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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optimal operating system for running Autodesk 3ds Max versions 7, 8, and 9, specifically comparing Windows XP Pro x32 and Windows XP Pro x64. Users highlight that while XP Pro x64 allows access to more than 2GB of memory, it incurs a speed penalty for 32-bit applications due to increased pointer size. Additionally, the availability and quality of drivers for XP Pro x64 are often subpar, leading to potential stability issues. Ultimately, for users prioritizing rendering speed and stability, XP Pro x32 is recommended unless there is a specific need for more memory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Autodesk 3ds Max versions 7, 8, and 9
  • Familiarity with Windows XP operating systems
  • Knowledge of 32-bit vs 64-bit architecture
  • Basic awareness of hardware compatibility, particularly with AMD CPUs and NVidia graphics cards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the performance differences between 32-bit and 64-bit applications in rendering tasks
  • Investigate driver support for Windows XP Pro x64, especially for NVidia graphics cards
  • Explore optimization techniques for Autodesk 3ds Max on Windows XP Pro x32
  • Learn about hardware configurations that maximize rendering speed for 3ds Max
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for 3D artists, animators, and technical directors who are setting up workstations for Autodesk 3ds Max and need to make informed decisions about operating systems and hardware configurations for optimal performance.

thj
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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.
 
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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.