Best OS for Gaming?

[Kedash00]

Pick your gaming OS of choice

[leukos]

Vista Ultimate, because of a small section of the Retail Software License ('http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista%20SP1_Ultimate_English_c64c444e-952d-497f-9f69-5811ffdcd774.pdf') on page 13:


MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA ULTIMATE SERVICE PACK 1
ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS. The following additional license terms apply to Microsoft Windows
Vista Ultimate.

2. NETWORK USE. Instead of installing the software on the licensed device, you may install one copy
on a storage device, such as a network server. You may use that copy only to run the software on
your licensed device over an internal network.

It probably would have been cheaper to buy the extra hard drives instead of an Ultimate license, but I really don't like noise.

[Kedash00]

i'm thinking ultimate also just for the 64 bit but i hear so many horror stories about drivers and programs not running on 64, how much trouble have you had?

[leukos]

I wouldn't necessarily say that Vista 64bit is currently any worse then the 32bit version, Vista isn't what I was hoping for as the successor to XP. I have found things that work and things that don't, but the same can be said for any operating system. However, I did ignore Vista until Service Pack 1 came out, primarily because I could. I deal with poorly documented newly released Microsoft products at work and Technical Support that often doesn't have a clue, I don't like continuing the same when I get home.

I'm still a little disappointed the Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) driver hasn't made its way over to Vista and that Vista hard drive footprints can't be easily reduced below 1 gigabyte, but in all honesty that is really for some very specialized applications.


Generally, when I want to try something I determine what my required functionality is and see if the manufacturer's product documentation specifically mentions or describes that functionality. If it doesn't I look for something else.

A manufacturer's documentation of a specific configuration as being supported or a product offering specific functionality is great fodder for a full refund when it doesn't work. Newegg isn't that bad when a product advertises functionality in error, an American express card can make it even easier a couple times each year.

Take the game you want to play and see if it works, if it doesn't try Vista 32bit. Newegg has the Vista 64 Home Premium System Builder edition for a little under $100.00.


A better question might be what problem are you hoping to solve with the 64bit edition the 32bit edition that you currently have doesn't solve?

[Kedash00]

A better question might be what problem are you hoping to solve with the 64bit edition the 32bit edition that you currently have doesn't solve?

I have too much RAM and xp 32 bit will not pick it up :/

[Bollwerk]

Take the game you want to play and see if it works, if it doesn't try Vista 32bit. Newegg has the Vista 64 Home Premium System Builder edition for a little under $100.00.
Be careful about buying OEM versions of a Microsoft OS. If you upgrade 1 main component (video card, motherboard, etc) then the license becomes invalid and you have to buy a new one. This is why I suggest a retail version, even though it's a bit more. OEM version is fine for something like a laptop though.

[dancook]

Take the game you want to play and see if it works, if it doesn't try Vista 32bit. Newegg has the Vista 64 Home Premium System Builder edition for a little under $100.00.
Be careful about buying OEM versions of a Microsoft OS. If you upgrade 1 main component (video card, motherboard, etc) then the license becomes invalid and you have to buy a new one. This is why I suggest a retail version, even though it's a bit more. OEM version is fine for something like a laptop though.

As far as I understand, yes if you make major hardware changes the o/s will flag up requiring activation. You will need to call microsoft, i think it's a freephone activation number, explain to them your situation and they will allow you to reactivate it. They are not in the business to make things hard for their customers, just the pirates.

[Icetech]

you never have to buy another copy, i am a OEM builder/seller.. and i have used the same number many many times over the years when customers upgrade.. its like a 3 min call to microsoft and all automated now... never give more money than you have to:)

[leukos]

A better question might be what problem are you hoping to solve with the 64bit edition the 32bit edition that you currently have doesn't solve?

I have too much RAM and xp 32 bit will not pick it up :/

Then the choice is easy, it doesn't matter what problems other people have. If you want to use the RAM you must use a 64bit OS. Since I am going to guess price is a concern Windows 2003/Windows 2008 won't be an option, which leaves Vista. 8|

[Kedash00]

Vista Home Premium it is, 64 bit of course, thx for all the input guys and gals.