32-bit or 64-bit

animeguitarist

animeguitarist

animeguitarist

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I am currently in the process of upgrading my compter. I have decided to get Microsoft WIndows Vista. However, there are two versions of every type: a 32-bit edition and a 64-bit edition.

I am slightly new at this and the answer is probably simple but please could you explain to me the main differences between the two editions and which would be better for me. I will be using my PC for school but mainly i am a heavy gamer and (like most gamers) I dont want any LAG.

The main reason i ask this is because: 1. i dont know. and 2. i've heard that some programs do not run on the 64-bit edition.
 
In simple terms, if you need 4GB or more of RAM in your PC - then 64 bit is the only way you can make use of that. 32-bit cuts short around 3.2GB/3.5GB depending on other components.

As for programs - 32 bit programs seem to be better supported for the most part, although 64 bit support has grown from that of XP (from what I gather) - so most programs will work for you. But it's important to do your research first.

As this question has been asked many times before, there are plenty of threads you can get individual answers for.
 
wow, thank you for ** quick response to this thread, very much apreciated. I, however, do not have that much RAM, in fact as an upgrade i was gonna get 2 gig. Alos, if 32-bit is more widely support I will most likely get Vista 32-bit.

However, i will keep checking this thread for more input and i will also do research as u hav suggested. Once, again many thanks.
 
No problem. :)

You can't really go wrong with either I would say. If you're using programs that are anywhere near popular - then there'll more than likely be drivers released for both the 32bit and 64bit flavours.

A 64 bit operating system run by a 64 bit processor gives some better performance - but nothing to 'want for' too much.

I would say 3GB in Vista would be the sweet spot at the moment. Assuming you're not clocking and relying on timings of RAM etc - you could chuck in another 1GB stick on top of the 2Gb, later down the line.
 
get 64bit unless you have any 16bit programs that you need to run (you'd know if you had any -really old legacy programs)
 
animeguitarist said:
wow, thank you for ** quick response to this thread, very much apreciated. I, however, do not have that much RAM, in fact as an upgrade i was gonna get 2 gig. Alos, if 32-bit is more widely support I will most likely get Vista 32-bit.

However, i will keep checking this thread for more input and i will also do research as u hav suggested. Once, again many thanks.
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i`d say get the 64bit version
no problems running it here
 
Slogan said:
No problem. :)

I would say 3GB in Vista would be the sweet spot at the moment.... you could chuck in another 1GB stick on top of the 2Gb, later down the line.
Click to expand...

You might be able to answer this one for me:

Don't the RAM sticks have to be paired? They alsways seem to be sold in pairs. I thought (most likely incorrectly) that if bays one and two were populated with 1GB RAM sticks (2 x 1GB) that you couldn't put another 1GB stick in bay 3 but would have to put 2 x 500MB sticks in slots 3 and 4?

If vista 32 only supports 3.5GB and one uses 4 x 1GB sticks supposedly 500MB of one stick is NOT used? Would one be better to use 3 x 1GB and 1 x 500MB? (if they don't have to be paired)

Thanx
 
Belly said:
You might be able to answer this one for me:

Don't the RAM sticks have to be paired?
Click to expand...

only the CAS amd speed must be the same...

also the single side sticks or 2 sided sticks must be paired...
 
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Well thanks guys. Well, that makes me think that i should consider getting Vista 64-bit. I assume that most of my programs will run with it, i mean my PC originally came with the latest version of XP (media centre edition) so they should probably work with 64-bit.

Thank you guys so much.
 
animeguitarist said:
Well thanks guys. Well, that makes me think that i should consider getting Vista 64-bit. I assume that most of my programs will run with it, i mean my PC originally came with the latest version of XP (media centre edition) so they should probably work with 64-bit.

Thank you guys so much.
Click to expand...

i would say go on the internet and see if u can get all your vista 64bit drivers first...
 
animeguitarist said:
kk, Although as I believe(probably wrong), you can buy vista 32-bit and upgrade it off the net to the 64-bit edition. Is that true?
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yes with retail.. u can send off to microsoft to get the 64bit disk.

or u could get 32bit oem and now microsoft is allowing u to upgrade to 64bit with the same key.. but im not sure how u would get the 64bit disk this way.
 
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Thats what i had in mind a few months ago....32 bit or 64 bit.

Back then, most of my programes that i use had 64-bit drivers, but for some, i could not find any. Therefore, just waited, and it seems 64-bit is getting more popular, becuase all the programes i need to run, all have 64-bit drivers :cool: .

Remember, just check to see if the manufacture has the drivers, if not eamil them and ask if they are beign develpoed or will ever be released.
 
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