W7 - 32 or 64 bit ??

steveinspain

steveinspain

steveinspain

Associate
Joined
20 Oct 2008
Posts
586
Location
Cornwall
What difference does it make, and which should I use ?
Having come from 32 bit XP, I have been trying W7 32 bit, and have pre-ordered the cd, which contains both versions, but am about to start setting up raid 1, so am about to download the Intel matrix storage manager, and am offered a choice of either 32 or 64 bit.
Does it make a lot of difference - I don't play games or use much by way of new software if that makes any difference..
Thanks for any pointers !
 
If you are using W7 32bit then you have no choice but to use the 32 bit storage manager software - it is not forward compatible.

If you have modern hardware there is really no reason not to go 64 bit. You probably won't see any blinding performance improvements but 64 bit is the way forward.
 
so what do you use it for ?

ive come from xp 32 bit also and am now using win 7 64 bit and so far its great.
the only problem ive run into so far is using .srt files (subtitles) when playing back movies.
 
Thanks for the rapid replies Guys !
OK, I am using W7 32 bit, but could easily download 64 bit, and as I am setting everything up now, I don't want to get it wrong..
I am installing new hard drives and my hardware is all pretty new.
Computer use is light photo editing, making music compilations and other normal stuff - nothing heavy..
 
For the sort of things you're doing I'd recommend sticking with 32-bit. You never know you might have a bit of hardware lying around that isn't supported in 64-bit.

I don't mean to be offensive here - but if you're asking the question then there probably isn't a compelling need for you to move to 64-bit.

On the other hand, if you were prepared to check all your hardware, peripherals and software for compatibility in advance and were running over 2gb RAM, then there's nothing stopping you - but unless you have 64bit optimised software for a specific purpose, e.g. 3d rendering - then you won't see any day to day benefit.
 
all Windows 7 version will come with 32 and 64bits disc to give you to choose which one and 32bits only max RAM to 3.4GB and 64GB can go up much higher as you like (depend on motherboard max RAM limit - usual between 8GB to 24GB) - for 64bits can give you nice big RAM between 4GB to 8GB, Im using Vista Ultimate x64 with 8GB and think about to get W7 Ultimate between Aug<> Sept.. if I get W7 then I will go for 64bits... like i say depend on your own PC hardware if it work ok with 64bits, i havent problems since 2007, I think MS may ditch 32bits for next Windows by 2012 as it will be 64bits only that Ive read some news few months ago.
 
If you've only bought the hardware within the last couple of years there should be 64 bit drivers out there. I say install W7 64 and only downgrade if you come across any problems - which you likely won't.
 
A thought - I am hoping to have XP on a seperate HDD as I do use a program (roxio EMC6 to make cd compilations - it has a lovely cross-fading facility I can't find elsewhere) which only works in XP or so I am told. Otherwise the oldest bit of kit is my printer, an Epson R220, which it would be good to keep running..
Is there an easy way to check what will run in 64bit other than trying it ?

Just how much difference, and what sort of difference does having say 8gb of RAM make over the 4 I have (which is only seen as just over 3gb in xp) ?
 
Last edited:
Would EMC6 work in VirtualXP (on pro+ versions of Win7) - that would save you having a dual boot setup.

Easiest way to check is look for drivers. If they exist then no problem, otherwise you might have to do a bit of searching to find other people in the same boat and whether they have got round it.

If you're running 4gb I'm tending to change my mind a little and say you should go 64bit and get the use out of it. I just got the impression (maybe wrongly) that you didn't fancy re-installing again anytime soon if it didn't work?

8gb v 4gb...no real difference in normal day to day average use. Check your memory useage in Task Manager when you're doing something you consider heavy load. You'll get an idea of how much it's using - and whether you have any apps that could do with more!
 
sadly, I found out too late about the virtualXP on pro versions of W7 - it might have sorted my problem..!
I don't really want to re-install as I am way out of my depth doing it, and it takes me ages to get all my programs etc back up again, but as I am still setting everything up I don't mind if I have to now, but then would like to keep it all as it is for as long as possible !
Just looked at task manager, and it seems to agree with your first post - I don't need more memory really..
I'll take a look for drivers right now
 
I have an R220 attached to my PC running Windows 7 64 bit, runs perfectly and installed the drivers itself at that :)

Hope that is some persuasive help ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom