Upgrading to 64 bit Windows - Cost?

[Greythan]

Just curious, but I read from a lot of posters that they've moved up to Vista 64 (or XP 64 it seems) from the 32 bit platform.

My question is where do you go to buy your OS and what are you paying? I like to build my own rigs but have shied away from upgrading my OS (or Office suite, etc.) because when I include software it starts to feel like I should start considering buying a pre-assembled rig with software included. Hence, trying to get a read on how this community of hardware enthusiasts (almost seems a requirement for boxing, huh? ;) ) goes about upgrading their OS.

Thanks.

[zanthor]

Personally I use MSDN Licensing on my machines, but that isn't something the average end user has available. Given the other choices, I'd recommend OEM software from NewEgg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493

Another option that I've used in the past is to watch for MS Launch Events in your area, at each one you attend you get free swag... The last one I went to got me a licensed copy of Vista Ultimate and a 2008 server license... The events are free, sometimes fun, often involve good food... and if you happen to be in the IT industry, you can normally get paid to go to them if you spin it right! :)

[Greythan]

Thanks Zan.

Nearly $200 for the OS? That's more than I've spent on any one single piece of hardware in 8 years. ;)

I guess I have to bite the bullet if the ability to access RAM over 3.xg is going to be a big improvement.

(That and I have to upgrade my mobo/processor to quad four. Still running a dual core spec atm.)

[pengwynman]

Thanks Zan.

Nearly $200 for the OS? That's more than I've spent on any one single piece of hardware in 8 years. ;)

I guess I have to bite the bullet if the ability to access RAM over 3.xg is going to be a big improvement.

(That and I have to upgrade my mobo/processor to quad four. Still running a dual core spec atm.)imo, vista ultimate isn't really necessary. i'd just go with 64-bit home premium:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

most 'extra features' in ultimate the average user wouldn't ever use, and home premium is a good bit cheaper. basically, ultimate has more options for backup, encryption, remote access... if you need these then go for it, but i'm sticking with home premium :P
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx

[Greythan]

Interesting Pengwynman. $99 sure sounds a lot better.

Nothing sacrificed that would be used to improve 5 box gameplay by downgrading?

[Lax]

Interesting Pengwynman. $99 sure sounds a lot better.

Nothing sacrificed that would be used to improve 5 box gameplay by downgrading?Not at all.

In fact, when I was buying Ultimate the day Vista came out, a MS representative was outside Best Buy waiting with the few of us who were there, and he suggested that I might as well just buy Premium instead. In the end, I probably should have just gotten Premium, but I wanted to make sure my software would be compatible with all versions.

[pengwynman]

Interesting Pengwynman. $99 sure sounds a lot better.

Nothing sacrificed that would be used to improve 5 box gameplay by downgrading?Not at all.
what he said

post count +1 :D

[Awbee]

If you already own a legal copy of vista you use the same license for the 64 bit version as you would for the 32 bit version. If you need the media look here.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

[eqjoe]

For those of us using Dell in the US:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3791862&SiteID=17


-j

[Coltimar]

If you have Vista or XP already just call Microsoft and ask for the 64 bit version. It will cost a few bucks (maybe $10 for the cd and shipping) and you will have to prove you own a legit copy of the OS. When I ordered my Vista Ultimate 64 the guy on the phone told me about this. When you buy a license you buy both versions. So I got both disks with mine.

[Coltimar]

If you already own a legal copy of vista you use the same license for the 64 bit version as you would for the 32 bit version. If you need the media look here.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspxOMG I R blinde in boht eyez! I didn't see this when I posted my little junk. Sorry, lol.

[jettzypher]

oooh...sweet. looks like im gonna have a 64-bit copy of vista comin my way soon.

[Rigz]

If you have Vista or XP already just call Microsoft and ask for the 64 bit version. It will cost a few bucks (maybe $10 for the cd and shipping) and you will have to prove you own a legit copy of the OS. When I ordered my Vista Ultimate 64 the guy on the phone told me about this. When you buy a license you buy both versions. So I got both disks with mine.



Will this work with prebuilt machines. I have a dell with vista, but want to put vista 64 bit on my gaming rig. Now that I think about it this won't work because they would then share the same licensce?

Hmmm...

[puppychow]

Vista64 does take more memory than XP though, so you should have at least 6GB (preferably 8GB) imo if you want to make the move. I actually just ordered 4GB from Newegg for $26 AR, gonna pop it into my machine (already has 4GB) and upgrade to Vista64 this weekend to see if wow multiboxing improves in FPS.