Vista x86 or x64?

nitr0uk · 13 May 2009 at 20:20

Hi Guys,

I've got a new computer with the following specs:
Phenom II X3 720
1Gb Radeon HD 4870
4Gb DDR3 Memory

And was just wondering what would be the best to install on this nowadays? would it be Vista 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

I play a lot of games, including Steam based like CSS, Left 4 Dead and Battlefield and GTA IV

Are these all compatible with 64-Bit, and would it be worth installing the 64-Bit instead of the 32-Bit?

I appreciate any replies

Furton · 13 May 2009 at 20:23

No reason not to go 64 bit, will allow you to use all of that ram. 32bit systems only see 3.5GB of ram.

philjohn · 13 May 2009 at 20:30

Simple rule of thumb: <= 3GB x86, >=4GB x64

There are exceptions to that however (you have hardware with no x64 drivers or use x86 only software like the Cisco VPN client, but they are becoming rarer).

daz87uk · 13 May 2009 at 20:30

I had a few minor Issues with BattleField on 64bit but I think hardware was to blame more than anything, so I would deffently go for 64bit unless you want to loose 1Gb of ram :/

nitr0uk · 13 May 2009 at 20:32

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I will go for Vista x64 then

1337z0r · 13 May 2009 at 21:37

Good choice, Vista x64 is a fair bit quicker than it's x86 counterpart.

reflux · 13 May 2009 at 21:39

99% of 32-bit apps run perfectly on Vista/W7 64-bit as it runs a 32-bit translation layer called WOW64 that takes care of any problems.

RJC · 13 May 2009 at 21:46

Been running 64Bit for past 18 months and not had any major problems.

Mattus · 13 May 2009 at 22:45

Once you go 64-bit, you'll never go back.

AMG · 14 May 2009 at 06:26

Mattus said:
Once you go 64-bit, you'll never go back.

really ? maybe the case for vista 64bit not so much XP Pro 64bit which was **** :mad:

neil_g · 14 May 2009 at 09:46

AMG said:
really ? maybe the case for vista 64bit not so much XP Pro 64bit which was ****

agreed, xp64 was a touch unstable for me but i blame the lack of drivers for my system. vista64 though is rock solid.

Xtrema · 14 May 2009 at 17:39

I've been using Vista 64 for almost a year now. No hardware or software problems at all.

linktoinsanity · 14 May 2009 at 17:51

Only 32 bit OS I use on my main pc these days is XP. 64 bit for Vista/7 all the way!