A few people indicated that Windows x64 is buggy... I cannot confirm that because I have never used it. I too originally ordered Windows x64, but my OS was automatically changed to Windows Media Center 2005 (changed without my permission after the XPS "callback"). I didn't want to complain though as I have an extra copy of XP Pro that I will install.

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@tphillips63 wrote:
... the effective 2GB limit of XP Pro...

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Are you sure? Wikipedia says the 32-bit version can take up to 4GB of RAM:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP_Professional_x64_Edition

Thanks for the quick responses, everybody. I wish we could get these kinds of answers from Dell. But I guess it would be asking too much to get the manufacturer of the 2nd-most expensive product that I own (and which was sold on its upgradeability) to give me straightforward answers to simple questions regarding its capabilities.

I don't think it is or has a rep as being buggy. It does not have as many drivers as regular XP so for example you web cam or joystick might not work but in regards to performance it is fine.
It is a special use OS and if you do not run a 64bit engineering application you probably don't need XP Pro 64.
Vista 64 is a big who knows. I think many more if not all new products will have driver for 64 bit Vista simply because the effective 2GB limit of XP Pro is about to start causing problems.
You have to keep in mind that going from 2GB to 4GB or 8GB while small in number is HUGE in the amount of RAM available to the system and programs.
If you look at your system with programs in use you will see that 2GB RAM is allowing you to run muliple programs, including games, and do other major tasks like audio and video tasks and still have plenty of RAM for system business.

I would be more inclined to believe that Dell is having trouble with writing / acquiring 64-bit drivers for their various OEM cards.

If your "Windows x64 is buggy" feeling is coming from http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=xps_desk_genhdw&message.id=20250#M20250, though, be aware that this guy is talking about the IA64 version of Windows (as evidenced by his later post referencing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP_64-bit_Edition).  The version of Windows that Dell was selling is the x64 version (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP_Professional_x64_Edition).

I would have corrected this at the time, but I was on a couple-day boycott of the boards to try to let the flames die down - bringing it back up two days later would have negated the purpose of the break in the first place.  ;)

Kam

Message Edited by Kamendae on 08-16-200603:49 PM

Thanks for clarifying. I'm wondering what scenario would have the OS kernel using 2 Gigs of RAM. I guess Vista's going to be pretty bloated.

So it looks like most applications other than 3D graphics engineering will run at top speed on a 32-bit system. Access to 2GB of RAM should be fine even for most games out today from what I understand. Feel free to correct me here, I'm learning.

Two reps told me they were out of stock 2-3 weeks ago and one of them added that they'll have it in 2 months.

Message Edited by 13rian on 08-16-200608:26 PM

They told me that Core 2 was not compatible with Windows XP x64. :rolleyes:

Yes, the CSR said there was a Dell tech in the room who confirmed that Core 2 was not a 64 bit chip.

This is Windows we're talking about, not Linux. 64 bit Windows has massive compatibility problems, and you're still going to be using 99% 32 bit software as you can't recompile it to be 64 bit.

I am talking about x64 windows professional.. The the dual core pentium 'd's have an emt64 memory instuction that supports x64 operating systems.. I wish that the core duo m processor had supported it so I could run x64 on my notebook.. The  core 2 duo's will support the emt64 memory support and will be compatable, I'm not sure if the moble core 2's will have it but I was told yes..The compatibility issues are from some of the periferal distributers not provideing proper support for there products..I have not had any issues with my sli or sata  or dvd-rw running games example half life 2 starts in a 64 bit mode at the top..When the build was released there were alot of compatability issues. My only device was an office jet 7310xi all in one that didnt have full support.. Now it does.Vista especially in the x64 version has many more issues than x64 pro did and it is schedualed to be released in november..There is a definate performance advantage of having the x64 kernal..I will try a dual boot on my xps 400 with the 820 processor . It has the emt64 support.                        

 

http://www.intel.com/design/pentiumd//datashts/307506.htm

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swbrown wrote: This is Windows we're talking about, not Linux. 64 bit Windows has massive compatibility problems, and you're still going to be using 99% 32 bit software as you can't recompile it to be 64 bit.

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Just curious here - can you please outline the "massive compatibility problems" you're talking about? Please stick to issues that are *not* caused by (lack of) third-party drivers.

Kam

Message Edited by Kamendae on 08-17-200610:18 AM