Windows 7: MBO configuration question.

I think this is a dumb question but is there any reason my Gigabyte MA790X-UD4P MBO will work at 32 bit but not at 64 bit? If I configure at 32 bit it works fine but when I go to 64 bit it gives me all kinds of strange problems. My OS is Win 7 Home Premium. I want to use 64 bit because I have 8GB of memory. I've tried this several times and can't make it work successfully.

Well, it could depend on exactly what "strange problems" occur, so lets start there. Can you give a list of what issues you are having when you try to run Windows 7 64-bit.

Intermittent and random lockups. Not consistent with any time or programs. Configuration problems with sound and with printer, works sometimes and not others. System slows down to a crawl every once in a while. If it sits idle for a lengthy period it will be shutdown when I come back. Left on overnight it will be shut down or locked up in the AM.

All this when configured as 64 bit. Runs smoothly and consistently at 32 bit. I know, "if it hurts when you hit it with a hammer stop hitting it with a hammer". I could/should use 32 bit and be done with it, but I don't want to.

Sounds like it could be a RAM issue to me. Since you don't use all 8 GBs when your have the 32-bit version installed, the problem would not come up. I recommend testing the RAM with memtest86+. We have a very good tutorial for using it. As stated in the tutorial, please let it run for multiple passes. Letting it run overnight is a good idea.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

You were right. With all four chips it made one pass without error then on the 2nd one reported errors. I'm testing them one by one. How many error free passes should I do before I call it good?

Most people say let it run 6 full passes. Any error is bad.

What do you mean you configure your board for 32 or 64 bit? It should run either without changes.