32 or 64bit

paddya · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:40

Sorry possibly a question been asked numerous amounts of times before. If going for a new laptop, which would be better, 32bit or 64bit operating system?

Thanks

theukmoog · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:41

What do you intend to use the laptop for?

Ben M · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:43

How much RAM are you planning on putting in it? If over 3gb, then go for 64bit, if under than 32bit.

paddya · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:43

wow quick reply. It's for someone off to college on an engineering course so possibly bit of cad work and guessing games. I know it's an Alienware one he's looking at

reflux · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:43

Really depends how much memory the laptop will have.

paddya · 1 Apr 2009 at 14:44

yep well one he has seen has got 4gb

gt_junkie · 1 Apr 2009 at 15:04

In that case i'd get 64 so it sees all of the ram.

gt

paddya · 1 Apr 2009 at 15:05

Can he expect some applications to cause troubles on 64bit?

ins0mn1ac · 1 Apr 2009 at 15:09

paddya said:
Can he expect some applications to cause troubles on 64bit?

Not unless they're utterly ancient.

paddya · 1 Apr 2009 at 15:09

ok cool thanks

JTrickle · 1 Apr 2009 at 17:13

64.

I can count on one hand how many apps I've come across that dont like 64. And the only one I really miss (which is a genuine real shame, as there is no direct alternative available), is Sygate (free) personal firewall.

Ghost-Reaper · 1 Apr 2009 at 18:14

go 64bit. Same as above I've only come across a few apps that have problems with 64bit. Could always do what I do, use virtual pc or equivlent to run a 32bit os for troublesome ones.

RJC · 1 Apr 2009 at 18:28

Go 64bit, Been using this for a while and not had any problems with software.

lynchy6789 · 1 Apr 2009 at 20:17

i tell him not to waste his money on an alienware firstly.

running 64bit had no problems with any software.

mattyy · 1 Apr 2009 at 20:36

lynchy6789 said:
i tell him not to waste his money on an alienware firstly.

Second.

Its going to be a waste if any laptop/PC which has more than 3gb doesnt have 64bit on it. You may aswell only stick 2gb in.

LukeTW · 1 Apr 2009 at 23:02

With alienware your paying for the name, not the components.

Also go with 64bit if using 3gb+ ram

Ninja Please! · 1 Apr 2009 at 23:16

64bit gets my vote. Even with less than 4gb ram, just in case you want to upgrade later on.

halliwelldj · 1 Apr 2009 at 23:26

LukeTW said:
With alienware your paying for the name, not the components.

But it's so shiny!

LukeTW · 1 Apr 2009 at 23:39

halliwelldj said:
But it's so shiny!

I know !