Windows 7: 32 bit versus 64 bit

I am using Windows 7 Professional 32 bit. What is the advantage of the 64 bit and can I upgrade to the 64 bit from the 32 bit. Is it any better? I am presently running an ASUS P5E Feluxe Motherboard with 4 GB of Ram. Processor speed 3.4 ghz.

Right now, realistically, there is not much of an advantage in 64 bit over 32 bit except that 64 bit can take advantage of and use more memory than 32 bit can. There is little, if any, noticeable difference in speed.

If you are into heavy graphics, photoshop editing, CAD, etc, 64 bit will make a difference. If you are just a routine user, the difference is nil. That will change as more programs are written for 64 bit. I am waiting on the browsers to be released in 64 bit before I upgrade.

If you are a routine user and your system is working well - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. On the other hand, 64 bit is the coming thing and by upgrading you will be ready for 64 bit programs.

I realize this was not much help.

Welcome,

There is one major advantage of 64 bit. You can effectively use more memory. A big plus if you are a gammer etc
Other advantages are shown below
http://gizmodo.com/5133771/why-you-s...with-windows-7

Yes, you can upgrade to 64 if you have the 64 bit DVD.

You may want to check the MS upgrade advisor to check out your computer for 64 bit use

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

compatibility issue. that is so far.. and like Carl mentioned. if you are into working scope, programing,etc .64 help much in performance. But if it's just for normal use,watching movies,browsing. maybe 32. Gaming on the other hand like rich said enhance in term of memory and performance however if you kinda like old games,you might want 32 more.

Correct me if im wrong

The 64 bit OS allows you to address more RAM. (32 bit works with 4 GB of RAM, but not all of that will be available in Windows. How much does Windows 7 report? 3.25GB for you?) However, most applications are still 32 bit, and are limited to 2 or 3GB, regardless of the OS. (In principle, more RAM would allow you to have multiple 32 bit applications running at once without competing for resources as much.) 64 bit applications can use more, but they're still scarce. (The only major one I have is Photoshop CS4.)

It's not permitted to do an upgrade-in-place (preserves installed applications) from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit one. The 32 bit version qualifies for the use of an upgrade license, but you have to do a custom (clean) install.

Hello Bowler, welcome to Seven Forums!



The article at the link below has quite a lot of useful information, have a look.


64-bit: More than just the RAM

The Inspiron 1525 only has a wireless driver for the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Or so the upgrade advisor told me.

Thank you all for all of the good advice. I am not a gamer and my PC is running just fine on the 32 bit settings. I think I will just stay the way i am with the 32 bit. I just didn't understand what the differences were. Again, thanks all!

If you still didn't know the difference,hopefully this will shed some light

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Based upon what you just told us, probably the right decision.