Should I install x64?

Hello. I've just noticed that my PC can handle 64 bit. And I've just gone and installed Windows 7 32 bit...
My needs are basic so can anyone tell me if it's worthwhile going 64 bit?
I hear that there may be problems getting the drivers for some programs - are there any other drawbacks? Or, indeed, advantages.
Many thanks.

Key considerations are;

How much memory do you have? Less than 3GB and x64bit will leave you wanting more.
Do you know all of your hardware has x64 drivers? You can't run 32bit drivers on x64. Although, 32bit programs tend to be fine.
Do you have a decent hard-disk? x64 will increase the work it has to do by a noticeable amount.

Thanks, 12eason. Given what you say, I'll stick to x32. Or x86 whatever the proper name is...
My 1G of memory has served me fine up to now.

Yeah, 1GB would be the equivilant of running x86 on 512MB. I don't think windows setup will even allow you to install on that.

Minimum requirement for 64-bit is 2gb ram.

Hi there
x-64 installed fine on a 1GB system - Old Philips X59 laptop with Early dual CPU (but not with Intel VT feature). This laptop can't run Virtual PC but who would want to run a VM on a laptop with only 1GB RAM.

If your system is 64 bit I'd automatically go for x-64. You can always add another 1GB (or more RAM) later without having to re-install the OS.

Cheers
jimbo

My thanks to you all. I'll stick with 32 for now. As I said before, my needs are basic. I'm not a gamer nor do I use any complicated programs so x64 probably won't have any real benefits for me.
Cheers.

What the hell, change of plan... I'm about to by extra memory and one of those 'memory checker' sites tells me that the memory slots can hold DDR2 PC2-6400, PC2-8500 or PC2-5300. What's the difference between 6400, 8500 and 5300? And which should I go for? If it helps, the type I need is 533Mhz RAM (which possibly means I want the PC2-5300???).

Many thanks