Stupiud question....Vista 64 or 32 bit?

Conscript

Conscript

Conscript

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Right, so I've decided I want to upgrade to Windows Vista in the near future. Now I see Overclockers do both the 64-bit and 32-bit versions for the same price. I have an Intel Conroe Core 2 Duo processor.....does that even support 64-bit? And if it does, would I be better off getting Vista 64 bit edition? Will I notice much speed increase or anything? Excuse my ignorance, I'm out of the loop on PC hardware really, don't know about the latest trends and 64 bit stuff, etc, so i don't really know what advantages it offers.

Also, the OEM versions that OC sell.....am I right in thinking that it's exactly the same as normal, but all you get is the software DVD and Product Code?

Thanks muchly.
 
IMO 64-bit is the way to go, especially if you want to use more than 2GB of RAM. With the latest MS updates my 64-bit vista is running as sweet as a nut.
Your CPU is 64-bit and the OEM copies are limited to installation on one mobo only. You get the disk and code then you are on your own.:)
 
Gah, glossed straight past the sticky, thanks Burnsy. To be honest, looks like I may as well just get 32-bit and save myself some hassle.

Brian....does that mean that If I upgrade my motherboard at some point, I cant install Vista again?
 
Go for 64bit, if you decide to upgrade to 4GB ram later on then you can do but in 32bit you will only see 3GB maximum. 64bit is perfectly stable I am using it. Your processor is compataible I am using a E6300 my self.

There is no real difference in speed between 32bit and 64bit but I have heard reports that the new performance packs which you can download from windows update have increased speeds.

I find that vista loads way faster than a tweaked XP with a lot of unnecessary services turned off and stuff like that. Plus vista in general is still a lot faster than XP even though it uses a lot of ram. You really need 1GB ram minimum and 1.5GB for it too run a lot smoother.

Also 32bit apps are compataible on 64bit, plus you can also have the goodness of 64bit apps. Just make sure all your hardware (Motherboard, Graphics card, Sound card, Printer) have 64bit drivers.
 
Hey Conscript, the Core2Duo processors are 64bit processors. You would be better of with the 64bit version since their is no real reason not to get the 64bit edition esepcially since you have a processor capable of it. You may not see a massive performance and speed increase going from 32bit to 64bit but once programs start to ultilize and take advantage of 64bit you will then start to see a difference.

Its also worth getting the 64bit version since if you ever intend to upgrade to 4GB of Memory you will not have any problems seing all of 4GB of Memory. As 32bit operating systems can use 4GB of Memory but this also includes things such as the graphics card memory etc, so your only see around 3 to 3.5GB of Memory.

The support for Vista is fantastic now, most of the manufacturers have now realeased 64bit drivers for their hadrware so the compatability problems that people were getting when Vista was first released are now resolved for the most part.

The difference between the OEM version and the retail version of Windows Vista is with the OEM version, once you have activated your copy of Vista it is then tied to your motherboard so this means if you change your motherboard you will then have to purchase a new copy of Windows Vista.

As oppsoed to the Retail version which you can install and activate it on as many motherboards as you like but you can only have it installed on one machine at a time. You also get one year's free Microsoft support with the Retail version. :)
 
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...and a really stupid question I know.

If I have vista 32bit with 2gb ram and upgrade to 4gb. I know that only 3gb(ish) will be recognised, so vista 64bit is required. Is there an easy upgrade path, or is it buy another version of vista????
 
You can upgrade using the smae license, you just need the media. Although, saying that, if it's an OEM licence, you'll have to format and reinstall.

Burnsy
 
according to some users, you'll be able to choose 64-bit display colours in the windows display properties!
 
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