Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 30, 2009 at 8:53 PM
My photo editing PC bit the dust, so I've decided to build a new pc and I'm seriously considering going with a 64 bit OS, mostly in anticipation of future software. For those of you running 64 bit, what kind of troubles have you run into? This PC will mainly be a Photoshop/Lightroom box. I've heard both good and bad about Vista, but I also have the option of 64 bit XP, so any thoughts on that would be helpful.
Thanks for any tips.
Paul
Posted by David Bostedo on April 30, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Paul - Check for other threads on this topic - I think there are some. Short story - there's very little reason not to go with 64-bit Vista and 4 GB or more of RAM. (The only reason to stay with XP would be if you have old hardware and can't get drivers for it. Nikon scanners are a little notorious for this.)
I'm using 64 bit Vista with no problems at all.
Still using the 32 bit version of Photoshop CS4 though because the plug-ins I like to use haven't been updated to 64 bit and won't work in the 64 bit version of PS.
That's OK...I don't really need the extra memory boost that 64 bit PS allows. Still disappointed that most plug-ins haven't been upgraded yet.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on April 30, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Definitely 64 bit. The new version of Photoshop screams on a 64 bit version machine and 8GB of memory.
I would highly recommend going with a 64-bit OS, I run Vista 64 Ultimate myself and have had not one single issue with it. At this time, only for the ability to run more than 3-gigs of RAM. I consider that to be very very important. The downside is as John says, very few plug-ins are compatible with CS4 64-bit and Lightroom as well. It is a bit of a headache to have to switch from 64-bit to 32-bit if I want to use my plug-ins(onOne is at least 'Talking' about future plans for 64-bit compatibility).
Inconvenience aside, go 64-bit and a minimum of 8-gigs of RAM. CS4 does run great in that environment
Paul,
I would highly recommend to take a look at the new windows 7 64 bit.
i've been running the beta for a while now, and i have to stay its by far the best windows they have ever produced.
I'm even running this on my working pc, which i would normally never do with a beta version.
but windows 7 has been as stable as it can be.
The retail version should be out pretty soon though seeing as they are now putting out release candidates..
The other reason to go with 64-bit Vista is to work out the kinks regarding whatever drivers might not be compatible at this point (many manufacturers got caught up, finally), because when Windows 7 comes out you will definitely want to upgrade. For one thing, any Vista driver will work on Windows 7, and 7 adds a new feature where it utilizes RAM and GPU memory together (I don't know all the specifics yet, but it'll be a good thing).
Or, like Wim said, why not just start with the Windows 7 Beta? In fact, the Beta isn't even available for download anymore. On May 5th, the link will be provided on Microsoft's site for Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) version, which is one step closer to the production release. That means you only pay for Windows ONCE, when 7 is released.
BTW, I'm in the midst of building the same type rig right now (Intel i7, etc), and I think I'll be going the 7 route also. There's enough folks on here with tech knowledge to turn to for help. Go for it! If you have any build questions, don't hesitate to email me or post it on here.
Just FYI, now is a great time to build a rig, the component prices are low and the rebate deals are all over the place. BUT, the NASDAQ is gaining ground and the tech market is heating up a bit, so the deals won't last forever. Right now you can get 6GB of Patriot DDR3-1600 ram for $64 after MIR on Newegg... you just can't beat prices like that!
Sure wish the Mac version of Photoshop was 64-bit, but Apple deterred that... oh well.
While Windows 7 should be great, I wouldn't recommend it as someone's only OS unless they're very comfortable debuggin problems, or are prepared to scrap it and go with Vista. It IS only a release candidate, not a final product, so it's somewhat likely to turn up issues. You may get lucky and have everything work wonderfully, but be prepared not to.
David,
i was under the same impression as you about a beta,
but in all fairness, i've hadn't had a single problem running this beta,
and if it runs on vista it runs on 7.
and with the upcoming xp mode. Everything should run fine
without any problems.
Going with the beta and only paying once its officially released seems to be
a fairly safe option imo.
You can already download the RC through various torrent site's if you wish to.
David, normally I totally agree, but I've read over and over again on the web how stable the Beta was... I bet it's just Vista that's been tweaked and fine-tuned, then some nifty things added on. It may be no more risky than the next level service pack.
Hey, get this, there are 30 known legacy applications ("known" meaning Microsoft-tested) that will run on Windows 7 that did NOT run on Vista, and there are more out there just not verified. They even have a term for them: "Rescued Applications". Go figure. Here's an article about it.
For questions about Windows 7 upgrades, this should help (hope you don't need to log in to read it).
Ugh, I just noticed how tech/geek this thread has gotten (mostly my fault) when it's supposed to be a photography site. My apologies... the Mac guys never have to have these conversations! But, I guess if tech garble helps the photogs to do their work, it's a good thing.
...the Mac guys never have to have these conversations!
Sure they do - they're just a little different - less about memory hogging or bugs, and more about features. Mac OS updates are always big news too, and all the other usual questions abound. Consider all the conversations about why you can't get 64-bit Photoshop on a Mac, for instance.
I am currently trying to revive my XP machine only because there is no way to use my SCSI slide scanner on this new, super hot, whizbang Vista Home Premium 64 bit butt kicker. The new computer is greatly impressive (amazing what happens when you skip a few generations), but the backward compatability isuse is an unexpected complication. You should probably make sure there are hardware drivers in the new OS for any essential hardware.
Discussion
14 repliesThanks for any tips.
Paul
Still using the 32 bit version of Photoshop CS4 though because the plug-ins I like to use haven't been updated to 64 bit and won't work in the 64 bit version of PS.
That's OK...I don't really need the extra memory boost that 64 bit PS allows. Still disappointed that most plug-ins haven't been upgraded yet.
Inconvenience aside, go 64-bit and a minimum of 8-gigs of RAM. CS4 does run great in that environment
I would highly recommend to take a look at the new windows 7 64 bit.
i've been running the beta for a while now, and i have to stay its by far the best windows they have ever produced.
I'm even running this on my working pc, which i would normally never do with a beta version.
but windows 7 has been as stable as it can be.
The retail version should be out pretty soon though seeing as they are now putting out release candidates..
Or, like Wim said, why not just start with the Windows 7 Beta? In fact, the Beta isn't even available for download anymore. On May 5th, the link will be provided on Microsoft's site for Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) version, which is one step closer to the production release. That means you only pay for Windows ONCE, when 7 is released.
BTW, I'm in the midst of building the same type rig right now (Intel i7, etc), and I think I'll be going the 7 route also. There's enough folks on here with tech knowledge to turn to for help. Go for it! If you have any build questions, don't hesitate to email me or post it on here.
Just FYI, now is a great time to build a rig, the component prices are low and the rebate deals are all over the place. BUT, the NASDAQ is gaining ground and the tech market is heating up a bit, so the deals won't last forever. Right now you can get 6GB of Patriot DDR3-1600 ram for $64 after MIR on Newegg... you just can't beat prices like that!
Sure wish the Mac version of Photoshop was 64-bit, but Apple deterred that... oh well.
i was under the same impression as you about a beta,
but in all fairness, i've hadn't had a single problem running this beta,
and if it runs on vista it runs on 7.
and with the upcoming xp mode. Everything should run fine
without any problems.
Going with the beta and only paying once its officially released seems to be
a fairly safe option imo.
You can already download the RC through various torrent site's if you wish to.
Hey, get this, there are 30 known legacy applications ("known" meaning Microsoft-tested) that will run on Windows 7 that did NOT run on Vista, and there are more out there just not verified. They even have a term for them: "Rescued Applications". Go figure. Here's an article about it.
For questions about Windows 7 upgrades, this should help (hope you don't need to log in to read it).
Sure they do - they're just a little different - less about memory hogging or bugs, and more about features. Mac OS updates are always big news too, and all the other usual questions abound. Consider all the conversations about why you can't get 64-bit Photoshop on a Mac, for instance.
Pete D.