HTPC Guide: Part 2, XP vs. Vista

By Jeffrey | May 21, 2008


We’ve already discussed what hardware you’ll want to have in Part 1 of this guide, so now it’s time to consider what operating system you’ll be wanting to run on it.

What system you’ll want is really dependent on what you’ll be wanting to do on the machine and which operating system you are partial to. So, if you use Windows as your primary system, then you probably won’t want to jump into another OS for your HTPC, as you’ll have to figure out how to use that OS as well as how to properly set up the computer.

Obviously the comparison between running OS X, your favorite flavor of Linux, or Windows could go on for quite some time, but, leaving aside basic desktop duties such as browsing and word processing, what it will really come down to is whether you’re wanting to play recent games on the box.

If so, then Windows is really your only option. I promise this is the one time throughout the guide that we will break our “free software” rule.

So the question now is: XP or Vista?

Let me just save you some time here and state that if you’re one of the many Vista-hating geeks on the internet, it is unlikely what lies ahead will change your mind.

But if you’re more open-minded, read on as I compare the benefits of both options.

Why You Should Choose XP
Old-School Is The Only School

Minimum Hardware: This section is really irrelevant; if you’re building a computer today it will run XP just fine.

The benefits of choosing XP over a flavor of Vista are obvious to most tech people, still, let’s go through them.

  • Speed: XP has the benefit of being an older operating system (initially released circa 2001), and so almost all modern hardware will fly on it. Games will also run notably faster, although that gap is shortening.
  • Stability: Again, being a more mature OS also increases the stability of your system. Suffice it to say that unless you horribly screw up some system setting or driver install, XP will never crash on you these days.
  • Compatibility: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, XP has been around for a while. So it is unlikely you could even find a piece of of software or hardware that doesn’t have drivers for it, unless you’re planning on throwing in your old Voodoo1 video card.

All pretty good reasons to stick with the tried and true, right? Hold on, let’s take a look at the other option.

Why You Should Choose Vista
Newer Is Better

Minimum Hardware: Basically if you have less than 2gb of DDR2 memory, and a Geforce 7600/Radeon x1600 series video card or earlier, you’ll probably be better off sticking with XP. Newer can be better, but slower never is.

Ok, so I’ve shown that XP has the advantage in age, but let’s see what the new kid on the block can do (besides staging a desperate reunion tour in 20 years).

  • Looks: This is a huge winning point for Vista, especially for a HTPC. If you’re having your PC hooked up to your awesome HDTV you’ll appreciate the awe-factor of its looks. XP simply looks dated.
  • DirectX 10: As I stated above, a primary reason for choosing Windows for your OS is for gaming, and Vista has the advantage in capability, though not necessarily in speed.
  • Stability: Yes, this was already a point for XP, but Vista gets it, too. You’ve heard the terrifying rumors - furthered by pretentious Apple commercials - that Vista can’t last 10 minutes with a reboot, but they are just that: rumors.
  • Future-Proof: How many developers still write code for Windows 98? My guess is not many. Sure, for right now XP still has the most developers on its side, but that will change as more and more people switch to the new system.

Ah, so wait a minute, there are some good points here, too! Also, keep in mind that all versions of Vista have built-in support for the MCE remote, while only the MCE Edition of XP does.

Which One?

If your goal for this PC was to be a typical desktop then this would be a totally different argument. But since we’re building a PC to fit in with your home theater I’ll try to simplify it into a sentence.

Vista: If you want the greatest looks and visual appeal, will be playing the latest games, and have the hardware to back it up, then there is simply no choice: Vista is for you.
XP: But if you want the greatest stability and the snappiest response time, and you have neither the hardware nor the desire to run the latest and greatest games, then your choice is also easy: XP is the one.

If you choose Vista, I’d go for Business Edition, or uninstall Vista Media Center on the other editions, as we won’t be needing it and it will just get in the way. Same goes for XP: get the Professional Edition, or uninstall XP Media Center if you use MCE Edition.

For the record, I am using Vista Business.

But What About The Software?

If you’re wondering why I haven’t discussed the actual software that we’ll be running for your media library, it’s because the one we’ll be using (MediaPortal) will run just fine on both. (See my note above about Windows’ built-in media center software.)

Speaking of which, read on for Part 3 of the guide discussing that very subject.

Topics: Guides |

2 Responses to “HTPC Guide: Part 2, XP vs. Vista”

  1. [...] Read on for Part 2 of this guide where I’ll help you decide what operating system to use. [...]

    Posted by: Building A Home Theater PC (HTPC) - Part 1 at SavvyGeek on May 21st, 2008 at 12:15 pm

  2. [...] so you’ve decided on whether you’ll be using XP or Vista in your setup, so let’s move on to the real important software you’ll need to watch your movies, [...]

    Posted by: Building A Home Theater PC (HTPC) - Part 3 at SavvyGeek on May 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm


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