Should I upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate?

This is my rig:
Intel Core 2 Duo e6600 @ 3.0ghz
2gb RAM DDR2 800 (PC26400) timing: 5-5-5-18
300gb 7200rpm SATA 3.0Gb/s HDD
Asus P5N-E SLI motherboard
EVGA GeForce 8800gts 320mb pci-e superclocked edition
Antec 900 case
Antec Truepower Trio 550w power supply
Windows XP Pro

Now... this beast was obviously meant for some serious gaming, but with new games using DirectX 10, I was wondering if my rig would be all right upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate.

I've heard horrific stories of how Vista murders computer performance, so I've pushed off upgrading until now. But the allure of enhanced graphics is too much for me to ignore.

I request advisement...

Will my computer handle Vista Ultimate without sacrificing too much system and game performance?

How much of a decrease in performance should I expect?

Does the currently marginal improvement in graphics warrant the Vista upgrade?

Reasons why I should upgrade?

Reasons why I shouldn't?

Also... I'd like to know whether or not doing the upgrade (not the fresh install) will force me to reinstall my apps and games.

Thanks for your help in advance.

You shouldn't have to reinstall any apps if you do an upgrade.

It's just the same (most likely better) as if you were upgrading to XP from 2000.

Well I guess I can live with a clean install; makes sense since you're right, Vista does use a new Kernel.

As much as I appreciate the 3dmark06 result, it has no practical use for me as I don't use or have 3dmark06. But I would still like to know what kind of hit on performance I can expect. (Also... modai11, you have a computer that's at LEAST twice as fast as mine... with such a powerful rig, I wouldn't have expected a major decrease in performance XD)

For instance, I'm running the Unreal Tournament 3 demo at max settings at 1280x1024 at a constant 60fps. How much of a decrease in fps should I expect?

Also, modai119 suggested going 64-bit, but I never fully understood what this means. Can anyone explain the difference between 64-bit and 32-bit in layman's terms? =D Also if there's any advantage to go 64-bit... and if my rig can support it?

All right, I've installed Vista Ultimate, just for kicks (I already had it lying around). Seems to be working all right, but I've noticed a VERY signficant hit on performance.

When I was using windows XP, Unreal Tournament 3 demo ran at 60fps constantly. With vista, my fps has dropped 20 and sometimes 30. So, on average I'm playing at 45-ish fps, which for me, is unacceptable (since I can see the lag).

Now... I'm hoping its not my 8800gts that's my problem.

I've noticed that vista is constantly using 30% of my ram... no matter what/when/how/why. This means that I'm effectively running my games at LESS than 1.5gb ram, right?

So my logic is this: if I want to get my performance back to where it was pre-vista, I could compensate for that 30% ram usage by adding one more 1gb stick of ram, right?

Any/all input is appreciated, thanks.

All right, I've installed Vista Ultimate, just for kicks (I already had it lying around). Seems to be working all right, but I've noticed a VERY signficant hit on performance.

When I was using windows XP, Unreal Tournament 3 demo ran at 60fps constantly. With vista, my fps has dropped 20 and sometimes 30. So, on average I'm playing at 45-ish fps, which for me, is unacceptable (since I can see the lag).

Now... I'm hoping its not my 8800gts that's my problem.

I've noticed that vista is constantly using 30% of my ram... no matter what/when/how/why. This means that I'm effectively running my games at LESS than 1.5gb ram, right?

So my logic is this: if I want to get my performance back to where it was pre-vista, I could compensate for that 30% ram usage by adding one more 1gb stick of ram, right?

Any/all input is appreciated, thanks.

gm_jyoo

If your Mem usage is not higher than 2gb (i doubt it is higher) then you will not see much improvement by adding more ram.

get vista premium 64 bit, no real difference with ultimate only that ultimate "has ultimate extra's" I use quotes because they really haven't met expectations. the only important reason to upgrade to vista is dx10, so seeing as you have a 8800 and crysis is around the corner, I dont think I need to say more. oh and I run vista 64bit just fine, never had any problems. filmography

All right, I've installed Vista Ultimate, just for kicks (I already had it lying around). Seems to be working all right, but I've noticed a VERY signficant hit on performance.

When I was using windows XP, Unreal Tournament 3 demo ran at 60fps constantly. With vista, my fps has dropped 20 and sometimes 30. So, on average I'm playing at 45-ish fps, which for me, is unacceptable (since I can see the lag).

Now... I'm hoping its not my 8800gts that's my problem.

I've noticed that vista is constantly using 30% of my ram... no matter what/when/how/why. This means that I'm effectively running my games at LESS than 1.5gb ram, right?

So my logic is this: if I want to get my performance back to where it was pre-vista, I could compensate for that 30% ram usage by adding one more 1gb stick of ram, right?

Any/all input is appreciated, thanks.

gm_jyoo

You should not see such a drop, something else is wrong. My first thought would be drivers, but might be UT3 is just not liking Vista. Check some UT3 forums to see if anyone else is having that problem. Don't go by one game though.

Also I would ask everyone, what is wrong with just going Vista Basic? I don't see any features in the others that are must haves for regular home use on a desktop.