32 bit vs 64 bit

[Worgen]

Im getting windows 7 for xmas and Im wondering if I should install the 64 bit or the 32 bit, it looks like my cpu supports 64 but but for now Ive only got 2 gigs of ram and Im just wondering if there will be only performance problems with only having that much (Im hoping I can get by with 7 with only 2 gigs till I get money for more)

oh yeah, its ddr 2 ram also, sadly it appears I wasnt thinking enough ahead when I got my last mobo

 

[lacktheknack]

Go with 64-bit.

Future proofing is your friend.

 

[Paragon Fury]

The biggest difference is that 32-bit systems can only address 2GB of RAM at once, while 64-bit system can address 3GB and up.

However, most developers don't program with 64-bit in mind and thus you don't get the full power of 64-bit.

 

[crudus]

The biggest difference is that 32-bit systems can only address 2GB of RAM at once, while 64-bit system can address 3GB and up.

However, most developers don't program with 64-bit in mind and thus you don't get the full power of 64-bit.

Better to get it now for when they do though.

 

[Worgen]

ok thanks, soon as I get some more scratch Im throwing in a new mobo and maybe a new cpu and like at least 8 gigs or ram

 

[Danceofmasks]

64-bit, but do try to get some RAM if you can.
It's dirt cheap next to the price of Windows 7, and will boost performance significantly.

 

[ewhac]

As a Linux supporter, I am obligated to point out that Windows 7 is roughly the equivalent of coal in your stocking.

Two or three years ago, 64-bit support was lagging, most particularly for drivers. Since that time, however, software authors have caught up, and now there's little reason not to go with 64-bit. The only difficulty you might experience is with older peripherals whose drivers haven't been updated. Check the manufacturers' Web sites to ensure that up-to-date drivers are available. ([em]Never[/em] install drivers through Windows Update. [em]Always[/em] get them from the manufacturer when available.)

 

[insectoid]

64-bit, you may as well. I've never run into any driver issues, given good developer support for it these days.

 

[Worgen]

64-bit, but do try to get some RAM if you can.
It's dirt cheap next to the price of Windows 7, and will boost performance significantly.

the thing is my current mobo only has 2 ram slots so I cant just add ram, I need to buy 2 gig sticks

 

[Paragon Fury]

64-bit, but do try to get some RAM if you can.
It's dirt cheap next to the price of Windows 7, and will boost performance significantly.

the thing is my current mobo only has 2 ram slots so I cant just add ram, I need to buy 2 gig sticks

You could by RAM sticks that go above 2GB; they do sell 16GB(8x2) and so forth, but they tend to be more expensive.

 

[Fenring]

The only two reasons you shouldn't get 64 is if you want to play certain old games that don't work for some reason or if you're choosing which version of Word to get specifically (From what I've been told the 32-bit version of Word 07 [I think] is better than 64 unless you want un-Godly huge docs open often).

I recommend trying out Crysis after the upgrade, it runs much better on 7-64 than a 32.

 

[Fenring]

If you've only got 2 gigs of RAM, it doesn't matter much unless you plan to upgrade in the future.

32-bit Max RAM: Up to 3.95 gigs

64-bit Max RAM: Up to ... I think 16 gigs on Windows 7 Home Premium, and up to somewhere in the vicinity of 196 gigs for Professional and Ultimate.

It's 8 for Home basic and 192 for Pro and Ultimate.

 

[Twilight_guy]

64-bit. The additional bits means more information can be passed per cycle and things go a bit (ha ha) faster even if you don't have the memory to need 64 bit addresses.

 

[linkvegeta]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

 

[ProfessorLayton]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

Which is exactly why this shouldn't even be a question. Go for 64-bit and get some more RAM if you need it.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Wait until 256-bit.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Could always keep the old hard disk sitting around in the PC (since with a new OS you'd probably want a clean install anyway ..)
That way, if you really need to run a game that somehow can't be coaxed to run in win7 64-bit, just change the drive boot order and you're done.

 

[s0m3th1ng]

Kind of OT...but is anyone aware of a PC game that is coded for 64-bit architecture?
Also, absolutely no loss of performance with your current situation.

 

[linkvegeta]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

Which is exactly why this shouldn't even be a question. Go for 64-bit and get some more RAM if you need it.

Exactly, when i got my new pc i had no idea it was a 64 bit till i got it up and running, happiest day ever.so yeah in my words i would have to say 64 bit runs everything better and faster. thats it.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Kind of OT...but is anyone aware of a PC game that is coded for 64-bit architecture?

Anything that doesn't mind having lots and lots and lots of RAM.

Sure, there's more complicated answers that involve DX11, etc. but the bottom line is, bucketloads of RAM is amazing.