF 8800GT and 4G of DDR2 PC5300 to upgrade my box. I'm happy about that.

My question is:

Should I upgrade to Vista or stay XP Pro. My vista upgrade(free upgrade) is only the 32bit version, but all I hear are nightmare stories about it. We only have 2 boxes at work that are running it, and the guys using it do nothing but bitch. Keep in mind, I run 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, Modo, and Mudbox on my rig and I really need for all of those to work.

Would anyone with vista and some opinions care to share them with me? I could upgrade today as I have the vista install disc sitting right next to me, but I don't want to regret it later.

your safer with xp

if you ever decide to go 64bit or want direct x 10 to run natively well you have the option with 64bit vista but having 32 bit vista is like having oreos without the cream filling or like a fist without the rubber.

like a fist without the rubber.

Or no lube and cotton mouth!

I got a new system coming and I'm going with Vista 64 based on a lot of comments I read on the A0C forums and also because I wanted to run 4GB memory. I've heard the SP1 took care of a lot of bugs.

Vista has been getting better over lately. I see you are getting an 8800 that is a dx10 card. XP is still better overall right now for gaming, but for DX10 you do need vista. Once you set vista the right way it is nice. I have not had any problems with it, though I do recommend at lease 3 gigs of ram though for smooth running.

I am running a quad core (2.4),4 gigs of ram, 8800GT video card, Vista 64bit and the game runs and looks great... Direct X10 you can see a difference...

just FYI

to everyone thats commented so far, he is basically choosing between xp and vista 32bit

would you still reccomend vista if it was the 32bit version?

i myself went from xp to 64bit vista so i cannot vouch for the difference between xp and vista 32bit

I had XP 32bit and went to Vista 32bit.... I have really enojoyed the move to Vista, and not that SP1 is out its that much easier to make the switch. Biggest thing I like to remind people is make sure all parts of your comp are compatible with Vista(most are now, but a few things aren't)

I am thinking of going to 64bit only cause I want full access to my 4gb of mem... but taht is all. As far as performance wise, I don't see any diff. As far as the bif diff between 64bit and 32bit, just how much more performance you can really push out of your comp from what I see.

I would go with the Vista if I was you cause of DX10, and if you ever want to upgrade to the 64bit version Microsoft offers that option also.

Well I am running the 32 bit, so yes I would.

Thanks for the replies, it's appreciated. From what I understand, the only difference in 32 to 64 is how many memory addresses are available. 16G for 64, 4 for 32 (3.5 whatever)? I hear the actual performance is negligible except for that.

My biggest worry is not being able to access my existing software after I upgrade. I use a few for work and that would be bad news. Has anyone actually upgraded an existing XP install to Vista, or did you install Vista fresh?

Vista is nice I have no problems. I went with the 32 bit, I wish I had the 64bit. I have an OEM copy so it only has the 32bit, If I can get my hands on a Vista Ulitmate orginal I will go to 64bit.
If you have XP stay with it, don't upgrade to Vista unless you are going 64bit. I have been on it at work for over a year, and at home for 5 months, I honestly have less problems with it than XP.
Also stay away from home, and professional.
Note here you Vista Key will work for 32 or 64bit.

I am running Vista 64 so I can't speak for the 32 bit version but.....

I am running 3dsmax 8 (have not tried 9 yet) and Photoshop CS3, and some other odds and ends stuff i use for school. No problems yet.


I did a clean install. I think alot of people that complain about Vista have problems because they tried to upgrade from a previous installation of Windows. Also as somebody mentioned, you will run into problems if your hardware is older and doesn't play well with Vista.

But as for your decision between XP and Vista 32, I would stick with XP until you get your hands on a copy of Vista 64.

First off you do not want to upgrade to Vista 32 bit from XP. The one single reason I will give for this is; Vista 32 bit when upgraded from XP will not show all 4GB of memory. XP does not support 4GB and will only show a bit over 3GB. The same for Vista when you upgrade on top of XP. What you want to do is a complete clean install of Vista.

Vista memory support list:

Vista 32 bit:
All versions support up to 4GB

Vista 64 bit:
Home basic: 8GB
Home Premium: 16GB
Ultimate: 128+GB
Business: 128+GB
Enterprise: 128+GB


I went from XP Home to Vista 32 to Vista 64 and I love it. Vista has come a long way over the past year. XP is a bit faster in windows and games over Vista 32 but I found that Vista 64 is about the same as XP from what I can tell. It felt faster than Vista 32 for sure. If your hardware and software support 64 bit then by all means you are ready for that jump. Microsoft will send you a free copy of Vista 64 if you have a clean serial for Vista 32 and all you pay is shipping I think.

Another option for you (and this is what I have) is dual booting. I run Windows XP and Vista 64 on the same PC.

FYI - I haven't booted into XP at all. Vista runs so good for me that I see no need for XP but I have it if I ever do need it.