I would say a 64-bit processor is a pretty decent investment if you're on win XP, I wouldn't know about vista yet. I've always been hesitant to go with 64-bit because the only software I know we frequently use that has a streamlined version for 64-bit processors is 3dsMax.

wasn't nintendo already 64-bit like ten years ago?

64-bit software leads to speed improvements in certain, very specific areas which revolve around needing to process large amounts of data in big chunks. These include things like scientific modelling, video compression, and some 3D modelling work. It's not a general, across-the-board speed increase.

Remember, 64-bit Windows is of no value unless you are running 64-bit applications, and running on a 64-bit processor.

Yeah nic, they totally were, and Atari was "64-bit" five years before Nintendo!

But seriously, 64-bit i think refers to the bandwidth of processors and not really the speed.

many agree Vista sux, no matter how many bits...

I have been running XP 64x for a couple years, and recommend it over vista ..it never gives me the probelms that my vista machine does.

a caveat for 64-bit processors: CAD only runs on 32, so you would have to set up an additional hard drive to run it on. other than that, 64 is great and runs very well with vista.

there is a 64 bit version of cad and 3ds now...

and in IMHO, I still respectfully disagree, Vista does not work "well" at all..

i was under the impression that you could run an emulator for 32-bit software. is that wrong?

x64 may be too much trouble right now. just seems like it will be standard in a few years.

btw, i've also heard Vista 64 is a great improvement on xp

..I dont know about an emulator though..I mean x64 runs everything for me..CS3 Rhino and CAD 64 bit and 3ds 64 bit ..without any trouble.

and well, you;ll be fine with vista....I am just a grouch...about microsoft

I personally, am going with a quad core rig (4 gig ram) this summer...

I have Vista ultimate on my notebook (64 bit). I have no problems with it. I am Run Rhino v 4 + t-splines, Maya 2008, Revit 09, AutoCAD 08... with no worries......

My computer gets me out of jams.....It has not ever quit on me...I bought it with 2 gigs of Ram and a 2.2 processor, and Nvidea 8600..
I have had my notebook for about a year now....at firsty I was Everyone has been updating softwares..and 64 bit friendly.....

No Problems with Vista

I was thinking about going with a Xeon rig, but it seems largely useless unless running dual processors and that would break my budget. Anybody ever worked on a dual Xeon rig?

I really got start proof reading before submitting
"at first I had problems finding software for my system, but now everyone has been updating there softwares ----64 bit freindly now...

ok you guys changed my mind. i'll go with the 64 bit. i don't know much about computers, so can you tell me if the specs of my computer are sufficient?

Intel Quad Core 2.66 ghz
4gb ram
1 TB hd
nVidia Geforce 512mb
Windows Vista Ultimate (64)

memory hogs that i need to run:
CS3 (including Premiere and After Effects)
AutoCad
3DS Max
Rhino

Everything sounds good (more then enough)....As long as your Nvidea ..Is 8000+ GT series---you will be fine

yes dj tanner, everything sounds good except vista 64 bit. I seriously recommend xp over it. BTW, they have a service pack 3 for xp also now.

1 tb hd..whoa..I wasnt paying attention when those came out..cool.

i run 64 bit OS but i use 2003 64 base with XPsp3 skin bit because i also think Vista is not production ready based on all the benchmarks, unless one comes out to prove me wrong i will stay far away from Vista. i consider cripple bloat ware and a new dead end trap

dual xeons are worth it if you are doing a lot of high end rendering - it is crucial, really.

if you are doing student work or quick renderings, you won't need it


fyi - AE and Premiere can utilize dual processor rendering, too, in case you do a lot of high end video work (although it doesn't sound like it)