32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison

Vratar said:

Hello,

Thanks for the great thread! I bought my Win 7 back in November '09 -- the 32-bit version (unfortunately), since my old machine only had 1.5GB RAM in it, and couldn't go beyond 2GB. Now I am about to upgrade my HW to an AMD Phenom II x4 with 4GB RAM. I realize that I will only get just about 3GB usable, and I guess I can live with that.

My question is about the integrated graphics, which I will be using for a while (I'm not much of a gamer...), and how its "shared" memory is allocated. Lets assume I have 3GB of RAM available to Windows. If I allocate 512MB of my system RAM to the graphics, will it come from that 1GB that Windows doesn't "see" (keeping me with the same 3GB usable), or would it come from the usable system RAM, leaving me with only 2.5GB available?

I don't think I'm ready to shell out for a new OS license, so I'm trying to maximize what I've got. Thanks for your help!

It will take from the system RAM, leaving you 2.5Gb.

If you bought a win7 license, you can install x32 or x64 with the key, you just need the x64 install disk.

~Lordbob

Thanks Lord Bob, that's what I was afraid of...

But you also raise an interesting possibility -- let me see if I have this clearly. I have a license key that I bought, along with a 32-bit physical disk for installation. If I understand you correctly, I can borrow a 64-bit disk from a buddy, use my own license key for installation, and everything will work fine? Would it need to be the same "level" (ex: I have Win 7 Pro, so would the x64 also need to be the Pro version)?

Are there any legal issues at work here? I'm not interested in "getting away" with anything... Hell, I'd be happy to give Microsoft an extra $20 for just the x64 media if my key will work with it...

Thanks for your patience with the questions...

Vratar said:

Thanks Lord Bob, that's what I was afraid of...

But you also raise an interesting possibility -- let me see if I have this clearly. I have a license key that I bought, along with a 32-bit physical disk for installation. If I understand you correctly, I can borrow a 64-bit disk from a buddy, use my own license key for installation, and everything will work fine? Would it need to be the same "level" (ex: I have Win 7 Pro, so would the x64 also need to be the Pro version)?

Are there any legal issues at work here? I'm not interested in "getting away" with anything... Hell, I'd be happy to give Microsoft an extra $20 for just the x64 media if my key will work with it...

Thanks for your patience with the questions...

That is my understanding, yes. (I am getting confirmation).

Also, I believe you CAN buy another install CD, but there is no reason too if you can borrow one.

~Lordbob

Lordbob,

ummm, not to contradict you on this, my 1st post on this forum, but I am typing this msg on a Gateway GT5040 w/1Gb RAM.... & have been functioning fairly well for a couple/few weeks... Don't worry, I'm getting another 2Gb tonite....

Elisedai

Vratar said:

Thanks Lord Bob, that's what I was afraid of...

But you also raise an interesting possibility -- let me see if I have this clearly. I have a license key that I bought, along with a 32-bit physical disk for installation. If I understand you correctly, I can borrow a 64-bit disk from a buddy, use my own license key for installation, and everything will work fine? Would it need to be the same "level" (ex: I have Win 7 Pro, so would the x64 also need to be the Pro version)?

Are there any legal issues at work here? I'm not interested in "getting away" with anything... Hell, I'd be happy to give Microsoft an extra $20 for just the x64 media if my key will work with it...

Thanks for your patience with the questions...

LB is spot on. Your license is good for both 32 and 64 bit versions. The thing that matters is the "level" (Home Premium, Profesional, Ultimate etc.)

elisedai said:

Lordbob,

ummm, not to contradict you on this, my 1st post on this forum, but I am typing this msg on a Gateway GT5040 w/1Gb RAM.... & have been functioning fairly well for a couple/few weeks... Don't worry, I'm getting another 2Gb tonite....

Elisedai

I simply listed the requirements from the Windows site. I KNOW it is possible to run on less.

~Lordbob

Skulblaka said:

Hmm, there are many programs that are incompatible with 64-bit, at least for now. I would prefer 64-bit but the compatibility with other programs that require 32-bit would get in my way.

Well, a lot of us here have been using x64 OSes since Vista, and most of us have very little problems.

Worst case is you try it and cant use a few programs.

~Lordbob