I've swapped from XP Pro SP2 to Vista64 Ultimate SP1. Vista is definitely far more responsive here too. XP tends to start out quick on a fresh install, but slows down noticeably after all the drivers/updates etc... are installed. I haven't noticed this progressive slowdown on Vista. It starts off snappy and has remained that way even with all the extra stuff installed.
You don't need to use DX10 cards for Vista, you just won't get Aero interface without one. See VirtualPC. It emulates some crappy 8MB card from many years ago but Vista installs and operates fine on it, just no Aero.
You don't need to use DX10 cards for Vista, you just won't get Aero interface without one. See VirtualPC. It emulates some crappy 8MB card from many years ago but Vista installs and operates fine on it, just no Aero.