Vista - New to Vista. 64-Bit questions

Whats goin on guys

Im upgrading my computer of 5 years within the next 2 weeks. I decided to build a sick machine (Intel i7, DDR3, GTX 280 all the goodies.) With doing so, im going to put 64 bit vista on it. Now as far as my use of the computer, well its simple, gaming.

Im usually stuck to the World of Warcraft, FPSs, and RTS. I have no idea what im getting into with vista. With what I'm using the computer for, how should I go about doing stuff on windows to prepare the computer. By this I mean, what drivers do I need, what other software should I install. What do I basically need to make the computer run fine with Vista-64

Thanks in advance

Nothing really, you need to install the 64 bit drivers of your hardware, which will come on the CD's anyways. The hardware configuration youve chosen will easily cope with Vista x64, most (if not all) of the software you currently use will be compatible with vista 64. As for FPS differences there will be a slight drop compared to XP 32 bit but nothing noticeable, and as i said with the hardware youve chosen vista x64 should run as smooth as silk.

Well I know that there might be certain drivers that are installed for certain games due to vista? Or atleast thats what Ive been lead to believe. When my friend bought his computer with vista, for world of warcraft there were certain drivers that he had to install in order to make it work correctly. Im not sure if this pertains simply to that game, or if it was not an isolated incident for Vista.

I dont play WOW but it sounds like its only for that reason, ive certainly not had to do anything like that. If your referring to your hardware then yes you will have to install the 64 bit drivers (which will be on both instillation CD and nvidia website) for your graphics card but everything else you should be fine.

Thank you very much bro, I appreciate the help.

Windows Vista x64 will run x86 applications fine. I have not had a compatibility issue sofar, majority of applications have a subsequent for whatever it may be.

eg. Daemon Tools -> Virtual Clone Drive
SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive

I have only had one compatibility issue with vista x64 and thats fallout 3, everything runs beautiful. Especially with those specs you plan on having.

As for drivers, the media supplied with mb should be sufficient

Do you need x64 Architecture?

64-bit editions of Windows Vista are for computer users who have high-performance needs and who typically run a computer with 4 GB or more of random access memory (RAM). The terms "32-bit" and "64-bit" refer to the way a computer's processor handles information. The 64-bit versions of Windows can use more memory than 32-bit versions of Windows, which can only use up to 3 GB of memory. This helps reduce time swapping processes in and out of memory by storing more of those processes in RAM, rather than on the hard disk. This, in turn, can increase overall system and application performance, especially with applications optimized for 64-bit.

i play wow religiously and i used a 16gig usbdrive to take the whole wow folder from my old machine with x32 XP and dropped it in my program files(x86) folder and it runs great on 64 bit vista. havent updated a thing as far as that goes.

What problems did you have with fallout 3? I'd figure a new game like that might even run 64 bit native.

So far the only issue I've had with games is with IL2 Sturmovik. Something bonky with the piracy key, but I haven't had the time to fix it. I do know it will run on x64 though.

Oh that and the 64 bit version of HL2 is borked, but that's due to Valve I think.

Thank you bro for the info. Im actually really impressed with the knowledge from everyone on this forum big thumbs up to everyone. Not just in my thread but others I have read.

how did you guys get past the 60 second lag issue from vista 64bit looking for network connections? i have this problem and its killing me, i cant find a solution anywhere.