windows 7 86 bit or 64 bit

hewaz · 20 Jun 2010

hi, i am running windows XP professional and i am now going to install a new copy of windows 7 ultimate and i dont know which bit to choose

my system specs are:

intel(R) Core(TM) 2 duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz
3.00GB of ram
512mb graphics card
350GB hard drive

THANXXX!

fireberd · 20 Jun 2010

There is no "86 bit" - either 32 bit or 64 bit. Based on the limited PC specs you posted I would go with the 32 bit. The biggest reason to go for the 64 bit, if the PC hardware is 64 bit compatible, is to address more than 4GB of RAM. Many of the programs available are still 32 bit so another reason for the 32 bit OS.

electrotune1200 · 20 Jun 2010

Your computer will be fine running an x64 version of Windows if you want to take the plunge.

But you really should do your homework. What hardware do you connect your PC? Do you have a printer, and does the manufacturer provide x64 drivers? Those are just some of the things you need to research.

If you want to stay on the safe side, just install the 32 bit (x86) version of Windows.

You really won't notice any benefits to running the x64 platform with your current specs. If you were to add more RAM at a later time, then installing the x64 version would be worth it.

fishnbanjo · 20 Jun 2010

hewaz said:

hi, i am running windows XP professional and i am now going to install a new copy of windows 7 ultimate and i dont know which bit to choose

my system specs are:

intel(R) Core(TM) 2 duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz
3.00GB of ram
512mb graphics card
350GB hard drive

THANXXX!

I'd run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and see what it tells you about your system especially any devices, software and drivers you will experience issues with. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Bare Foot Kid · 20 Jun 2010

Hello hewaz, welcome to Seven Forums!

Whatever you do just remember that if you change from 32-bit to 64-bit at any time you must do a clean install as there's no upgrade path from 32-bit to 64-bit or back again; I would suggest that you start with the 32-bit version and if at a later time you like, you can re-install the 64-bit; be sure to let us know what you decide to do.