Any downside to 64 bit Vista vs 32 bit?

[bryn]

Are there any good reasons to avoid 64 bit Vista at this time and stick with 32 bit Vista for a new PC? Would I be likely to hit driver problems etc? I know zilch about this topic so any advice welcome.

My main interest is flightsim and the ability to employ more memory could be useful.

--
Bryn

 

[Gonzo0]

No, before maybe, but now all software/driver downloads offer you the choice of 32bit or 64bit download.

Plus 64bit gives you the option of using 4gb of RAM when u need to

 

[sidethink]

No, before maybe, but now all software/driver

This is a bit of a sweeping statement - I'd have a look around for drivers for any hardwrae you have first before making the decision.

It is getting better but driver support on x64 is still not perfect.

 

[Gonzo0]

This is a bit of a sweeping statement - I'd have a look around for drivers for any hardwrae you have first before making the decision.

It is getting better but driver support on x64 is still not perfect.

Well ive not come across a single bit of software/hardware that doesnt support x64 and ive gone through lots of hardware and software

 

[refresh]

I have a webcam that doesn't support x64. Remember though, some things (gaming) can be slower on the x64 edition and that the only real advantage comes when dealing with high accuracy requirements like in scientific applications.

 

[Elevon]

I have a webcam that doesn't support x64. Remember though, some things (gaming) can be slower on the x64 edition and that the only real advantage comes when dealing with high accuracy requirements like in scientific applications.

I find driver support to be very good,I have 64 bit drivers even for things like USB bluetooth,Colorvision SpyderExpress 2 monitor calibration device,Leadtek USB DTV tuner .

Gaming performance wise, doubt you will notice any difference between 32 bit and 64 bit version,mainly because there is none (very small margin).


One thing to remember as games need more ram then the memory advantage of 4GB+ is a major factor for going 64 bit over 32 bit version,only downside I can see is no 16 bit legacy support in the 64 bit OS,so very old 16 bit games/software will not run,personally 99.99% of software nowadays is 32 bit anyway so not a problem.

 

[DaveOwl]

I'm tempted to swap. I have 4GB and most programs only detect 2GB don't they? I get the feeling that it might be hindering my performance slightly in the latest games because it can't use the full amount. Still a little weary of 64 compared to 32 though, especially cause I have everything set up how I want it now and I'm not having any glaring problems.

 

[BoomAM]

I have a webcam that doesn't support x64. Remember though, some things (gaming) can be slower on the x64 edition and that the only real advantage comes when dealing with high accuracy requirements like in scientific applications.

Same here, my webcam doesnt work with Vista64.
Otherwise though, im pretty happy with it. .

 

[Mindriot]

MIne seems to be fairly ok, more issues with vista itself rather than its 64 bit nature. Unfortunately line6 don't seem to do 64bit podxt drivers, so thats a bit crap. Just have to wait i suppose