Windows 64 Bit or not

[Jagman2]

Hey guys,
What is the word on 64 bit Windows? I'm building a new system and the components are on the way as we speak so I need to pick up an OS soon.

My old, really old system, has 2000 Pro on it, but I was going to bump up to XP Pro. I hear the Pro will be supported a lot longer than Home, so I will go that route. My decision is whether to go with 64 bit or not.

Is it really going to be much faster in ordinary apps and strenuous apps? The whole driver issue for my older accesories are a little worrisome. What do you guys think. Thanks for the help.

Here's what I'm building in case you're curious.

System:
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547
HS/Fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118118
Thermal paste: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835100007
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130256
DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106256
CD/DVD ROM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106995
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210
HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701
Floppy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821103203

[BipolarBill]

As if Microsofts support is worth worrying about! When was the last time they helped you to fix a problem with Windows? Hey - you can still get Windows Updates for Win98, so I wouldn't worry myself about support issues.

Because x64 requires more RAM, it's actually slower than Pro. The only reason that you would need it is if you have 64-bit programs. Can you name one? That's the criteria.

Driver support is really spotty in x64. You are certain to run into a problem with it. Is it worth the risk? Only you can answer these questions.

[Jagman2]

Bipolar,
Thanks for the input, I was leaning towards 32 bit and you've pushed me over the edge. I just needed a good swift kick.