Re-installing Windows 7 ?64bit

Sigurd · 27 Jan 2010

I am considering re-installing Windows 7 on a SSD now that the price of these is getting more reasonable, and am wondering what the advantages and disadvantages there are to installing the 64 bit version rather than the 32 one I currently use.
For starters I know I can install more memory which will speed things up a bit but as I already have 4 Gbytes I doubt it will make much difference (other than let me use the bit of the 4 Gbytes I currently can't use!). I am also aware that I need to check that there are drivers for my hardware. What about programs though - are they affected by which version?
In short, are the benefits of switching to 64 bit worth running the risk of encountering problems?

GatoSoft · 27 Jan 2010

Hi! ^_^

I can say that 64 bits editions are faster than 32 bits editions of Windows. I've been using 32 and 64 bits Windows editions since Windows Vista and 64 bits editions are always a little faster than 32 bits even if you've just 2 GB. of RAM (like I've in my notebook Acer Aspire 4520).
About compatibility, the 16 bits applications that you can partially use in 32 bits editions now you can't use it in 64 bits editions. Anyway, if you want to run a really old 16 bits application, you always have the virtualization option using a virtual machine software (like VirtualBox, VMware, etc.) or even using the integrated virtualization in Windows 7 called "Windows XP Mode" (if your processor supports virtualization technologies, of course

).
About 32 bits applications, I have had a very low amount of issues. Forget problems about games but... I remember having some problems with some Acronis software some time ago. Anyway, I know that is because I've experimenting with it. Lots of people use Acronix True Image and Disk Director without problems in x64 Windows. :)
Security and stability is better in x64 editions too. For example, I noticed lots of viruses that runs 16 bits applications just to destroy our systems but, because of 16 bits applications' incompatibility, they can't do that anymore. Not to mention drivers about that drivers' signature required that prevents installing crappy drivers and some other things here and there.

Remember also that from now on lots of applications wil be out in 32 and 64 bits editions like AutoCAD is doing now and Office 2010 will do when it will be released. That let you use those applications with a better level of stability and performance.
Ah! Forgot what you've mentioned before about that x64 lets you use 4 GB. or more of RAM.

About the bad side of x64... I don't know what your hardware is. It will be good if you can fill your system specs through the user's control panel of the forum so I can see if your hardware is compatible. Anyway, if you have 4 GB. of RAM I assume that you've pretty new hardware in there and I think that you'll have no problems getting 64 bits drivers from your manufacturer's website. :)
With all I've mentioned "on the table", you decide.

Hope it helps you!
Regards from Argentina.

Sigurd · 27 Jan 2010

I've updated my profile with the hardware, in case you have any more comments to add. Thanks for the ones you have made so far.

Regards from Argentine? My homeland! I was born there 70 years ago but came to Scotland when I was 8. My father was Scots and the Golf Pro at Hurlingham in the 1930s!

FZ21Z · 27 Jan 2010

After running it (x64) for however long I have now, I wouldn't want to go back to 32bit, and while there has been one or two minor issues, they were nothing that couldn't be sorted.

ignatzatsonic · 27 Jan 2010

You need to confirm that all of your programs will install and run on 64 bit.

Not all programs will install.

If you install 64 bit and program X won't install or run, you have to do without it, upgrade it, replace it, or go back to 32 bit.

GatoSoft · 27 Jan 2010

Sigurd said:

I've updated my profile with the hardware, in case you have any more comments to add. Thanks for the ones you have made so far.

Regards from Argentine? My homeland! I was born there 70 years ago but came to Scotland when I was 8. My father was Scots and the Golf Pro at Hurlingham in the 1930s!

¡Hola de nuevo, Sr. compatriota! :)
Wow... I can see you've lots of years out of this country. Also, you've 1 year old less than my mom and 8 less than my dad.

You should come here for vacations sometime. Argentina is so beautiful as always, but not so much his government (as always too).

Anyway, your PC can run 64 bits edition of Windows 7 flawlessly. If you use common programs like Office, AutoCAD, Photoshop or something like that you'll have no problems at all. Maybe you could have problems with some rare or specific software for certain specific jobs. It depends for what you use your PC. :)