Upgrading to Vista 64 for 5x fun? I need opinions!

[Clovis]

Hi folks,


I'll appologize in advance if this is the wrong forum and take no offense if it's moved.


Okay, so currently I'm running an Intel Duo Core E6850 (3.0ghz) , 4gb of ram, 8800 GTS w/ 640mb and Vista home premium (32bit).

Dual boxing (2 characters) looks great and works very well but now that I'm getting into five boxing with one machine I can still do it but the FPS goes down to 20+ with 5 characters (versus 50-60 with my 2 mains in the new WOTLK zones).

Based on the previous feedback I've recieved from my fellow boxers (Thank you!) I'm going to upgrade to a quad core and to 8gb of ram and hoping this improves but my question is, is it worthwhile to also upgrade to Vista 64?

What advantages does 64 offer over 32 for 5xing?

Also, my current CPU runs at 3.00ghz - a quad 6600 runs at 2.4ghz and oddly enough is cheaper by $10 then my current CPU, go figure - will the drop in speed actually result in improvement due to going to a quad from a duo, or should I try for something a little higher speed. Keep in mind to avoid also upgrading the MB, I'm limited to a 65 nm chip.

Thanks!



-Clovis

[algol]

64-bit means you can rock the 8GB of RAM. It helps for running x5 on one rig. Vista over XP...there are differences, but not major ones to most people. Vista fixes enough of XP's persistent bugs that it's a solid choice after SP1 to be a solid choice (unless you have an old computer with puny memory capacity...which you won't be multiboxing on anyway!).

[Clovis]

Thanks for the response

All though I'm currently using vista home premium (not XP) and I'm debating upgrading to vista 64.

More microsoft fun, it's $159 to upgrade to 64 through microsoft, yet $179 to buy it new (full install) from the local store I bought vista from to begin with, go figure.

[jdpatt]

1) If you want to go over 4g of RAM, you don't have much choice...you HAVE to use a 64 bit OS...either Vista or XP, but like the other posters, I'd recommend Vista. You'll also open up more of the memory you already have, since 32 bit OS will really only let you use a little over 3g...even if you have 4 installed. I'm not sure I completely understand why myself, but do a search on Google for "Windows 4 gig limit" and you can learn why.

2) In my opinion, the disadvantages to a 64 bit OS are minor (some driver issues, mostly with older printers and peripherals...some older software won't work), and the advantages are huge. I'd say go for it.

[algol]

Yeah. I figured I'd toss that bit in though since the topic was ambiguous, in case anyone came looking for their own answers.

Check Newegg for OEM licenses. I would be surprised if you have to pay over $100. For single-computer multiboxing, the memory limits in 32-bit suck.

[Clovis]

Thanks again for the replies and I'll take a look at newegg.

I know when I first build this machine, prior to SP1 with vista it only reconized 3 of the 4 gb of ram, however since then on the "welcome center" all 4 gb and even 8gb when I tested that were reconized, but if it's being fully utilized is another question all togather.

Vista 64 it is!

[Freddie]

Keep in mind to avoid also upgrading the MB, I'm limited to a 65 nm chip.

Are you sure you can't flash the bios and upgrade to a 45 nm Wolfdale or Yorkfield (i.e. Q9300)?

With regard to your question about quad vs duo, since you're got five simultaneous processes, I would take the quad at a lower speed. Five processes use all four cores, so if the CPU runs at 2.4 GHz it's actually working at a rate of 4 x 2.4 = 9.6 GHz. With your duo the max work rate is 2 x 3.0 = 6.0 GHz.

With a Yorkfield you'll get a little extra bonus since they are faster clock-for-clock than the older Conroes.

[Clovis]

You can flash a MB to allow for 45 NM? On newegg it's listed as a manufacturing type so I was under the impression it was an actual hardware, not software issue? Could you clarify?

I checked my motherboard manual and it only says that it uses a socket LGA775 (up to a quad) but nothing about the 45/65 rating so is that rating specific to the chip itself?

-Clovis

Keep in mind to avoid also upgrading the MB, I'm limited to a 65 nm chip.

Are you sure you can't flash the bios and upgrade to a 45 nm Wolfdale or Yorkfield (i.e. Q9300)?

With regard to your question about quad vs duo, since you're got five simultaneous processes, I would take the quad at a lower speed. Five processes use all four cores, so if the CPU runs at 2.4 GHz it's actually working at a rate of 4 x 2.4 = 9.6 GHz. With your duo the max work rate is 2 x 3.0 = 6.0 GHz.

With a Yorkfield you'll get a little extra bonus since they are faster clock-for-clock than the older Conroes.

[pengwynman]

You can flash a MB to allow for 45 NM? On newegg it's listed as a manufacturing type so I was under the impression it was an actual hardware, not software issue? Could you clarify?

I checked my motherboard manual and it only says that it uses a socket LGA775 (up to a quad) but nothing about the 45/65 rating so is that rating specific to the chip itself?

-Clovis

SOME mobos you can flash to allow for 45nm, if they came out right around the time the 45nm cpu's started hitting the market. my old asus mobo that i had an e6600 in wouldn't run my new q9550 so i had to upgrade. getting a mobo with a newer chipset never hurt either.

also, in regards to vista 64-bit.... if you already bought vista home premium, you should be able to simply request a copy of the 64-bit dvd. costs like $10 for shipping:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...a/default.mspx

[Ellusionist]

Vista Home Premium (64-bit) is what I use. I've never seen it crash yet.
Ultimate would be a waste of money for me--it has "0" extra features I would use. Just like XP Home -vs- Pro.

Running keyclone and 5 accounts on Vista x64. It does great. Can't say I've ever seen a lick of instability.