Which OS platform is best for 3dsmax 9, 8, and 7: XP Pro x32 or XP Pro x64?

[thj]

Dear all,

As i am going to set up a new ws for the 3dsmax 7,8, and 9 versions (primarily 9 ) i have read a lot about what to use of hardware and software OS platform. However i am confused and absolutely unsure what to select with regard to OS platform. The more i read, the more unsure i get.

I have already put together the hardware, and it is based upon an AMD CPU platform with NVidia screencard + asus mainboard \motherboard.

Main goal : best possible rendering speed.
Second goal : stability and hassle free run\operation. (i.e.drivers, viewport use, compatibility issues)

I first though is was an easy choice, the x64 had to be the gived choice here, but after some reading i am completely unsure if that really is a fact.

I got a tip about this forum as a great expertise source from a friend and would like to ask the members here for help and advice.

What to select and install? XP Pro x32 or XP Pro x64 ??

Any advice would be highly appreceiated.
thj.

 

[mgb_phys]

Does your package run natively under xp64, xp64 will run 32bit programs but there is a speed penalty. Unless you need to access more than 2Gb of memory there is a speed penalty running under 64bit anyway since it effectively haves the cache size for most operations ( have to store 8bytes/pointer rather than 4).
Another problem is that drivers for xp64 are generally unavailable or poor quality.

 

[ravenprp]

Dear thj,

Thank you for reaching out to our forum for advice on which OS platform is best for 3dsmax 9, 8, and 7. It's great to hear that you have already put together the hardware for your workstation and are now looking for the best OS to optimize your workflow.

After researching and considering your main goals of rendering speed and stability, I would recommend using XP Pro x64 for your 3dsmax 9, 8, and 7 versions. While it may seem like a simple choice, there are a few key factors to consider.

Firstly, 3dsmax 9, 8, and 7 are all 32-bit applications, meaning they can only access up to 4GB of RAM on a 32-bit OS. By using XP Pro x64, you will have access to more RAM, which can greatly improve your rendering speed and overall performance.

Additionally, XP Pro x64 is specifically designed for 64-bit processors, such as your AMD CPU platform. This means that it can take full advantage of your hardware and optimize its capabilities. This can also lead to improved stability and compatibility with your hardware components.

However, it's important to note that some older plugins or software may not be compatible with XP Pro x64. It's always a good idea to check with the software manufacturers to ensure compatibility before making your final decision.

In conclusion, based on your main goals and hardware setup, I would recommend using XP Pro x64 for the best possible performance and stability. I hope this helps in your decision-making process. Best of luck with your new workstation!