I can't remember where I read this, but WEI supposedly "adjusts" the windows install to your hardware. On every clean install I try to run it after I install chipset drivers, and degrag, afterwards I continue on installing my software. But unless some critical app you run or require doesn't work under 64bit, there is absolutely no reason other then personal preference to still be running a 32bit OS in this day and age.
IMO, Windows 7 is the start of 64-bit as a standard, whereas Windows XP x64 and Vista x64 were more proof-of-concept than polished and ready for consumer usage. Maybe it's just me, but at this point running Windows 7 x86 just seems unecessary. Besides, any 32-bit version of Windows (ie XP, Vista, 7) will only see up to about 3.5 GB of RAM, whereas for 64-bit versions of Windows 7, you can have up to:
- Starter: 8GB
- Home Basic: 8GB
- Home Premium: 16GB
- Professional: 192GB
- Enterprise: 192GB
- Ultimate: 192GB
Actually there is a reason. If you have 4 or more gigs of RAM, you will not be able to use them with 32x....so while a mobo might support 16G of ram, you are still stuck at ~3.25G of ram. other than that, yes all programs still have 32x versions as it is still the most used, but if you go and buy a new computer, all you will see for win7 is 64x
Edit: yeah what Fred said
Last edited by Thorsen; 15 Mar 2010 at 15:42. Reason: took to long to post
The truth is x64 uses more resources, and has a lot more problems, especially driver issues.
Unless I have 4GB or more of RAM, I install the 32-bit version. I don't see any sense risking BSODs, using more resources, and having the few incompatible programs when I only have 2GB.
Jonathan,
Precisely, If i'm advising a non-techie, plain email, word, play dvd/cd user then I always recommend 32 bit. Someday 64 bit will be as solid as 32bit but that day is not here yet.
Ken can back me up on this, the vast majority of BSODs are x64.
It is true 64-bit has less driver support, but it is not a big issue anymore. There are few programs and drivers not compatible with x64 at this point.
I agree and though 32 bit is on its way out, it still is more stable.
Absolutely. Unless the average user is going to be doing instense video editing, or something else like gaming they are never going to need more than the 3.25 Gigs In my humble opinion.
I beg to differ. As someone who has done thousands of BSOD's the majority of them 64 bit, I would have to agree with Johnathan_King and conclude that 64 bit does have more problems with drivers and memory.
The statement that BSOD's are the Users fault denies the obvious poorly written drivers, and many other factors.
Yes 32 Bit is headed the way of the Dodo, just not yet.
In short to answer the thread starters question, unless there is a pressing need for more processing power 32 bit will suffice.
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