Server 2008 Wow!

[flashstar]

I'm trying out the trial for Server 2008 and I just can't believe how fast it is. I got the 32 bit version installed and it actually is quicker than a stock XP installation. It takes about 25 seconds to boot up and around 8 to shut down without tweaking it at all. I've also gotten both the X-fi drivers and Catalyst drivers installed without issue. I'll try running 3dmark06 to see if there is a performance hit like Vista.

I'll add more updates soon.

[cdawall]

i already made a thread on this a while ago

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=47994&highlight=PRO+server

[flashstar]

This is the final version from MS that I'm testing.

[DanTheBanjoman]

Does it include DX10 and the likes? Any problems with drivers? I take it it uses the same as Vista?

[flashstar]

It includes DX10, aero, etc. The only thing that it doesn't have is Media Center it appears. I haven't had problems with any drivers. I've been using Vista drivers.

[cdawall]

Does it include DX10 and the likes? Any problems with drivers? I take it it uses the same as Vista?

it uses the same drivers but i had some issues (in the beta) with the 64bit drivers and my card but its an old 7800GS so that could just be me

[lemonadesoda]

The speed isnt any faster than a fresh install of Windows 2003, FYI. That's why so many enthusiasts get the server editions to run as desktops. No bloat. more efficient kernel, esp. multithreading.

[flashstar]

I've found that it indeed runs faster than a fresh install of 2003. Not as much as compared to XP, but still probably 10% faster.

Edit: I got 8269 points on 3dmark06. The scores in my sig are after my video card was overclocked, so this as a non-overclocked score isn't too bad.

[erocker]

Not bad at all! By the numbers it almost seems as if it's faster than XP! Is there any way a schlub like me could try Server 2008?:D

[lemonadesoda]

OK, interesting. Keep us informed with software compatibility etc.

[DanTheBanjoman]

The speed isnt any faster than a fresh install of Windows 2003, FYI. That's why so many enthusiasts get the server editions to run as desktops. No bloat. more efficient kernel, esp. multithreading.

Well, I was thinking of Vista due to PAE slowing down memory and I already lack bandwidth there. Could be a good move to go for 2008 instead if it doesn't offer any additional issues.

[flashstar]

If you can afford it, go with 2008. I installed several more programs like Photoshop, Office, Xfire, and Steam without any issues. All run just as well or better than they do on windows XP. When I load Office, I don't even see the loading screen, it just opens right up.

[psyko12]

Wow, good find, better check commonly used apps/games etc and see if it makes good diff.

[beyond_amusia]

Dang... I used to use Server 2k3 until I got an iPod; After my iPod died I went x64... Looks like I might need to concider 2k8 now. :)

[InnocentCriminal]

60 Day free trail, not bad. I've been planning on reformatting since November last year, I might as well bite the bullet and try this out as well. I've been meaning to use a 64bit OS for a while. Wonder if it'll give the Code 43 error.