XP vs Vista

[Darcla]

I know this subject could probably spark a lot of arguments, but i'll try and keep it specific.



With regards to multiboxing 5 WoWs on one machine, using 2 monitors (same size so horizontal view), is there any advantage to using Vista x64 over XPx64? The little experience i have had with Vista has not been pleasant, but I am willing to try it again if it means improved FPS and performance.

If vista is in fact better, is there any advantage (FPS, performance wise) to using Vista Ultimate over Vista Home .

Thanks again!

[Havelcek]

I'm currently running the setup you describe on Vista64 Ultimate and it works flawlessly. Other people don't have as much success. My personal opinion is that if you are buying a new OS then it makes sense to spend the money on the one that will be supported longer...that just makes good financial sense to me.

[Eteocles]

As much as I diss and hate Vista...if you HAVE to go 64bit, do Vista. XP's 64bit is the "first gen" of 64bit OS's and driver and general support isn't all that hot simply put. Not reliable enough and not worth the risk; Vista's prepared for it. If 32bit is fine, I prefer XP ;p If you do go with Vista makes sure you disable all the unnecessary shit they'll have on "ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE SURE YOU'RE SURE?"

[Chorizotarian]

I haven't tried multiboxing on XP, so I can't offer you a comparison. I have finally gotten my Vista x64 setup to where I can multibox 5x clients with performance/resolution I expected. The final tweak for me was turning off Aero

Otherwise Vista x64 has been great for me.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

As much as I diss and hate Vista...if you HAVE to go 64bit, do Vista. XP's 64bit is the "first gen" of 64bit OS's and driver and general support isn't all that hot simply put. Not reliable enough and not worth the risk; Vista's prepared for it. If 32bit is fine, I prefer XP ;p If you do go with Vista makes sure you disable all the unnecessary shit they'll have on "ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE SURE YOU'RE SURE?"

At the risk of derailing the thread, note the bolded section above. I'm sorry but I have to just laugh at this. Did you have specific technical data to support this assertion or did you just pull this out of your ass? Does the difference between "shipping/stable" and "first release" just get thrown out with the bathwater?

[Eteocles]

I pretty much pulled it outta my ass and I'm still sore from doing so, so be nice =(

[Chorizotarian]

It's true that pre-Vista manufacturers often didn't put much effort into 64-bit drivers. With Vista they are required to for logo.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

It's true that pre-Vista manufacturers often didn't put much effort into 64-bit drivers. With Vista they are required to for logo.

You do realize that the XP drivers must be logo'd with the SAME DTM test kit that Vista requires, and this hasn't changed in the better part of a year?

[Chorizotarian]

Easy with the YELLING, ok?

No, I didn't know that the same driver test kit is being used for XP and Vista these days. I'm no expert on drivers or certification. I'm just reporting what I have heard. I believe (correct me if I am wrong) that the XP logo program does not require any 64 bit driver, let alone a WHQL certified one, whereas Vista requires certified drivers for both x32 and x64. For old hardware not chosen for it's x64 compatability I'd be surprised if you can get XP x64 to work without some significant pain. Perhaps newer hardware things are much better.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

Ok, I'll ease up on the shouting. I do software driver and application QA on Vista and XP for a living, so forgive me for calling out the hearsay(heresy? lol) I see about XP drivers versus Vista. Unless you're talking about cheap knock-off brands, almost all of the modern core component (i.e.: NIC, video, wi-fi, chipset, etc.) all support both 32 and 64 bit builds by default to support all the major companies that ship them either in-box or as up-sells.

That we have different experiences here among our crowd definitely should be a tip-off to other folks that the story of Vista versus XP, especially where driver support is concerned, is anything but cut & dried. That may change by Vista SP2 but we're quite a ways off from that milestone.

This is one of those areas that people can ask specific questions about and we can relate our experiences. Lots of us have experience with different common setups and/or similarly-priced options and, I'm sure, are more than willing to share tips and setup hints.