Vista Ultimate 32-bit or 64-bit?

Cloudy_Wolf · 19 Mar 2008 at 14:58

I'm torn between purchasing 32 bit or 64 bit Vista Ultimate with a system on PC builder on OC. I want to run games (obviously), Solid Edge V.19 and Adobe Design Premium CS3; as well as use IE7 and Office for normal stuff. As the system comes with either of the 2 OEM versions; I won't have the retail version (that comes with both 32 and 64 bit).

I've heard 64 bit is good for demanding programs (as you can utilize the extra RAM); but there's problems with drivers, some software and using it for basic functions (like surfing and word processing etc.). Also do games out recently support 64-bit?

I'm purchasing a PC with 4GB, and obviously 32-bit does not use all of it. But am torn between the two due to in-compatabilities in 64-bit and non-utilisation of RAM in 32-bit.

I was wondering how valid or how far from the truth the above points are, and if anyone can give me any help in selection? Also, has SP1 helped with 64-bit in anyway? (I know SP1 now shows there is more than 3.x GB of RAM, although doesn't use it) Any information from anyone that uses CS3 or Solid Edge v.19, would also be a great help?

Stonedofmoo · 19 Mar 2008 at 15:00

Sigh

I hate to do this because it's lame, but seriously mate, take a look back through this forum as this question has been answered about 50 times this week alone. The information is really easy to find

The bottom line is 64bit all the way if you're PC can take advantage of it which yours obviously can. Cheers

Cloudy_Wolf · 19 Mar 2008 at 15:03

Cheers, sorry mate! Just choosing this is driving me round the bend!

bledd · 19 Mar 2008 at 15:06

if you want media centre, get home premium
if you want remote desktop, get business
if you want media centre & remote desktop, get ultimate

get 64

Fire Wizard · 19 Mar 2008 at 15:09

Hello Cloudy_Wolf, at this point in time, their is absolutely no reason to purchase a 32-bit Operating System unless of course you specifically know that the programs that you use will have problems running under a 64-bit Operating System or your going to have problems finding drivers for your hardware which in all honesty, nowadays, is going to be very unlikely unless of course your still in the stone age.

64-bit is just a much better platform all together, it is securer, more stable and generally faster and not to mention the memory capabilities.

You may be interested in having a read through this article here. It really explains the advantages of a 64-bit platform other than the memory capabilities. You may also be interested in this post here by NathanE, taken from this thread here.

Von Luck · 19 Mar 2008 at 16:02

Mattus · 19 Mar 2008 at 22:45

Cloudy_Wolf said:
I've heard 64 bit is good for demanding programs (as you can utilize the extra RAM); but there's problems with drivers, some software and using it for basic functions (like surfing and word processing etc.). Also do games out recently support 64-bit?

Drivers are pretty good these days - just about all new stuff and a lot of old stuff will have a 64-bit driver. If it won't work on 64-bit Vista, I'd say it probably won't work on 32-bit Vista either.

The bit about basic functions isn't true at all - 64-bit will cope with that admirably. And your recent games will run fine under 64-bit, since Vista 64 can run 32-bit apps as well. The only apps it can't run are 16-bit, but it's unlikely you have any of those!