Windows XP 64-bit [Archive]

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 06:34 AM

Windows XP Professional x64 has been on the market for a while and I was thinking of getting one. 64 bit support is required to have this system. It's designed specifically for CG...at least the Softimage demo is impressive (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/videos/default.mspx).
So the issue is that I'm trying to get this OS from an academic store, and the salesperson shows me Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2. Now no where does it say on the pack's description that it's the 64 bit edition. The salesman says trust me, it is.
I have seen the XP x64 pack and it does say it's the 64 bit edition. I want to know whether that Service Pack 2 is a 64 bit with a different title. Any suggestion/opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks :)

PeterV

09-30-2006, 09:00 AM

I'm pretty sure you can download a copy of XP 64 from Microsoft and try it for 4 months.

Yes! It's still available. The links below.

Xp 64 download (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/facts/trial.mspx)

Pete

Ge.ZUS

09-30-2006, 09:36 AM

oldhippie_tom

09-30-2006, 10:27 AM

Had you thought of trying the new Windows Vista that will be out in Jan? You can get the latest pre release Beata from Microsoft here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

It is a 64bit operating system and seems that is what everyone is gearing up for with it's release.

Just thought I would mention it as I have ordered mine.

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 11:03 AM

Thanks guys. That does help a lot.

PeterV, I had thought of checking out the trail version but didn't had much space on the machine, plus it might mess up the drivers.

Ge.ZUS: He works for Dell's sales department. Now I know why their sales are dropping.

oldhippie_tom: Win Vista is Beta, right? I heard that it takes 40 gig of HD. That's a lot compare to the 5 gig Win XP normally uses. When's yours coming? Let us know how it runs and what you think of it :)

oldhippie_tom

09-30-2006, 11:15 AM

I think it should be here early next week. Kind of goes with my New Alienware Area 51 Laptop. I do know that it comes on a DVD, so that gives quite a clue.

I am interested to try XSI and Maya in a 64bit system. As you mentioned very impressive!!!

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 11:17 AM

Nice. What're the specs of that Alienware?

oldhippie_tom

09-30-2006, 11:23 AM

Nice. What're the specs of that Alienware?

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7600 2.33GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB
17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz
160GB Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW
256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1800

I have waited all my life to buy such a computer. And since I am old that has been awhile. Sure beat the heck out of my Vic 2o with the tape drive. HaHaHa!!!

I will let you know what I think of Vista when it arrives.

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 11:45 AM

Sweet specs. Yup, I ordered my dream machine couple of days ago, a workstation...that's why I want the best OS to go with it :)

oldhippie_tom

09-30-2006, 11:59 AM

I went back to the Vista site and for requirements it says:

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
* 1 GB of system memory.
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
* DVD-ROM Drive3.
* Audio output capability.
* Internet access capability.

So if I read it correctly it uses 15GB. And that is for Premium, a minimum is:

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Nice to get to by yourself a new toy once in awhile, huh? And one you enjoy so often!!!

dennisn8tkk

09-30-2006, 05:28 PM

Windows XP Home or Pro with Service Pack 2 is NOT 64 bit, it is 3 bit. I am going to also install Win x64 Pro in my desktop so I can use MAYA in 64 bit configuration. I can not wait, But I just might wait a little longer for VISTA.I have heard great news about MAY in a 64 bit evironment. I will let you know how it is working. HAppy Rendering in MAYA 64 bit !! :yes

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 06:34 PM

You and me both, Dennis. I've got a 64-bit xeon in the mail :D

So it's upto oldhippie_tom now to give us an input on Vista :).

laxman

09-30-2006, 08:27 PM

I would wait for vista. It takes much better advantage of the new dual core and 64 bit processors that XP. Also, XP doesn't take 5 gb, I have it installed onto a 2 gb partition right now and it works fine. I also tried the vista beta 2 and I installed that onto a 8 gb partition. That also worked just fine, it was just a little slow. My specs are:

Intel p4 3.00 ghz HT
1 gb ddr ram
120 gb SATA Maxtor
Nvidia 5700 256 mb.

Most of the stats are above the minimun specs and it was still pretty slow when you turn on all the effects and stuff and my wireless card didn't have a driver, so make sure you can get a driver for everything before installing.

On the other hand, I went into Future Shop the other day and they had a Vista computer on display. Specs:

Intel Dual core 64 bit 2.66 ghz
2 X 150 gb hard drive set up in raid
Nvidia 7xxx (not sure)

and that computer was silky smooth with all the graphics and animation options turned on. They also had a 32" LCD monitor with a TV tuner pluged into and setup into windows media centre, which worked really well for watch Hi-def Tv and recording it at the same time.

Bottom line is that I would go with Vista if you get a new computer, so either wait or make sure it is vista compatible.

DjVoyager

09-30-2006, 08:47 PM

That would be the beta version, wouldn' it? My machine is a workstation so I'd have to configure all the drivers for whichever OS it's gonna run on. It is Vista capable but the manufacturer hasn't released the drivers for that.

oldhippie_tom

09-30-2006, 10:21 PM

I see that maybe as the big problem, as was with XP when it came out, is drivers. I also am concerned about that. But still going to try it as the Dual core with 64bit Maya or XSI sound like fun.
:yes

oldhippie_tom

10-03-2006, 07:26 AM

Laxman, you asked me to keep you informed about Vista. Well saw an article this morning that makes me believe I may not use it. It appears Microsoft is not going to share the Kernel with the virus software company's (McAfee, Symantec, etc.) I am not sure I trust Microsoft to just be the only supplier for virus protection.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20061003/tc_cmp/193101281;_ylt=AtwOw.SWx7jZIG7jkl7e6isjtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTA0cDJlYmhvBHNlYwM-

laxman

10-03-2006, 02:17 PM

While that is disturbing, I never really liked mcafee or symantec. Their software always kept doing stupid things. Right now the only virus software I use is AVG which is free and has updates almost everyday. Haven't had any problems, infact i've never had any virus problems. I just have to run ad-aware every month or so to get rid of the 2-3 extra processes that shouldn't be running. But still, Mcafee, symantec and all the hackers all similar thinking. The hackers will find a way to break in and the virus companies will find a way to protect.

Thanks for the link.

oldhippie_tom

10-03-2006, 03:02 PM

Yes, we could do a Ford against Chevy discussion about which we use. But if Microsoft does not open up the Kernel to any of them, as it appears in the article, then we have to trust Microsoft for our virus protection. That is what concerns me. Not whether I can use Norton or any other. As there won't be a choice.

But still I will load Vista and see what it is as I think it will be a good OS.

DjVoyager

10-04-2006, 04:28 PM

There must be an option whether you want to install the anti virus or not, just like with other accessories.

oldhippie_tom

10-04-2006, 04:59 PM

It is not installing it that is the problem. Unless they have the Kernel to a totally new operating system they can't write a virusware that will work on it. That is what was concerning me. Not that there won't be lots of law suits, but in the mean time. I am sure it will get worked out, but seemed odd and of a concern.

At least that is how I see it. My copy of Vista has not come as yet, and you never mentioned the specs on your new toy. I can bet it is nice.

DjVoyager

10-04-2006, 08:04 PM

Oh yeah! My baby arrived today :D.

Dual Core Xeon Processor, 3.20GHz, 2X 2MB L2 Cache 1066MHz
4GB, DDR2 ECC SDRAM Memory 533MHz, 8X512MB (expandable to 64 GB)
UltraSharp 1907FP Flat Panel with Height Adjustable 19.0 Inch VIS
nVidia,Quadro FX 3500,256MB dual VGA or DVI
80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s, 7200RPM HardDrive with 8MB DataBurst Cache
All SATA Hard Drives Non- RAID for 1 to 2 Hard Drives
SATA/SAS integrated controllerfor Connecting Internal Hard Drives

I'm still configuring it though so haven't taken it for the ultimate drive yet (Maya's benchmark). Hopefully I'll get my x64 in couple of days, the 32 bit feels boring.
This is definitely my dream machine. I always wanted to use Maya on a Xeon and high-end Quadro :jump .

oldhippie_tom

10-04-2006, 08:18 PM

Well looks as if it should split atoms, not to mention polygons. Yes, my Alienware laptop is still being built and I am anxious also to see what a 64 bit OS can do.

That is a very serious piece of equipment you have there DjVoyager, and I am sure the test drives will be awesome. Have fun, as that is what it is all about!!!!

I will let you know when I can try out Vista!!!

DjVoyager

10-04-2006, 08:51 PM

Thanks Tom :). Yup, hopefully it will be its money's worth. Speaking of which I'll bet your alienware laptop is expensive than my workstation. Btw, what made you go with the ATI instead of Nvidia?

oldhippie_tom

10-04-2006, 09:36 PM

Yes, very expensive and I have bought 2 just alike. I suppose it was being stubborn in a way as I wanted the Area 51 Model and not the Aurora. I have read up on the Mobile ATI and see good thing about it.

But DjVoyager, it was just being stubborn that made me go with the Area 51 and that is the best I could get with it.

laxman

10-05-2006, 12:06 PM

Dual Core Xeon Processor, 3.20GHz, 2X 2MB L2 Cache 1066MHz
4GB, DDR2 ECC SDRAM Memory 533MHz, 8X512MB (expandable to 64 GB)
UltraSharp 1907FP Flat Panel with Height Adjustable 19.0 Inch VIS
nVidia,Quadro FX 3500,256MB dual VGA or DVI
80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s, 7200RPM HardDrive with 8MB DataBurst Cache
All SATA Hard Drives Non- RAID for 1 to 2 Hard Drives
SATA/SAS integrated controllerfor Connecting Internal Hard Drives

my god! You planning on making a movie?

danlefeb

10-05-2006, 05:33 PM

I've got Vista on my tablet along with Avast -- works great. I love Vista...especially on the tablet because the ink recognition has greatly improved from XP.

DjVoyager

10-05-2006, 06:22 PM

my god! You planning on making a movie?

LOL, maybe someday...

Btw, does anyone knows how overclocking works? I overclocked my Nvidia but Maya's render time was still the same. I also need to know how to get max performance out of this workstation.

Danlefeb, how much difference have you noticed in the render speed? The only drawback (if you call it that) on my machine is that it's running on a 32 bit OS. I checked my benchmark with another guy who has the same machine on 64 bit. Mine was 50 secs while his came in at 35. It's not much so I'm having second thoughts on getting x64 or Vista...unless it becomes a necessity.

oldhippie_tom

10-17-2006, 08:35 AM

DjVoyager, wondering if you are still having fun with your new computer. I am sure that you are.

Well mine will arrive today, finaly, and I am excited. But I had mentioned I would get back to you about the new Vista. Well my copies of the newest Beats for both 32 and 64 bit were included. I installed the 32 bit on my P4 3.2 and it ran alright. I installed Maya 7 and it seemed alot more sluggish than in XP. But of course I don't have a good video card on my P4.

I have decided not to install the 64 bit on my new Alien as I don't want to have a driver problem.

Did you have any luck finding the 64 bit version of XP?

Just thought I would check back and let you know.

laxman

10-17-2006, 10:22 AM

theres lots of stuff about overclocking on the net, make sure you read A LOT before doing anyting, cause you could mess us your system pretty badly if you don't. Basically, you need to make sure that you can cool youy system properly, beyond that you can overclock to almost whatever you want, you just have to get the right software.

oldhippie_tom: if you want to try vista you should get partition magic. Then you can create a partition and install vista in dual boot and if you have driver problems you won't loose anything. Just format the partition and then merge it back. Thats what I did, the only driver problem I had was with my wireless card, and since most manufactuers know vista is comming they already have drivers in the works, naturally MY card won't have vista drivers, but thats just my bad luck.:)

DjVoyager

10-17-2006, 11:26 AM

DjVoyager, wondering if you are still having fun with your new computer. I am sure that you are.

Did you have any luck finding the 64 bit version of XP?

Just thought I would check back and let you know.

Yup, my machine is running beautifully :). Gone over some benchmarks and it's such a relief to be one of the top three :D.

I haven't gotten the 64 bit, but my school has ordered some copies. They should be arriving in couple of days. I really want to see if 64 bit is as good as it sounds. Vista is also coming but I don't want to tackle that yet, not until I am certain it's compatible with CG apps.

Isn't your Alienware Vista capable? I thought the newer machines all are. Laxman is right, 64 bit drivers are already out there. You should contact Alienware's support. Keep us posted :).

oldhippie_tom

10-17-2006, 12:23 PM

Isn't your Alienware Vista capable? I thought the newer machines all are. Laxman is right, 64 bit drivers are already out there. You should contact Alienware's support. Keep us posted :)

Well FedEx should be here soon. I am like a new father here. I could run Vista on a new partition and have both. And I am sure that my Alien is completely compatible also with the drivers. I have heard that distributors can ship Vista on new computers in November. Not certain of that.

I think I will wait also. Funny, I suppose, but right now with my computer being so new it would feel like putting a bumper sticker on a new Mercedes. But I also intend on buying a home computer, which will eventually become my workhorse. I will wait till Vista ships with it to order it. I will get a much better video card on it and another monitor.

DjVoyager, that monster you have is really quite impressive. I can imagine it is a sweet machine to use.

DjVoyager

10-17-2006, 10:31 PM

Sure is :D. I've been exploring those features of Maya which I didn't had the patience too before, hehe. So far it hasn't let me down.
I'm also nervous about installing the 64 bit just cuz 32 bit have all the default drivers and BIOS to my machine, but I'm gonna give it a try. If it doesn't work I can always revert (hopefully not).

DjVoyager

10-31-2006, 10:38 AM

Ok, I've finally installed 64 ed. , and here goes;
XP 64 ROCKS!! :D
Dude, the system totally cut the rendering time in half! What was 50 seconds benchmark on 32 bits is now 24 seconds on 64. Amazing! I'm running dual OS on the same machine. I didn't get rid of the 32 bit just in case, many apps still need compatibility with 64 (lazy).
So that's my XP 64 experience :D. Let me know how's it going with your machine, Tom :)

oldhippie_tom

10-31-2006, 10:52 AM

Well, I am just alittle frustrated, and almost dropped you a note. I have a RAID on my laptop and the Vista install disk doesn't see my drive. I have tried several DOS drivers with no success on the 64bit Vista.

I suppose I need to ask how was it getting drivers for the XP 64bit? I would not mind having the 64bit on the laptop and 32bit on my other computer. And as was suggested using a dual boot, which seems like a good answer.

I am so glad you are enjoying the 64bit environment. It makes your investment seem worth while I am sure and give you a smile you must wipe off. ;-)

I will keep trying to load the 64bit Vista, or try to find a XP 64bit OS.

DjVoyager

10-31-2006, 11:16 AM

I actually had problem installing the 64 bit at first (non-Raid). It wasn't recognizing my harddrive (same as your). The only way it could recognize it is when aftering booting the machine with the OS it asks for "third party drivers or plugins (F6 I think)", say yes and it asks for a floppy. The floppy will have all the 64 bit driver support for the harddrive (you can download from alienware's download page). That's how it should technically work.
Unfortunately, I don't have a floppy drive so I called the tech support. They sent me a driver free harddrive, since my old one was factory set up for 32 bit OS, thus it wasn't recognizing 64 bit. The new harddrive installed xp 64 just fine.
Just for the heck of it, I tried it again on my older one, this time without formatting the HD and it worked.
So call the tech support at alienware, they should be able to direct you to the drivers needed for installing the 64 bit. Keep us posted of the situation. I know it's a bummer having problem with OS installation on such machines. Good luck!

danlefeb

10-31-2006, 11:34 AM

Danlefeb, how much difference have you noticed in the render speed? ...

Sorry for such a late reply, I must've overlooked this post. I currently have Vista installed on my tablet, so I don't run Maya on there. I haven't gotten around to installing it on any of my desktops or notebook to figure out the difference between XP/Vista renderings in Maya. However, as soon as Vista is released, I'll be looking to update all my systems - or at least most of 'em. I might keep one or two on XP simply because I don't really use a few of my computers that much. :-)

All in all, from what I've experienced and from what others who are running Vista have told me -- its about 100x better than XP. Or to quote my brother, "The difference between XP and Vista is much like the differences between Windows98 and XP".

oldhippie_tom

10-31-2006, 01:11 PM

Unfortunately, I don't have a floppy drive so I called the tech support. They sent me a driver free harddrive, since my old one was factory set up for 32 bit OS, thus it wasn't recognizing 64 bit. The new harddrive installed xp 64 just fine.
Just for the heck of it, I tried it again on my older one, this time without formatting the HD and it worked.
So call the tech support at alienware, they should be able to direct you to the drivers needed for installing the 64 bit. Keep us posted of the situation. I know it's a bummer having problem with OS installation on such machines. Good luck![/QUOTE]

I am in the same boat, no floppy. But certinaly seems you were the one to come to with my question. The hard drive bieng locked to 32bit makes sense. Well I will give them a call and I have just finished downloading XP 64bit and I have the Beata of Vista. If I am successful, and with your help I should be, I certinaly will keep you posted.

danlefeb I did load the 32bit Vista and have to say I agreee that the platform seemed good. I liked alot of what it had. Just didn't get to use it very long as it didn't seem to work very well with Maya. But on the computer I installed it on the Video Card is not real good.

danlefeb

10-31-2006, 02:45 PM

Yeah, I have yet to use it in a production environment so I guess we'll see. Of course the government takes forever on things so I'm sure it'll be a long time before we upgrade to Vista at work...so I'm safe playing around with it at home for a while where it wouldn't get put to the test nearly as much. :)

TwinsenDude

11-01-2006, 02:19 AM

Mmmm, I'm saving up for a dream machine that I'll hopefully be able to afford by christmas-time, and I'm starting to think 64 bit is a good idea after seeing that softimage video and reading these posts. At first I thought I didn't want to do it since so many programs haven't become compatible with 64 bit processing.

1 question, if I'm running Maya 8 Unlimited, do I need to install from a different disk or something for 64 bit, or is it the same installation as the 32 bit maya?

Heh, my dream machine should be something like:

AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 2.8Ghz Socket AM2 Dual Core 2MB Cache 2000Mhz FSB Processor

8GB Dual Channel DDR2 800Mhz RAM

ATi FireGL 7350 (I'm going all in on this computer)

Some big SATA hard drive, i'll prolly get like 300 to 400 GB or something.

Zalman Reserator External Fanless Water Cooling

and of course the other minor things. :D It's going to cost a lot, but it's going to be worth it.

DjVoyager

11-01-2006, 08:30 AM

Impressive specs! ATI FireGLs are compatible with Maya, good choice. And that memory is gonna set you up for couple of years. The rendertime's gonna fly :bang .
My machine broke me too. It's the next most expensive thing after my car...and sometimes I look at it and ask "why?" and then I do my CG projects and it replies, "that's why". Yup, it's worth it :)

Maya 8 is the only version that is completely compatible with both 32 and 64 bits, i.e. it's gonna provide extra support to the memory during rendering and processing, cutting your rendertime even shorter.
As far as my knowledge goes, almost all CG apps have versions or plugins for 64 bit. Heck, that's why XP 64 came into existence, for us :D.

danlefeb

11-01-2006, 09:16 AM

I had a Fire GL on my workstation at my last job -- they're pretty nice!

oldhippie_tom

11-01-2006, 09:21 AM

I look at it and ask "why?" and then I do my CG projects and it replies, "that's why". Yup, it's worth it

HaHaHa!!! DjVoyager I had to laugh when you wrote that. I have those same thoughts. ;-) I had bought 2 as I needed to make up to a friend a very big favor. But I could have bought a car for what they cost!!!

"Boy's don't ever grow up, their toys just get more expensive"

TwinsenDude

11-02-2006, 12:46 AM

Maya 8 is the only version that is completely compatible with both 32 and 64 bits, i.e. it's gonna provide extra support to the memory during rendering and processing, cutting your rendertime even shorter.
As far as my knowledge goes, almost all CG apps have versions or plugins for 64 bit. Heck, that's why XP 64 came into existence, for us :D.

Alright, but what I meant is do I have to install differently or do I just use the same installation I used for my 32 bit machine to install maya?

:D what kind of car is it that you have?

DjVoyager

11-02-2006, 08:09 AM

You don't need any special settings to install Maya 8, because it supports both, but you won't be able to install 64-bit drivers or plugins on your 32 bit machine. It's just not gonna accept them.

This is what I have. And this is what I want it to look like next year :D

TwinsenDude

11-02-2006, 11:40 PM

Heh, nice. I can't wait til I'm out of college and making some money so I can save up for a car. My favorite is the evo (mitsubishi lancer evolution)... I plan on saving up for one of them.

Yeah, make sure you turbo that baby up :D Also, the modded picture has some pretty lame rims, you prolly want to get some larger alloy rims, as they add a lot to the visual effect, and the lowering of weight from switching to alloy will really help your acceleration.

DjVoyager

11-03-2006, 08:40 AM

I'd have to be careful to not over do with the body kit, not matter how awesome it would look. The D.C. area's full of gov buildings, and a pimped up car sitting in their parking lots or even crossing streets is not gonna create a "good" impression :eyeRoll . Plus, you'd have to make sure to put extra security, otherwise prepare to say bye to your baby.
My Honda Civic was hooked up well. I had bought parts for it from all over. It caught attention whereever it went, including un-wanted. My baby was stolen, taken for a mid-night drag race, chased by police cars and a helicopter, ended up totaled :(.

laxman

11-03-2006, 06:33 PM

just out of curiosity, does insurance cover that?

DjVoyager

11-03-2006, 06:41 PM

How do you think I bought my next car :).

TwinsenDude

11-04-2006, 06:14 PM

Well then you're not too bad off :D

That really sucks though. Yeah you gotta get really good security on those cars, I have no idea how though. Heh, is there any way to install a fingerprint reader on a car? That'd be a good mod for hackaday.com :) Especially if you could rig it so the keyhole wouldn't work, and a way to block slimjims as well. Of course, there's no real way to block people from just smashing your window in if they really wanted to steal it... though I guess you might be able to install bulletproof glass... rofl.