32 or 64 bit

[mcleod55]

I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[zigzag3143]

I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.

It depends on what you want to use it for, and if the computer can run 64bit.

If you dont do any 3d modeling, video editing, etc 32bit is smaller and easier to get drivers for. If your computer can run 64bit and you have enough ram 64bit is faster and is a more modern OS, but drivers can be a problem. Im running 32bit

Ken

 

[mcleod55]

I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.

It depends on what you want to use it for, and if the computer can run 64bit.

If you dont do any 3d modeling, video editing, etc 32bit is smaller and easier to get drivers for. If your computer can run 64bit and you have enough ram 64bit is faster and is a more modern OS, but drivers can be a problem. Im running 32bit

Ken

Thanks Ken. I probably should stick with the 32 bit. I have the system to go 64 bit but with my luck...I'd mess up the world with it.

 

[zone23]

If you can install x64 and find all the drivers for your computer and printer then I would go x64. If it works out of the box there is no downside really. Try the x64 if it works keep it, if nothing works then dump it. I might have to use 32bit on my laptop because it crashes with x64 so I don't have a choice.

 

[zigzag3143]

I'm really confused as to which version I should install, and why. Any advice would be appreciated.

It depends on what you want to use it for, and if the computer can run 64bit.

If you dont do any 3d modeling, video editing, etc 32bit is smaller and easier to get drivers for. If your computer can run 64bit and you have enough ram 64bit is faster and is a more modern OS, but drivers can be a problem. Im running 32bit

Ken

Thanks Ken. I probably should stick with the 32 bit. I have the system to go 64 bit but with my luck...I'd mess up the world with it.

You can always change later when you are more comfortable with win 7. Remember we are always here to walk you thru things

good luck mate

Ken

 

[hance]

64bit will help you more in the future when you have more than 4go of ram.

some application like photoshop lightroom has a version of x64 to be able to use full the ressources of ram of your computer.

hope that helps

Hance

 

[Dickstar]

If you have 4GB ram or more, go for 64-bit. If you have less, there's no point.

 

[mcleod55]

Would 64 run OK with just 4 gb RAM? I have 4 installed ddr2 800 and I have an extra 2 gb RAM but it's ddr2 667. That would give me 6 gb but it would downgrade the 800 ram. It wouldn't help, would it? If it will run OK with 4 gb for now, then I could get another 4 to match later.

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Would 64 run OK with just 4 gb RAM? I have 4 installed ddr2 800 and I have an extra 2 gb RAM but it's ddr2 667. That would give me 6 gb but it would downgrade the 800 ram. It wouldn't help, would it? If it will run OK with 4 gb for now, then I could get another 4 to match later.

I'm running on a, well not low-end but mid-range, laptop with only 4gb DDR2 800mhz RAM. I run 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate, never had any problems regarding RAM.

As for using the extra 2gb 667mhz, I'd try it out and see if you notice a large performance drop or not, if not then just use it until you get matching RAM, if it does then, well the answer is obvious.

 

[Darryl Licht]

4GB of RAM isnt the only reason to go to 64bit OS... as many have led you to believe. More RAM wasnt the only reason we moved from a 16 to a 32 bit OS! The OS and all apps should run faster on the 64bit version than they do on the 32 bit version! 64 bit OSes are the future that's for sure, and most recent PC and manufacturers support it.

But hardware is a big issue... as many have said your CPU must support 64 bit. All dual and quad cores today do. If you have a PC that wasnt Vista Ready or Compatable, good luck! The 64 bit drivers can be a hassle to find, so do your homework first.

I just did a quick check of the Asus website for 64 bit drivers for your onboard video/sound/ethernet,etc... fully supported! Here: http://ca.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=KjpYqzmAd9vsTM2D

HAPPY INSTALL!

 

[mcleod55]

LOL I've been downloading them already. The only thing I can't figure out is the chipset driver they have listed is NVIDIA instead of AMD

 

[Darryl Licht]

LOL I've been downloading them already. The only thing I can't figure out is the chipset driver they have listed is NVIDIA instead of AMD

Perhaps get ahold of Asus tech support first? That's odd!

 

[thefabe]

You can always run the windows upgrade advisor to see if your hardware will run 7 64 bit. Fabe Download details: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

 

[Darryl Licht]

You can always run the windows upgrade advisor to see if your hardware will run 7 64 bit. Fabe Download details: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Well, not exactely.... the 64 bit Advisor is not available for download (at least I have never found it) I read somewhere that the 64 bit advisor is only on the 64 bit DVD???

 

[ratePV]

x64 is (in theory) safer because it has PatchGuard that stops unwanted modification of the Windows Kernel.
But still anyone having less than 2gb of ram shouldn't use it.

 

[Adrian]

Would 64 run OK with just 4 gb RAM? I have 4 installed ddr2 800 and I have an extra 2 gb RAM but it's ddr2 667. That would give me 6 gb but it would downgrade the 800 ram. It wouldn't help, would it? If it will run OK with 4 gb for now, then I could get another 4 to match later.

I have reviewed your sys specs and you have more than adequate horse power to run OS_7 in 64 bit. My system is almost identical except for memory where I use DDR3 but you have a strong processor, 4 gigs of memory and more than adequate storage.
IMHO older legacy hardware such as printers/scanners optical storage devices may pose a challenge during installation. However there are an abundant number of well credetialed members here on the Forum that are eager to help.

Regards,
Adrian

 

[Teerex]

Also it does hardware DEP reducing system load.

I think 32 bit does hardware DEP too. Mine does..

 

[Adrian]

LOL I've been downloading them already. The only thing I can't figure out is the chipset driver they have listed is NVIDIA instead of AMD

I believe that you may have a ATI grfx card aboard.
If so check the AMD website for the latest ATI Catalyst driver set that was released in September.

 

[ratePV]

Also it does hardware DEP reducing system load.

I think 32 bit does hardware DEP too. Mine does..

True...it does that since Vista x32...ooops

 

[Adrian]

MOBO

Follow the attached link for your MOBO SPECS:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

You have an ATI video card aboard, not NIVDIA.
Use the latest ATI catalyst driver if you are going to set up Windows 7 in 64 bit. Any problems or challenges don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,
Adrian