x86 versus x64 questions

You can download CPU-Z and look for the instruction set of x86-64.

CPUID


Going from x86 to x64, you must do a clean install.. So you will have to reinstall Adobe, sorry.

Just backup your documents and bookmarks and anything else you use regularly, besides programs.

It depends on your CPU (is OK AFAIK) and how much RAM you have. 2Gbyte RAM or more, and you are fit to go with x64.

If you are using Adobe CS4 then you will love x64 with a lot of RAM as this can really make a difference in speed when rendering big pictures.

It is only a few older webcams that makes problems as I understand it, but you might want to try and ask in the driver-group in this forum.
Write the name and model of your webcam in a post and ask if anybody knows of problems with a driver for your webcam.

3) You can't upgrade to x64, you have to do a clean install, but if you have Windows 7 installed now, try looking in All Programs-> accessories->system tools->Windows easy transfer. Run this utillity and let Windows 7 make a big file with your setups. After installing the new OS, then same path, same program this time telling the program, that this is your new "PC", and all your settings will be restored. Actually, if you have the programs installed on C:\ then it is not so easy, but if your programs is installed in another drive, then go ahead :).

donnyb said:

I have tried w7 7100, but it was an x86 version. I read several threads about the x86 vs x64, and would like to maybe try the x64 version of the new RTM, but I have a few questions:

1) How can I find out if my computer is x64 compatible? I have a dual core Opteron 170 processor and my HD's are all SATA (if that makes any difference)

2) I have loads of software, will I have to upgrade any? The one I am concerned about is Adobe Master Collection CS4. Don't want to have to do that one again. Also, I do web design, so have that type of software plus I have a webcam, which I think I read may be a problem.

3) Is there anything else I need to know before going forward?

hey and welcome
1- to find out if your computer is capible you cana go to grc.com and download a small free program called securable. It looks like this

2-most (if not all) 32 bit will run on 64 bit systems just a tad less efficiently. there may not be a problem with your webcam driver check your models manufacturer.

There is tons more you need to know. Lets just skim the surface. How much memory do you have, what kind of video card and how much memory. How much hard disk space, etc.

It really isn't rocket science. Ask us all the questions you can think of thats why we are here.

Hope this helped

Ken

Sven said:

It depends on your CPU (is OK AFAIK) and how much RAM you have. 2Gbyte RAM or more, and you are fit to go with x64.

If you are using Adobe CS4 then you will love x64 with a lot of RAM as this can really make a difference in speed when rendering big pictures.

It is only a few older webcams that makes problems as I understand it, but you might want to try and ask in the driver-group in this forum.
Write the name and model of your webcam in a post and ask if anybody knows of problems with a driver for your webcam.

3) You can't upgrade to x64, you have to do a clean install, but if you have Windows 7 installed now, try looking in All Programs-> accessories->system tools->Windows easy transfer. Run this utillity and let Windows 7 make a big file with your setups. After installing the new OS, then same path, same program this time telling the program, that this is your new "PC", and all your settings will be restored. Actually, if you have the programs installed on C:\ then it is not so easy, but if your programs is installed in another drive, then go ahead :).

You sure you can do that? Cause all the paths change going to 64bit. Program Files (x86) versus Program Files which is 64bit. There is also different areas of the registry for windows 64bit. I would think doing a backup of all that would cause more problems in the long run, since the paths are not even remotely the same. It would be safer just to reinstall everything from scratch, rather then back it up.

DarkAudit said:

I'll add this. The Creative Labs 64-bit drivers are garbage. Staticy, scratchy sound that is much lower than usual. 32-bit drivers are fine.

They've had how many years to get this right?

I hate creative..

anyway you can try shrinking one of your partition, to make space for a new windows 7 64-bit install, and have dual boot, so in case things don't work out too well with x64 you still have your widnows x86 unmodified...