Hi,

I am new to this site. I am putting parts together for a gaming system. I have been looking at the Asus Crosshair mobo, AMD AM2 6400+, XFX 8800 GTS, 4 Gigs of Patriot Ram, Creative XtremeGamer sound card, Raptor 150 GB hd, Seagate 500 GB hd, and a DVD Rom SATA and DVD bruner SATA. I have been reading that people are having trouble getting this mobo to "see" 4 gigs of ram. Anyone have any issues with the parts I am looking at? I have been trying to contact Asus with no reply. Also I am torn over what OS to use, XP Pro x64 or Vista?? Any input would be great. Thanks

Newbie96

Hi Newbie96,
Firstly, I'd like to welcome to CompuForums - it's good to have you here. I hope you will be on the board for a long time, and if there is anything I can do to make your experience better please let me know. We are here to help you, so it would be appreciated if you could help us by posting in threads as well as your own. By doing so, you are helping to keep this site running in the future, and we will respond to your thread faster too. If you can't help us, then we can't help you.

That looks like an OK system. Regarding the 4GB ram limit - you need a 64bit OS for more than 3.5-4GB of RAM. I'd suggest XP x64 over Vista.

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Hi,
Thanks, why XP x64 over Vista?

Newbie96

If I where you I'd go Vista. People have problems with it yes. However I have 3 machines on Vista Ultimate and they all work fine

He probably likes XP more than Vista its said that XP is better for gaming but I can't see the difference.

Hi,

Thanks. Ever have any problems getting 64 bit drivers? Is there a difference between getting Vista Ult. and the OEM version?

Yes. OEM only works on certain computers I think and Retail works on all.

Is xp x64 easier to get drivers? Other than the operating system what do the parts look like? Heard of any problems with this selection of parts? How much ram you running? Thanks

Drivers are just as easy to get on Vista. 2nd Question you will have to explain more. Parts are great . I'm running 1.7GB on this one, 2.0GB on other and 512mb on another.

I'd say that there is a small chance you won't be able to get Vista x64 drivers. However as you're building an entirely new system you shouldn't have to worry about that. Things like printers and webcams may be a bit more difficult to get the drivers for - Googling for device name + "vista "64" should let you know what's compatible. Still, go for Vista at your own risk - you may or may not have all of the problems Vista brings along.

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Ash
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Hi

Thanks, would I still see the speed of the system whether using xp x64 or Vista? Have you heard of any problems with the Asus Crosshair or XFX 8800 cards? Thanks.

Newbie96

You would probably see better speed and responsiveness in XP.

Also please note that if you do not post in threads other than your own then we may not be able to continue to assist you.

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Ash
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OK Thanks. So over all taking all things into account, xp x64 better than Vista Ultimate 64 bit? Thanks

I'd definatley be going for XP. If Vista SP1 improves, you can simply get an upgrade copy when it's released.

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Ash
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Hi,

Thanks a lot. I have been reading you should only install 2 GB Ram when installing the OS then put the additional 2 GB in for some reason. I hope all the parts will work good together. I am thinking of going with a 1000 Watt power supply. Is that over kill or would a 850 Watt be large enough? Thanks

Newbie96
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Hi,

Ever used a DVD Rom and or DVD burner both SATA? I want to try one but have not heard anything much good or bad about them. Anyone else?


Newbie96

havent personally, but i hear they are nice and fast compared to IDE drives