Is it time for me to move from WinXP (x86) to Win7 (x64)?

[Avisynth_challenged]

Hey all,

I have a desktop PC that runs all my video editing and processing apps.

I am getting ready to upgrade the mobo and CPU.

Then I plan to do a fresh install of Windows.

The current PC was assembled in 2008, and I have WinXP 32-bit (x86) on it. I never upgraded to Vista or 7.

On XP, I run a bunch of the more popular programs discussed in this forum, including:

- Avisynth 2.58 and lots of 3rd party filters
- DGIndex
- x264
- CCE 2.70 SP
- multiAVCHD

There are others, but these are the most important.

I am wondering if these programs are best left running on XP x86, as they have been developed during XP's heyday.

Or, is it okay to move them onto Win7 x64?

And, in general... does W7 x64 perform better than XP x32 for processing (Avisynth) and encoding/transcoding (CCE or x264)?

I am trying to decide whether or not to install W7 x64 on my upgraded video editing desktop. So I am asking the experts here.

Thanks in advance for any comments or feedback.

[Atak_Snajpera]

everything works well on win7 x64. Do not even think about going back to ancient win xp x86.

[LoRd_MuldeR]

Encoding performance is primarily determined by CPU performance, not by the operating system. You probably won't see a noteworthy difference in processing speed between Win XP and Win 7.

However nowadays you certainly want a 64-Bit Windows version. Not only because it can address more physical memory (32-Bit Windows is restricted to ~3 GB), but also because 64-Bit binaries often run faster (especially x264).

There is a 64-Bit version of Win XP, but it's never was pushed by Microsoft, so it remained niche product and thus support is limited. Vista was pretty much superseded by Win 7. So Win 7 (64-Bit) is the OS of choice right now.

[Avisynth_challenged]

Thank you Atak_Snajpera and LoRd_MuldeR for alleviating the uncertainty I had about making the switch. I did buy the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack (3-user) from Amazon last week for $95.

Then I read that Microsoft will be selling $40 upgrade licenses for Windows 8 Professional when W8 releases, and that these licenses will have a downgrade provision for Windows 7 Professional, for those who want to migrate from XP or Vista, but do not want to deal with uncertainties with W8.

So my next question... is there any reason to use W7 Pro (x64) over W7 Home Premium (x64) for processing and encoding/transcoding? I'm *guessing* that Professional versus Home Premium wouldn't matter for those reasons, but I've been wrong before!

Thanks again for your help, and for the good discussion, as I slowly bring my desktop up to date :)

[LoRd_MuldeR]

Windows 8 will be a Windows 7 with a clunky "touch" interface and a crippled Desktop environment. You probably want to skip that version on your desktop computer ;)

As for Windows 7 Professional, it includes "all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain. Additional features include operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies and Windows XP Mode". I don't think you'll need any of these for video encoding. "XP Mode" can be handy every now and then, but you can use VirtualBox just as well.

[Blue_MiSfit]

I'd go with Home Premium. The only reason for a home user to use Professional is for the remote desktop server. That is indeed handy if you have multiple PCs!

But yes, go Windows 7 x64 all the way. It's a fantastic OS!

[laserfan]

The only reason for a home user to use Professional is for the remote desktop server.
I am surprised that anyone would buy Pro as expensive as it is, especially when W7 Home Premium x64 works with TightVNC perfectly for remote access.

I agree w/everyone else here to plan W7HPx64 for your new PC.

[Avisynth_challenged]

Thank you to all who contributed to the discussion.

I will definitely go with Win7 Home Premium x64, based on the replies here.

If I encounter any issues with any legacy tools that I want to maintain, I plan to move up to W7 Professional x64 as a solution to that problem, using its XP Mode.

For XP Mode, will 8GB of system RAM be enough, or should I install 16GB?

Once again, you have my sincerest thanks. :thanks:

[SassBot]

I am surprised that anyone would buy Pro as expensive as it is, especially when W7 Home Premium x64 works with TightVNC perfectly for remote access.

Because unless something has radically changed recently, RDP is less bandwidth-intensive and less laggy than VNC. Ths is even noticeable when connected via wireless N to a router wHere the other machine is wired via gigabit ethernet. RDP is smooth and no noticeable screen redraws while VNC is constantly causing visible redraws and lags like crazy.

[laserfan]

VNC is constantly causing visible redraws and lags like crazy.That's not been my experience (TightVNC). Indeed my 2560x1600 display is accessed wonderfully well.

But I won't argue if someone really wants to pay for RDP--I'm a capitalist after all.