32-Bit Vs 64-Bit - Windows 7

i know some friends that run 32 bit insted of 64. as theres not so many programs that support 64.


Most 32 bit software will run under 64 bit Windows. As for native 64 bit applications, not all 32 bit applications have a native 64 bit equivalent, however, the number is increasing quite quickly to meet demand.


Rgds
Binty
 
The only reason to not run 64bit is if you have an app that you definately know won't work. Most stuff does however, and if this was the case, then you can run it in XP mode which is 32 bit if you buy pro.
 
I've yet to find a program/driver that currently doesn't have a 64bit version available, so really there's no reason (for most people) to stick with 32 if given the choice.

As for the ram, as said above, a TOTAL of around 4GB can be addressed, including everything in the computer (RAM, Graphics, BIOS, etc).
 
Its not 2GB. Its between 3 and 4 but your video memory comes off that in a strange way I cant remember how to work it out.

Hardware reserves an MIMO range from the physical memory used to transfer data to/from that hardware - its not usually equal to the amount of memory on that hardware - I'm not sure on the exact details of exact amounts but typically a GPU will reserve an "aperture" into main memory of approx. 1/3rd the size of the VRAM - but it can depend some cards will map 1:1 even tho thats not usual.
 
Ms can sell people a 32bit os then in maybe a year or so sell them a 64bit os. There's no logical reason for buying a 32 bit os unless you include ignorance.
The logical reason is lack of support - whether it be software, drivers or simply CPU support. I, for example, still have an Intel Pentium M laptop - it's fine for my purposes (getting on a bit), but it's not a 64-bit processor. So I have 32-bit Windows 7 on it.

The cost isn't an issue, as your license key entitles you to use both (just not at the same time!). What you bought isn't relevant.
 
Hardware reserves an MIMO range from the physical memory used to transfer data to/from that hardware - its not usually equal to the amount of memory on that hardware - I'm not sure on the exact details of exact amounts but typically a GPU will reserve an "aperture" into main memory of approx. 1/3rd the size of the VRAM - but it can depend some cards will map 1:1 even tho thats not usual.

The word you're looking for is DMA, direct memory access.

:)
 
silly reply really as were not on about older 32bit cpu`s
because u cant run 64bit anyway

Well, the 64-bit atoms are less than 2 years old, which isn't that old. Regardless, having a non-64 bit capable CPU would be a very good reason to not buy a 64-bit copy of windows.

Still, windows 8/whatever the next version will be, shouldn't need a 32-bit version released as well.
 
I believe that each process on a 32-bit system can address up to 2gb. 32-bit applications under 64-bit windows can actually address up to 4gb per process i am led to believe, so it does have its benefits, even if it isn't coded for x64 natively.

Its sort of like the old '/3gb switch' for Windows XP that allowed a single process to address a little more memory.

This is why most gamers on x64 windows dont run out of memory when gaming, as it can address enough memory to the process. With XP, many of you may remember the classic crashes with battlefield 2 that used to occur because it hit that 2gb limit (being of the first to do so)

In other words, defiantly use 64-bit unless you genuinely have problems getting it working with hardware or specific software! :)
 
Well to be quite honest I myself was dead against the 64 Bit until I came on this forum a few weeks back. I built myself a new PC and installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit and I can honestly say that I would never go back to a 32 bit system.

Just looking at some of the posts here in this thread about 32 bit applications running slower on 64 Bits, personally they run a lot better for me than what they ever did before, and the XP compatibility mode works fine with them. I've got some programs that I used all the way back when Windows 98 was the new OS running a treat on my new PC.

I must say I would never look back, and was myself very weary about the 64 Bit OS in regards to running old applications, and I am very glad for the advice I have come across on this forum. I can honestly say the 64 Bit OS is the way to go, you can utilise your PC a lot more with it, its a far better OS and my new PC is far better for it.
 
More and more prebuilt PCs are using 64 bit as well, regardless of the amount of memory they use, and there are more 64 bit versions or programs/drivers coming out. There was an article about 64 bit finally taking over a few days ago, can't remember where though...

Isn't there going to be a 128 bit version of Windows 8?
 
Back
Top Bottom