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Windows Vista17
I have 2 HP WINXP MCE computers (desktop/laptop). Have no intention of

upgrading either one to Vista. What I want to do is buy a new computer with

Vista Ultimate already installed. Here's one decision problem: The HP

computers I am looking at only offer Ultimate 64-bit. I read good and bad

about 64-bit. During my research, another component mentioned in

forums/Q&As, etc. is the Power Supply. Before I plunk down my money, please

give me some idea about minimum Power Supply requirements. Most computer

manufacturers do not post anything about their power supplies; therefore, I

will need to question before hand. Also, does 64-bit processing require a

better power supply. Your thoughts and expertise will be greatly appreciated.


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Judith wrote:



Hi, Judith,



What model HP computer are you considering? Is it a lap top

or desk top and what is its intended use? This information

will help to answer some of your questions.



As to 64-bit, my advice would be not to use it at this time

unless you have specific needs for more than 4 gigs of

memory. There are still a number of hardware driver issues

at this time although the situation seems to be getting better.



No, 64-bit processing does not necessarily require a better

power supply. Power supply requirements are base on the

hardware installed, ie: graphic card installed, amount of

memory, cpu, number of drives, etc. In my opinion, a power

supply that exceeds the minimum required is a better way to

go as it adds hardware expansion capability for the future.



Hobo

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On Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:27:00 -0800, Judith

<Judith@discussions.microsoft.com>wrote:





There's really only one potential downside to 64-bit Vista, and that's

the possibility of there not being drivers for all your hardware. If

you buy a computer with 64-bit Vista already installed, the only

driver issue should be with any peripherals you might already own that

you want to use with it. So be sure that there are 64-bit Vista

drivers for any printers, scanners, etc. you already own.



The advantages of a 64-bit operating system are really only realized

if you run 64-bit applications, and there aren't very many of those

yet. So don't expect an immediate performance increase. But if you

don't have driver problems, you will be ready to use 64-bit

applications as they reach the market, and that's good.







There should be no issue with a "better" power supply for 64-bit.

There are better and poorer power supplies, but that applies equally

to 32-bit and 64-bit. The only consideration should be the size of the

power supply. I have no numbers to supply, but I would assume that a

64-bit processor would use somewhat more power than a 32-bit one.



However, I think that, from a power-supply perspective, more important

than the processor is what and how many drives you have in the system.

I don't buy pre-built computers, but when I choose a case/PS

combination, I always like to get one with at least a 300W PS (the

difference in price between that and a smaller one is usually tiny).

I'm running a 64-bit processor with two 250GB hard drives and a DVD/CD

drive, with a 300W PS, and I've had no issues with inadequate power.



--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

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Thanks, Hobo, for your quick response.

The 2 computers I am currently considering are the d4999t and m9100t

series--desktops. Both can be configured with Intel Q6600, NVidia 8600,

Creative Sound card (have a couple of options), ATSC-NTSC TV Tuner and

DVD-RW/CD combo. HD somwhere between 500/750 gegs. Both can be configured

with Vista Home Premium 32-bit, but for Ultimate they only offer the 64-bit

(I am shying away from 64-bit for the reasons you gave). I have questioned

Microsoft directly to see if I can upgrade to Ultimate 32-bit through them,

but hate to upgrade a brand new computer. Have not called the phone number

they gave me to ask that question, yet. I use my computers for just about

anything they will do--including wireless communications, XBox, you-name-it.

Do I need Vista, you might ask? No--just want it and I know from past

experience to get the best I can afford. My WinXPs (desktop and a laptop)

have been and are great machines; I will keep them. I do have some external

devices (HD, DVD/CD burner, Plextor, wireless all-in-one printer) that I hope

can work with whatever I decide to get--now we are back to why I am

questioning the Power Supply and 64-bit Ultimate. Someday XP will not be

supported and I want to get the best bang for the buck.



Based on all that info (probably more than you wanted), I'm trying to

educate myself on all components that effect a computer now and the near

future. Power Supply ratings, etc. is very new to me. So is 64-bit

computing.



"Hobo" wrote:

Thank you, too, Ken: I am also considering having a computer built through

somebody local. Would love to do it myself--not that brave. But, that opens

up so many more questions--for another day. Your response has really helped.



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

In article <42B38906-0687-4809-B965-0DE73D3D1530@microsoft.com>,

Judith <Judith@discussions.microsoft.com>wrote:

A 500w power supply is more than sufficient for any but the

most extreme home system. If you have more than 2 internal drives AND

a high end video card AND plan to run optical drives while editing large

graphic files and SETI@Home is running in the background you might install

650...





QUALITY is far more important than simple wattage rating. Pick your

power supplies the way you pick your grapefruit: the good ones are heavy.



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I had a quick look at both of your preferred computers at

the HP site. It is strange that the only offering with

Ultimate is the 64-bit version. However, instead of getting

the 64-bit you might want to consider the 32-bit Home

Premium version which you can later upgrade with the

in-place Ultimate upgrade much easier than going from the

64-bit. To go to the 32-bit version from the 64-bit version

would require a complete clean install which means that any

of your programs installed would to be re-installed, and any

data would have to be backed up or saved somewhere so that

you wouldn't loose it. The in-place upgrade to 32-bit

Ultimate would eliminate this hassle.



As far as power supplies go, both have a 350 watt power

supply which is probably adequate . I noticed that the

d4999t model has more available pci slots for further

expansion should it be needed. I would further suggest,

based on my own experience, that 2 gigs of memory would

probably meet your needs.



You might want to check the Plextor site to see if they have

Vista compatible drivers for your printer.



I like your approach to this. There's nothing like doing the

homework and educating yourself before you lay out the bucks.



One other option to consider is having a computer shop build

a computer to your specs. This can be a little tricky

depending upon the knowledge, ability and trustworthiness of

the shop you approach. In my opinion, too many of them only

want to throw the system together at the cheapest price

possible and have very poor follow up service. But there are

good ones out there if you're lucky enough to find them.



Good luck.



Hobo













Judith wrote:

thanks again, Hobo, for all of your research on my behalf. Where did you

find the info on the Power Supply? As many times as I get on the HP site, I

haven't seen this spec. You are right about the d4999t's having expansion

possibilities and I'm leaning that way because of it. My HP machines so far

have been work horses-- Or, as you can read in my response to Ken Blake, I

may go out on a limb (after very carefully checking) and get a custom job.

But, that means a lot more education--for instance, motherboards. I know

just enough to get me in trouble.



"Hobo" wrote:

There was a 'System Specs' tab, and way down near the bottom

it listed the power supply. One would have thought it would

be in the top part with all the other system information,

but.... :)



I understand your concerns about getting a custom built

unit. There are a lot of motherboards out there, some good,

and some not so good. I think it may help you if you google

for 'Vista compatible motherboards' and see what strikes

your interest. Personally I've used Asus mbs for many years

and I guess i've gotten used to their idiosyncrasies and

have had good luck with them. There are many other well

respected brands out there also. There used to be a hardware

site called Toms Hardware Guide, or something like that,

that was well respected for its testing and evaluation

information of virtually all computer components. If you

google it you may come up with it. If it's anything like it

was it will be a gold mine of information for you.



Hobo





Judith wrote:

On Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:41:02 -0800, Judith

<Judith@discussions.microsoft.com>wrote:





You're welcome. Glad to help.



Although I've built computers myself in the past, these days I mostly

choose the components and have a local builder build it for me. It

costs only a few dollars more, and the builder is responsible for

fixing it if something doesn't work properly. Building is

easy--troubleshooting something that doesn't work can be much harder.





--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

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If you are having one built, and will be attaching new equipment I agree

with Ken that you should consider 64-bit for the future. Check that

hardware and software you purchase is 64-bit compatible.



"Judith" <Judith@discussions.microsoft.com>wrote in message

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One suggestion after getting a new power supply. Take a portable radio

with you and check that you can still get radio stations on both ends of the

(AM) band. There is a regulator that runs even when the switch is off. It

is used to run the power on/off logic but I got one that was interferring

with my radio and it took a long time to figure out it was interference from

the standby supply.



"Judith" <Judith@discussions.microsoft.com>wrote in message



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Stubby: What an interesting bit of information! Thank you.



"Stubby" wrote: