Vista - x86/x64? - Limited RAM

I know this has been asked and answered a thousand times, yet I believe there is an area to this question that has not been explored yet. Specifically in terms of minimum recommended available memory. I’ve reached quite the predicament recently, especially for something that should be a simple matter… You see, I am torn between two operating systems and can not come to any reasonable conclusion as to which better suites my needs both now, and in the future.

XP SP3 or Vista x64 SP1?

My system specs clearly favor a 64 bit operating environment, however my laptop’s main board possesses an inherent memory limitation of 4GB. Not a problem since there is exactly 4 gigs of RAM installed… but when you factor in the additional gig of video memory that it sees first, it cuts available RAM down to 3. On top of that, Vista and XP decide to ignore another 512MB leaving me with 2.5 gigs useable RAM. Aside from removing my graphics cards, there is nothing I can do short of replacing the mother board to fix this.

So, two and a half gigs… once you take away Vista’s memory advantage, is it still desirable? Is it really the next big step or just Me II? Is Windows 7 really that far off or should I just stick with XP?

I will be utilizing many potential 64 bit CAD applications in the future, as well as my daily regiment of audio/video and image editing software. But don’t forget the games!

At this point I am very confused and full of more questions than I dare ask at once. The answer I am really looking for is just a good insight to the future of Windows. Am I better off with a 64 bit OS now (even with the memory reduction) or should I wait for bigger and better things to come?

Hello Kalmar. Welcome to the forum.

You have a tough call to make.

I also have every MS operating system available to me as well. And I have asked myself what should I use at least twice a week. Windows server 2008 wins the argument for a moment and then I come back to reality.

I have all 6 versions of XP right here at my desk. Home, Pro, MCE 03, MCE 05, X64 and Advanced server(no bull, it's real).

I have every version of Vista.

I can't find a better reason then to run x64 Vista Ultimate. It out does everything(on the workstation). For a home setup Ultimate is it. And even if you go straight to Windows 7 the moment it's released, using Vista will get you use to the new GUI and the transition will be smoother.

With your specs use Vista x64. And don't worry about games. They work fine.

you may want to dump the raid though. I got 6 HDs here and don't use it, it's really not a good idea, but thats for you to decide yourself.

Good luck.