CS3 and WIN XP 64-bit, looking for user review…

[Dylan Kimbrell]

I’ve been running CS3 with Win XP 64-bit for several months now. No major issues to concern yourself with but know that CS3 is a 32-bit application so you’ll never really get to see the full benefits of a quad core CPU, more than 4 gb RAM, etc. That being said I have a quad core and 8 gigs of RAM which makes running multiple applications (in addition to a CS3 app) a breeze.

After Effects has an option to “Enable Multiprocessing” which will help you utilize your extra cores and RAM during rendering. If set up properly this can lead to blazing render times.

I will say that I experience more crashes on a 64-bit system than I have in the best on a 32-bit rig (this is more of a Windows issue though). Also codec support and driver support, will present some fun compatibility problems for you but nothing that I haven’t been able to work around yet.

So 64-bit XP is not essential, but it certainly has its benefits. Also if you’re looking to work with a program like Cinema4D or other programs that have true 64-bit support it’s definitely worth it.

[Paul Thurston]

Thanks Dylan,

When you mentioned “codec support” and “driver support,” do you mean software related to BlackMagic/AJA capture cards or do you mean Apple QuickTime related support?

Thanks,
Paul

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Paul Thurston
Producer
Chile

[Dylan Kimbrell]

I’ve never had any problems with Quicktime, and for the most part you’re not going to run into any issues with popular software like QT. I can’t speak to your IO device, I would suggest seeing if the vendor offers a 64-bit driver on their site. Even if they don’t you can probably get it to work; WOW64 (Window’s 32-bit subsystem) is generally very good at handling 32-bit drivers/software.

The biggest problem I’ve run into so far with XP64 is recognizing external HDDs, PC or Mac formatted. For example, if you’re trying to read a Mac formatted drive you have to use a program called TransMac because the more popular (and superior) MacDrive software doesn’t run on 64-bit systems. And for PC drives, well… That’s a whole different story. It’s not impossible to get them to work, it’s just a pain sometimes.

Still, granted you’re using apps that take advantage of 64-bits like Cinema 4D or After Effects (which is still a 32-bit app but can do multiprocessing) and you’re willing to do the occasional troubleshooting, running XP64 can definitely be worth it.

(I apologize, I misspoke about the lack of codec support. This is not a 64-bit specific issue, just a Windows issue.)

[Paul Thurston]

Thanks Dylan,

What version of QT do you have installed in the WIN64 computer?

Thanks,
Paul

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Paul Thurston
Producer
Chile

[Dylan Kimbrell]

Currently running QT 7.4.1

Btw, my system specs include Intel Quad 2.4ghz CPU, 8gb RAM, 2tb RAID 0 array and a 60gb Raptor for the OS, CS3, etc., Asus P5E mobo, Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit

[Paul Thurston]

Thanks Dylan,

So in this computer setup, you do not have a video capture card… Is that correct?

-Paul

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Paul Thurston
Producer
Chile

[Dylan Kimbrell]

That’s correct. I’m a student and have access to decks, IO cards and Avid Mojos so I hope to put off buying card for my own system for as long as I can. So, I unfortunately cannot give you much information about driver compatibility, though this info should be easy enough to find on the net. Good luck!

[Mae Galeana]

Hi!, I’m sorry, but I read that Macdrive doesn’t run on XP 64. I was just looking for it, so, if it doesn’t work, what other software can I get to read my disk??

Thank you. 🙂

[Dylan Kimbrell]

Indeed MacDrive doesn’t run on XP 64. Check out TransMac https://www.asy.com/. It’s not as pretty as MacDrive but it gets the job done.