New computer questions.

So, I am in the final few stages of constructing my new gaming computer. I have a few questions before I finish the construction.

First, I'm bringing Windows XP to my new SATA drive, from an IDE. Are there any problems that might occur, that I can get around? I intend to use XXClone.

Second, the processor is a 64-bit Dual core. Do I have to have the 64-bit version of windows, or can I run it as a 32-bit processor?

Third, if the motherboard natively supports SATA, do I still need an outside drive to boot from the SATA drive?

 

1) i dont think u will have problems; the interfaces are different, not the format

2) no, u can run 32-bit windows on a 64-bit processor

3) most motherboards have both SATA and IDE support (though most just have IDE ports for cd/dvd drives) i dont think there should be a problem.

 

Sorry, the keyboard dropped an 'r'. I meant do I need an outside driver.

But thanks for the answers, you allayed my fears.

 

Depends on the SATA controller chipset; and if the OS is Windows XP SP2, as to whether you will need a driver.

Typically, if the MB manufacturer isn't offerring SATA drivers, you won't need them, but thats not always the case.

Re: the 32/64 bit thing, just remember that 32 bit OSes can only address 4gb of physical memory. That includes cpu cache, cache on the motherboard (such as in Sata Rosa chipsets), video ram, system ram and so on.

So on a good day, 4gb of ram on a 32 bit OS will display as a little over 3gb. Sometimes its under 3gb.

 

That won't be a problem, since I'll only have 1 GB of RAM for a while.

I'll be sure to look up the drivers. But I'm sure it's XP SP2. Thanks for the info and the additional advice. My last big upgrade was to an AGP video card.

 

This is sort of a double post, and a rez, but I need some more help, and I don't want to clutter the place up.

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I've got the Mobo and Processor. It's installed, Posts, tries to boot and fails. Windows brings up it's 'I have failed because I suck' menu. I get options to start normally, Safe mode, SM with Network, SM with Command Prompt, and Last Good Settings.

All of them cause the computer to reboot, and repeat the message. I know the drive is good and XP is functional. I can put it into another computer and have it boot properly. Are there any suggestions? I can provide the model numbers and such if needed.