Windows XP Pro x64, does it have good driver support?

[Frodo]

I can get a legal copy of Windows XP Pro X64 for $30.
Thinking of replacing my Windows XP home (OEM) with the Win XP Pro x64, for
faster performance.
Current hardware is AMD X2 4200+ (939) , 2X1GB, Asus with Nforce4 Ultra, ATI
X800XL, Audigy 4, Logitech USB mouse.
Does the Pro X64 have good compatibility with games?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I can get a legal copy of Windows XP Pro X64 for $30.
Thinking of replacing my Windows XP home (OEM) with the Win XP Pro
x64, for faster performance.
Current hardware is AMD X2 4200+ (939) , 2X1GB, Asus with Nforce4
Ultra, ATI X800XL, Audigy 4, Logitech USB mouse.
Does the Pro X64 have good compatibility with games?

Are all your other applications 64bit?

 

[Frodo]

Are all your other applications 64bit?

I really do not have any idea if my apps are 64 bit, I'm not using any
"Office" applications.
I have PowerDVD 7, Media Player Classic (K-Lite codec pack), Winamp, ATI
Tray Tools, Nero 7 Ultra Edition, Adobe Reader 8,
AVG Anti-Virus, Agnitum Firewall, Microsoft Keyboard software, Google
Toolbar, Firefox.

 

[AJR]

To utilize 64 bit requires programs specifically written. The 64 bit
version is much "tougher: on drivers than 32 bit - it requires all drivers
to be "certified" - and contrary to 32 bit, which permits installing
unsigned drivers, 64 bit does not.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I can get a legal copy of Windows XP Pro X64 for $30.

$30? You are quite sure that's a legal copy?

In my experience, when an offer sounds too good to be true, it hardly ever
is what you think it is.

Thinking of replacing my Windows XP home (OEM) with the Win XP Pro
x64, for faster performance.

Unless you also run 64-bit apps (and there aren't very many available yet),
you won't see any faster performance.

Current hardware is AMD X2 4200+ (939) , 2X1GB, Asus with Nforce4
Ultra, ATI X800XL, Audigy 4, Logitech USB mouse.

I can't answer your driver question specifically for your hardware, but in
general, there are numbers of situations where 64-bit drivers are not yet
available.