does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

[arbolive]

hi, well i just bought a core 2 duo system, and i dont know what operating sistem use.
is the windows 64 bits, faster than 32 bits version?

my configuration is


core 2 duo E6600
2 RAM gigs
evga 680i mobo
geforce 8800GTX ( does CUDA work well for renderig? )

thanks

[Micha_cg]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

No, XP64 is good for high RAM usage, but the speed is the same. If you use only 2GB RAM, than is XP32 ok - XP need 500 MB and you can use ~1.5GB for Rhino. But if you build in more than 2GB and you want to use more than 1.6GB for one Rhino task (this is the 32bit Windows Rhino limit, more and Rhino will crash), than use XP64 (I use it and I'm happy).
If you render complex models, use large textures, than better you use more than 2GB and XP64.

[dalomar_cg]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

The thing is that choosing to have a 64bit system is going to affect alot of other things such as drivers, printing, virus software, and a host of other "issues". Now are these "issues" really that big of a deal. Not really, but it depends what your doing, and for day to day things it can be abit annoying at times. And the honest truth is that at this point in time have a 64-bit station for Rhino isn't going to really get you enough to warrant all of those little hassles (this is of course my opinion). Now if McNeel goes ahead and recompiles for 64bit (which I hope they do), then that might tip the scales the other way. And if your rendering really complex scenes with lots of large textures, and have the money to throw down on the extra ram, then you can start seeing the payoffs. Hope that helps.

[Micha_cg]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

Yes, I haven't found a free 64bit firewall and think about to buy AVG. Drivers - I bought my system last autumn and anything works fine. Only the conection to my old digital camera was not working, but now my camera it out of order, so it's no problem anymore.
RAM is the only reason for XP64 and Rhino now. My last projects was inpossible without this additional RAM.

[arbolive]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

thanks,

[magnatizerr]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

Hi Micha

Just a quick note, I'm using AVG and it works really well - go for the version with the 'spyware' element. It's not a bad price (in the UK) compared with other Virus software - comes with two years support.

I'm just thinking of building another PC myself so the 64bit question was one to think about - I know someone who's just upgraded to Vista 64bit and he's had no problems. It seems Vista puts 64bit programs into a separate area to the 32bit programs - He's also had no problems with drivers, etc.

However, there is a question whether to go to Vista until it's over it's teething problems?

[dalomar_cg]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

I'm not sure how much of that is a vista question and how much is a 64bit question, but I will chime in on both.

As far as Vista goes, it will be there for a while, but Microsoft is doing its best to halt the distribution of XP. So my initial reaction to that would be to get your hands on XP while its still around and when the issues with vista clear up, move things over. If you go with Vista now, the might get stuck in that process, which may have anywhere from minor issues to major ones.

As far as moving to 64-bit, if you've got the need, then go for it. In my mind its very much worth it if your going to have a number of programs taking advantage of it (personally I have seen benefits from Max 64-bit, CATIA, Rhino, and Photoshop). But if its just for a little thing here or there, then I wouldn't consider the benefits to really be worth it. I did post on the newsgroup about Rhino being recompiled for 64-bit, and unfortunately the news was not what I had hoped. Basically McNeel doesn't feel that there is enough demand (I think there's a significant demand, it just may not be showing at the moment) to warrant taking the time/resources away from other issues.

With Vista and 64-bit together, I don't really know enough to say. If the drivers and fixes will work for vista whether its 32 or 64, then I could see it going as smooth as 32-bit vista (and thats not too smooth at the moment). If not then I could see some of the issues being quite (how should I say this) interrupting.

Hope this helps.

[joe_b]

Re: does the windows xp 64 bits reduce render times?

I don't know how well our products will work on Vista at the moment either. I've heard some grumblings that we haven't had time to address. I suppose that would go for Rhino too, I'm not sure if they are Vista-ready.