Should I go for x64 or stick with x86?

AMD Athlon (tm) 64 Processor 3800+ 2.40 GHz. Could I install Windows 7 x64 on this machine? What are the improvements over x86? I have 3 gigs of RAM, will my computer run better on x64?

With x86, if you add more RAM, you'll be limited. With x64, if you add more RAM it will use it all. However, x64 is a bit more temperamental in terms of less support for hardware devices (in terms of drivers) as well as new and funky way of doing things (for those who have never used a 64bit Windows OS before).

Personally, for future-proofing purposes, I have to say +5 to the above posters - x64 all the way, baby!

frankly, if you can find x64 drivers for vista or w7, you should use the x64 version and just install drivers for whatever windows doesn't find.

if you need to get something running that won't run in w7 --so far it's only been reallllly old programs, for me-- install xp or whatever in a virtualbox session or wait for virtual xp to come out. there's no reason in the world to stick with a sinking ship. x86 is being phased out entirely, and will be gone soon enough. if you can make the jump, do it.

good words. I used 64 bit on vista, and I'm doing the same on Win 7. I see no reason to use x64.

also. x64 is safer and less prone to attacks and viruses.

Hey, im going with all the guys saying x86 , so get on the boat buddy 64 bit FTW :)

Enzo.

I just made the switch to 64 bit with this release candidate, and have found it to be much snappier than 32 bit was (this could be due to the fact i was using the dated Beta in 32 bit also). I have 4 gigs of ram so it utilizes more. I don't see u running into any compatibility problems in the future since most software is migrating to 64 bit these days anyways. Think about stickin in another gig if ram to make the switch to 64 bit really worth it, or maybe go crazy in the future and drop 6 gigs in! That's what I plan on doing once I can afford it!

FWIW - the new Server 2008 R2 (which is being called Windows 7 server in some circles) is *only* available (currently) in a 64bit edition....