I’m trying to build a good semi inexpensive system around the i7; then put on my current version of XP Pro(which I assume is 32 bit.) Any problems with this plan?
As far as I know, the only problem would be the 3 gig memory limit with XP 32-bit.
If you like XP, I’d suggest Win7 64-bit.
It would be much faster, and you will definitely have the hardware to run it (Win7) at its full potential (as well as being able to throw 6 or 8 gig of ram into it.)
Of course, that’s another $140 towards the cost of your system...
That should work just fine.
The way the 64 bit processors work is that they are 32 bit processors that have extra capabilities for 64 bit, so they can be told to run as a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor. If the processor is told to run as a 32 bit pocessor it cannot run 64 bit applications. If it is told to run asa 64 bit processor it can also run 64 and 32 bit applicaiton. Your operating system, Windows XP in your case, tells the processor when Windows XP boots to run as a 32 bit processor.