Vista x32 or x64? Only using 2GB ram

[James_p]

Hi,

I appreciate this has probably been asked 100's of times since vista was released but I've read through so many posts and articles on the web that I just confusing myself now.

The big question do I go for x32 or x64?

I'm building the following spec:

E2180
GA-P35C-DS3R
Crucial Ballistix 2GB DDR2 PC2-6400
OcUK X1950 Pro 521MB
500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA II 300
160GB Barracuda 7200.7 ATA

I know x64 will only work with x64 drivers but as far as I can see that shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand I've only got 2GB ram so I don't need x64 because of the 4GB RAM limit.

I've got access to both versions but it's the hassle of having to re-install after a few days/weeks that I can't be bothered with.

What would you guys recommend? It's mainly going to be used for gaming, HD videos, internet and office.

Thanks
James

 

[braz2kuk]

Hey,

I would go for x64 it is stable and very quick, also handy if you plan to upgrade to 4 gigs later like i did

 

[BillytheImpaler]

64 all the way. MS's new driver requirements for Vista mean that the dire XP driver situation is a thing of the past. Now with Vista we're guaranteed that both the 32 and 64-bit versions of the driver will suck equally.

 

[James_p]

I forgot to say that i'll be dual booting with XP with that probably on the the slower ATA.

Anyone else?

 

[Tute]

x64 all the way, for the reasons mentioned above.

 

[James_p]

ok, that's 3 for x64 and 0 for x32.

There must be someone who will argue for the x32?

 

[Craig321]

The only reason I can see to use x86 still is if you have big problems with drivers.

 

[ShakenNstirred]

i went for 64bit on my laptop, didn't see the point of going 32bit when i could get all the drivers in 64bit and had a 64bit duel core CPU

 

[something daft already!!]

Yeah x64 is the way to go. Some games claim not to be supported, but they all run fine on my PC. There is the odd application which wont work, but nothing I cant live without.

 

[The Running Man]

well ud like to say 64 but i have no practical experience to back that up. but the truth is that if you look at any benchmarks games are slower under64 bit and i struggle to find eanything which actually benefits...

so youll lose performance now to hopefully gain some in the future i guess...