32 bit v 64 bit????????

j0nnyd

j0nnyd

j0nnyd

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Joined
1 Apr 2007
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sorry for my lack of knowledge but can someone in a nutshell just explain the difference? I need to buy a new OS and just wondered which one i should be buying!

thanks
 
64-bit OSes let the processor process 64-bit integers in a single cycle. The practical benefits are few if you're a gamer. However, 64-bit is the way forward. With 64-bit XP drivers were an issue. With Vista this is no longer the case as MS is requiring manufacturers to support both 32 and 64-bit Windows in order to be certified.

Get 64-bit if you're getting Vista. Get 32-bit if you're getting XP, IMHO.
 
BillytheImpaler said:
With 64-bit XP drivers were an issue. With Vista this is no longer the case as MS is requiring manufacturers to support both 32 and 64-bit Windows in order to be certified.
Click to expand...

The problem here is that a lot of hardware manufacturers have never bothered to get their drivers signed. Seeing as Vista 64 will simply block any unsigned drivers, you'll be up the proverbial creek without a paddle if you have or buy such an item. Personally, I don't recommend anyone to get Vista unless they're buying new kit anyway and I don't recommend Vista 64 to anyone.
 
mwtb said:
The problem here is that a lot of hardware manufacturers have never bothered to get their drivers signed. Seeing as Vista 64 will simply block any unsigned drivers, you'll be up the proverbial creek without a paddle if you have or buy such an item. Personally, I don't recommend anyone to get Vista unless they're buying new kit anyway and I don't recommend Vista 64 to anyone.
Click to expand...

You can use unsigned ones in x64.

Vistabootpro for one, gives you the option to enable the use of them.
 
Providing that a 64-bit driver exists at all. Whichever way you cut it, the 64-bit Vista offers less compatibility than the 32-bit version. Seeing as the main advantages are not performance but in added security, which is in part gained by not allowing unsigned drivers, it seems odd to install it and then switch this feature off.
 
The very fact that x64 requires signed drivers will encourage manufacturers to get their drivers signed. It won't be long till most new PCs are sold with x64, and you're not going to sell much hardware if it won't work.

Lack of x64 drivers should also become a thing of the past - WHQL signing criteria requires both x86 and x86-64 drivers as part of the process.
 
When "it won't be long" is over and past enough that people are unlikely to find themselves with hardware that doesn't work because of no driver or software that won't install because of no 16-bit code then I'll happily recommend it. Right now that isn't the reality so I don't.
 
eriedor said:
I'm sure I've read about Vista 64 having a really good 32 bit emulation so 32 bit support is no problem.
Click to expand...
That's because it's not really emulation...

Can't see lack of 16-bit support being the slightest problem. You really shouldn't have any requirement for it.
 
I'm not saying you should enabled unsiged drivers I'm saying you can. As you said you'd be up a creek without a paddle. Well thats not true since you can use them. However since dodgy drivers cause most faults it makes sense they need to be certified so that this issues are limited.
Also does anyone actually use 16bit software anymore? I'm sure some obscure program might only be 16bit. But lets be honest you have to get the balance between advancing the tech and legacy support.
 
the new system i have is:

asus p5b mainboard
geforce 8800 gts 620mb
antec 900 case
geil 2x 1gb ram
tuniq 120 heatsink
core 2 duo e6600 conroe

apprently 64 bit is the better option... im not a massive massive gamer and may dual boot with xp anyway. my thinking is i may as well get 64 bit if thats the way things seem to be developing?
 
From my experience with Vista, 32-bit is the better option at the moment; when manufacturers get their acts together and produce some drivers for it, 64-bit will be the way to go. Dual booting 32-bit XP and 64-bit Vista is probably the best option at the moment as you say, and something I intend to do when I get a bit of free time.
 
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