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I've been working with Windows Server 2003 Data Center edition 64-bit for the last year - so far it has been solid. Since the same technology will be used on XP, I don't really think you'll have too many problems with it. The only downside to that - there are really not too many programs that run in the true 64-bit environment yet. Most of the proggy's run in a 32-bit simulated. So, if you took something like Cubase and ran it on a 64-bit box, it would actually work rather sluggishly because a)64-bit CPUs are slower in terms of speed (MHz) and b) because the 32-bit emulation mode has to go through an added number of layers to process the same task. ON the bright side, you can take advantage of more RAM.
In conclusion, I'd say we're at least 2 years away from seeing a 64-bit DAW application, ASIO or DXi drivers, and even further away from seeing true 64-bit VSTi's. I figure you'll see 64-bit computing explode around the time Longhorn comes out (due in 2006-2007). Keep in mind that in order for you to take advantage of 64-bit architecture, your system must be a true 64-bit system. That means:
64-bit (or wider) Memory bus (ok, got that)
64-bit PCI-X (ok, got that too)
64-bit video (hm... that seems to be there)
64-bit drivers (MIA)
64-bit apps (MIA)
64-bit OS (available)
and for our purposes:
64-bit DAW
64-bit VSTi's
64-bit supporting programs.
So, until then, have fun and don't waste your money on 64-bit CPU you can't take advantage of.
Later!
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Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition
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