Microsoft Posts Release Candidate Windows XP SP3

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Microsoft Posts Release Candidate Windows XP SP3

engine

9:05 pm on Dec 19, 2007 (gmt 0)

Microsoft Corp. said today that it would post the release candidate of Windows XP Service Pack 3 to its download site tonight.
The move marks the first opportunity for all users of the six-year-old operating system to try out its final upgrade. Previously, several thousand users were given access to test builds of SP3 only by Microsoft's invitation.
According to a company spokeswoman, the version that debuts today, dubbed a "release candidate" to note progress from earlier betas, will be available from the Microsoft Download Center. She was unable, however, to say when the service pack would post to Windows Update so users can download and install it with the company's update service.

Microsoft Posts Release Candidate Windows XP SP3 [pcworld.com]

Watch out for it appearing on the Microsoft Download Center
[microsoft.com...]

bill

1:08 am on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Keep in mind that this is not the final version yet. It's close to being done, but it's not 100% yet. Unless you're confident testing beta products you may want to wait for a bit to try out this service pack.

Early reports say that the performance increases with this SP are impressive. I'm looking forward to the final product.

[edited by: bill at 1:18 am (utc) on Dec. 21, 2007]

The Contractor

1:28 am on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Early reports say that the performance increases with this SP are impressive.

I installed it before reading this thread and have to say the system seems "snappier" in general. I wasn't aware it would deliver a performance increase.

The Contractor

1:46 am on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Started reading and there seems to be talk the performance increase is because it now takes advantage of dual-core and quad-core CPU's. My system has dual Xeon 5130 (dual-core) CPU's. The system has always been fast, but I still notice quite a difference in almost everything from loading a browser to any other program.

maximillianos

4:53 am on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Nice! Going to try it out tomorrow. I'd love to see a performance boost for my dual processor laptop.

skunker

12:54 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

What I am seeing from beta testers is that the performance increase is "incredible". Also, it's much much faster than Vista and there's really no reason to be using Vista.

Rugles

2:01 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Also, it's much much faster than Vista and there's really no reason to be using Vista.

This is insane. Why the heck would they undermine their newest product.

I will wait a while before I install SP3 but I am excited to hear that its going to speed up our dual core machines.

kaled

2:11 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

SP1 for Vista is also rumoured to improve performance. It is likely to be the result of changes to code that is common to both. Naturally, being Microsoft, when SP3 is released for XP, performance improvements will probably be switched off.

Kaled.

maximillianos

4:10 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

This is insane. Why the heck would they undermine their newest product.

Maybe they are starting to listen to the masses... people like XP... and want to stick with it.

This keeps their customers happy and keeps them from straying to a non-Microsoft product.

BTW - I still don't see it available for download. Any one else find it yet?

justgowithit

4:59 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview [microsoft.com]

MatthewHSE

5:19 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

Any idea if those of us with single-core processors will see this performance boost?

Lord Majestic

5:24 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

What I am seeing from beta testers is that the performance increase is "incredible".

Running SP3 RC for a couple of weeks now - I won't say there are any perceived performance improvements on my dual core machine - normally I tend to feel speed increase of 10% or more.

maximillianos

7:52 pm on Dec 20, 2007 (gmt 0)

justgowithit - That links looks like it is just an overview document. I downloaded the XPS file and it is also title "Overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3".

I found the pre-release version. I guess I'll just try that for now.

The Contractor

12:36 am on Dec 21, 2007 (gmt 0)

BTW - I still don't see it available for download. Any one else find it yet?

Try this link [microsoft.com]directly to the download page.

Rodney

7:59 pm on Dec 29, 2007 (gmt 0)

Started reading and there seems to be talk the performance increase is because it now takes advantage of dual-core and quad-core CPU's.

Nice! I'm excited to hear about this. Finally get to put those extra processors to use :) Can't wait until it becomes "final".