XP 32 or 64 bit??

Ok, I need help choosing an operating system. What's the diff between 32 and 64 bit for XP anyway? What is the performance difference? Also, does it really matter if I get Home Edition, Pro, or Media Center? OR should I just get Vista instead, I've read XP is better in performance though. Thx

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ BE 2.60Ghz, PNY 8800 GT, 2GB PC6400 RAM

nudge

From your system you don't need 64 (more than 3 gb of RAM and VRAM). It mostly helps in different programs that can run faster because of the 64 bit system or that use large amounts of RAM. For 64 you can only go Vista, XP 64 is pretty much worthless, and your system is pretty good for Vista, it's up to you if you want Vista or not, but from what I see, stick to Xp 32, if you don't need DX 10.

XP Home and Pro are almost the same, except some security stuff and a few other things that you won't be interested in.

How does it will effect gamessandeep410

It won't. Only if you plan to install the cinematic mod for HL , but mostly no.

What will MS come out with in the next year or so? Will they update Vista for better performance? To me Vista just doesn't seem worth it.Shifty7777777

Vista is fine, Why get a old OS with a new PC. I have not had one problem with vista and have used it for a year. You don't need 64 bit really, at least not for gaming.

Plus Vista Home Premium comes with media center which I use all the time. If you do stick to XP, that is also fine, because windows 7 should be out in a couple years.

With PC gaming, you never get ahead of the technology, but you never really lose either.