PS CS4 - WinXP x32 vs Vista x64?

My current build running WinXP x32 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.67 GHz , 4 gigs of Corsair XMS C4 6400 Ram and a 8800 GTS 640GB video card) has been pretty darn solid without near the issues from previous builds. So I've been contemplating making the switch to Vista x64 to get the most from my rig running CS4. I've even given thought to picking up an Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz processor, as my MSI board only supports the Kentsfield Quad Core CPU's. Not too sure if I'd benefit switching to the Q6600 over my current setup.

Would it be worth the hassle? Being that WinXp only sees 3 gigs RAM would this allow CS4 to see all 4 gigs with Vista x64 installed?

Decisions _

you don't really have to upgrade your CPU. Just need to pump up your RAM to 8GB and if you have SLI video card then it is even better.

I would go with 64 since they can see more RAM. i have both versions installed.

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SLI video card means two, right? I wouldn't waste money on that. Quad core is definitely used by PS. Not sure if the upgrade to 8GB RAM/Vista 64 is worth the bother myself, especially if it's stable now.

tim wrote in post #6816688
SLI video card means two, right? I wouldn't waste money on that. Quad core is definitely used by PS. Not sure if the upgrade to 8GB RAM/Vista 64 is worth the bother myself, especially if it's stable now.

memory now dirt cheap.

Sure, but you need to buy Vista 64 to use it, which isn't entirely cheap, and i'm not sure how much need there is for 8GB RAM. Running Photoshop, Bridge, and Photojunction I rarely get near the 3.5GB of RAM I can access. It's pretty dang fast too, the Q6600 is a nice CPU.

Thanks guys. I can get an OEM copy of Vista x64 for $99 with free shipping. Being able to just see my full 4 gigs and use it would be an improvement. Not sure if the CPU upgrade would be worth it though.

You only gain 500MB or so if you have 4GB installed, vista will eat some of that, not sure it's worth the bother. The CPU upgrade would make sense if Photoshop/Bridge reguarly max out both your cores.

The Adobe man told me that Vista 64 runs CS4 about 40% faster than XP32 and Mac OSX.

Bubble, can you run some tests and let us know if you can see a speed difference since you have both on your machine.

There are a few performance tests on this thread. Andrew has overclocked his CPU a little more than mine - stock is 2.4GHz, mine is 2.7GHz, his is 3.0GHz, which should only make a minor difference. His machine was around 40% faster than mine, Vista 64 vs XP32.

40% is quite a jump in performance. I generally tell myself if computer hardware or software doesn't show me at least a 25% gain I don't mess with it.

I have my E6700 running overclocked from 2.67 GHz to 3.33 GHz. Amazing how these Intel chips take the OC/voltage increase with hardly any noticeable temperature rise.

The memory management in Vista 64 is generally more efficient than that of XP/Vista 32 especially when you have more than 2Gb. The main downside isn't so much the RAM or resources but application support and drivers... Though drivers have better support now. Also Vista uses the RAM better (however they screw up in other areas but that's another story).

From what I've seen Vista 64 is becoming far more prevalent with new systems these days especially when they come with 4Gb or more.

Photoshop runs best when you can throw lots of RAM at it, the more the merrier.