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#1
32 or 64 bit
I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.
I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.
It depends on what you want to use it for, and if the computer can run 64bit.
If you dont do any 3d modeling, video editing, etc 32bit is smaller and easier to get drivers for. If your computer can run 64bit and you have enough ram 64bit is faster and is a more modern OS, but drivers can be a problem. Im running 32bit
Ken
If you can install x64 and find all the drivers for your computer and printer then I would go x64. If it works out of the box there is no downside really. Try the x64 if it works keep it, if nothing works then dump it. I might have to use 32bit on my laptop because it crashes with x64 so I don't have a choice.
64bit will help you more in the future when you have more than 4go of ram. :)
some application like photoshop lightroom has a version of x64 to be able to use full the ressources of ram of your computer.
hope that helps
Hance
If you have 4GB ram or more, go for 64-bit. If you have less, there's no point.
Would 64 run OK with just 4 gb RAM? I have 4 installed ddr2 800 and I have an extra 2 gb RAM but it's ddr2 667. That would give me 6 gb but it would downgrade the 800 ram. It wouldn't help, would it? If it will run OK with 4 gb for now, then I could get another 4 to match later.
I'm running on a, well not low-end but mid-range, laptop with only 4gb DDR2 800mhz RAM. I run 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate, never had any problems regarding RAM.
As for using the extra 2gb 667mhz, I'd try it out and see if you notice a large performance drop or not, if not then just use it until you get matching RAM, if it does then, well the answer is obvious. :)
4GB of RAM isnt the only reason to go to 64bit OS... as many have led you to believe. More RAM wasnt the only reason we moved from a 16 to a 32 bit OS! The OS and all apps should run faster on the 64bit version than they do on the 32 bit version! 64 bit OSes are the future that's for sure, and most recent PC and manufacturers support it.
But hardware is a big issue... as many have said your CPU must support 64 bit. All dual and quad cores today do. If you have a PC that wasnt Vista Ready or Compatable, good luck! The 64 bit drivers can be a hassle to find, so do your homework first.
I just did a quick check of the Asus website for 64 bit drivers for your onboard video/sound/ethernet,etc... fully supported! Here: http://ca.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=KjpYqzmAd9vsTM2D
HAPPY INSTALL!