Why Win7 64 bit instead of 32 bit

[Jonathan_King]

Well after reading all the messages I'm planning on staying with 32bit version of Win7 because I don't have any 64bit software and I'm not a gamer that needs 4 or 8 gig of ram.
I guess as more applications write their software in 64 bit I may change my mind.
Anyway great information all and I'm sure this will help others in deciding which version they need. 64 bit or 32 bit.

Thanks

Good decision. 32 has less problems with driver issues than 64 does anyway. If you need 4GB+ RAM, it's worth it, but if not, stick to 32.

 

[patrickt]

When I was using the W7 beta I started with the 32-bit. It ran fine but two programs wouldn't run. One, my codecs for my raw files, was optional and one, a Spanish/English dictionary, wasn't optional. I replaced my dictionary. Then I thought I might as well try the 64-bit since it was free. I discovered I had a defective motherboard/processor using 64-bit. Intel replaced the motherboard/processor and everything ran fine under 64-bit. I used mostly Vista drivers at that point and they worked.

When W7 went retail I got the 64-bit version. My photo editing software runs at 64-bit and uses the RAM. I don't play games so I can't comment on that. I have gotten codecs for my raw files so that's fine now.

For me, the question isn't why switch but really why not. It is clearly the future. There are valid reasons to stick with 32-bit. If you have mission-critical hardware that won't run under 64-bit, stay with 32-bit.

"It seems to me that most of the issues we find here are related back to 64 bit Windows 7 drivers." It doesn't seem that way to me. The variable most often seems to be the users.

 

[IggyAZ]

With only 2 gig of ram my system only uses between 30 and 40% of my ram. I rarely use more than 2 program at a time.

So the pose shows so far that about 25% use 32bit and 64bit 75%

 

[Dwarf]

I've voted 64-bit, although I have got both installed (see my specs).

 

[polarbear]

Had two new laptops at the time and choose 32 for one and 64 for the other... After a few weeks of no problems with the 64, I switched the other to match as time goes by the switch to 64 will be likely as the software will likely move that way. GL

 

[profdlp]

64-Bit, because more is better.

 

[HerrKaLeun]

What is 32 bit again? Isn't that my calculator OS?

Most professional software (CAD, Photoshop ...) comes in 64-bit and requires 8+ GB
unless that rend reverts I don't see a reason for 32 bit. If it is not compatible with 64 bit, it probably is worthless.

 

[pcgamer]

I have had both 64 and 32 currently using 32 and main reason for 64 is it can use all 4 GB of my ram but i have noticed some performace decrease in 32 bit but may give 64bit another go when i upgrade my CPU next week as a lot of people say its good ad i like all 4GB of my ram usable

 

[CarlTR6]

What is 32 bit again? Isn't that my calculator OS?

Most professional software (CAD, Photoshop ...) comes in 64-bit and requires 8+ GB
unless that rend reverts I don't see a reason for 32 bit. If it is not compatible with 64 bit, it probably is worthless.

Uhmm, some of us are still running old hardware and old peripherals such as printers...

 

[Lebon14]

32-bits. I don't know why I would install 64-bit on 2GB of RAM. There's no need to >_>

 

[archie123]

32-bits. I don't know why I would install 64-bit on 2GB of RAM. There's no need to >_>

theres no need to have a 64 bit processor either but you have one it wont be long before your 2gb of ram just isnt enough but.............

more ram isnt the only reason to upgrade to 64 bit (unless your a gamer or cad designer) a 64 bit system is faster in the majority of cases , 64 bit is becoming the norm , program vendors are writing 64 bit versions of all their software and drivers now , software thats optimised to take advantage of a 64 bit cpu and extra ram , that software will run much faster that its 32 bit counterpart

you will get issues with 32 bit video and sound codecs and with 32 bit antivirus apps (they just wont work) but there is 64 bit versions available now and have been for years , i have used 64 bit XP/Vista/7 and never had any major issues that couldnt be sorted in 10 minutes

Microsoft has added extra technologies to 64-bit editions of Windows to improve security and stability. These include Kernel Patch Protection, which prevents third-party software from modifying key Windows files, and hardware-enforced Data Execution Prevention, which - if supported by the CPU - closes off potential vulnerabilities by making it impossible to execute code from an area of memory that's marked as data.

64 bit is just better , its not just the ram....................

 

[Pixelpro]

Is 84 BIT= 32BIT? someone said it was.

 

[CyberZeus]

Picked up Windows 7 x64 because I had Vista x64 with no problems.
And still no problems with Windows 7 x64.

 

[Jonathan_King]

Is 84 BIT= 32BIT? someone said it was.

x64= 64-bit. There is no such thing as x32; x86 = 32-bit.

 

[Lomai]

I chose it for the sole purpose of having more than 3GB of RAM.

So did I.

Having said that, I have had very few issues, if not none, to date on x64. Ran Vista x64 previously and the major difference that I observed was specifically on Photoshop CS3 load times.
As for now, the plus is that I'm not watching my memory usage like I used to with x86.
Lastly, primarily for games.

Regards

 

[IggyAZ]

OK I tried the 64bit version

After listening to everyone I decided to try Win7 64bit.
I made a full image backup of my HD and proceeded to install Win7 upgrade Premium 64bit over 32bit. The install went flawlessly as usual with Win7 and it installed all appropriate drivers, etc without a hitch.
After I was sure that Win7 installed all my hardware drivers properly I checked to see how my performance numbers were. They were down from the 32bit version of Win7. This may because my system isn't the fastest on planet earth.
The overall number went down from a 5.5 to 4.9 but that is just a number and almost means nothing other than a reference.

I started in install some of my software and everything installed normally other than most of my 3rd party software is written in 32 bit format. No problem, Win7 64bit installed and ran them with no problem.

After a day of testing I decided to go back to my 32 bit version. Not that I didn't like the 64 bit version but I felt that 32 bit was what my hardware liked and I must say I feel ran faster in 32 bit. Before you jump on my case I said on my system. I'm sure my next system I build will be for a 64bit OS but at the moment I'm happy where I am.

So thanks to all for your insight and information and this camper will just have to wait for Santa to bring a new system.


Have a great day everyone.

 

[CarlTR6]

Thanks for the report, Iggy. That is why I am running 32 bit. I hope by the end of the summer to have a computer built that will is designed for 64 bit operating. For now, I am grateful 32 bit Win 7 runs so well on this antique.

 

[derekimo]

After listening to everyone I decided to try Win7 64bit.
I made a full image backup of my HD and proceeded to install Win7 upgrade Premium 64bit over 32bit. The install went flawlessly as usual with Win7 and it installed all appropriate drivers, etc without a hitch.
After I was sure that Win7 installed all my hardware drivers properly I checked to see how my performance numbers were. They were down from the 32bit version of Win7. This may because my system isn't the fastest on planet earth.
The overall number went down from a 5.5 to 4.9 but that is just a number and almost means nothing other than a reference.

I started in install some of my software and everything installed normally other than most of my 3rd party software is written in 32 bit format. No problem, Win7 64bit installed and ran them with no problem.

After a day of testing I decided to go back to my 32 bit version. Not that I didn't like the 64 bit version but I felt that 32 bit was what my hardware liked and I must say I feel ran faster in 32 bit. Before you jump on my case I said on my system. I'm sure my next system I build will be for a 64bit OS but at the moment I'm happy where I am.

So thanks to all for your insight and information and this camper will just have to wait for Santa to bring a new system.


Have a great day everyone.

I think that's what really matters anyway Iggy, You tried it and went with what you like.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I choose 7 64 cause all my amps go to 11 !

 

[IggyAZ]

Thanks for the report, Iggy. That is why I am running 32 bit. I hope by the end of the summer to have a computer built that will is designed for 64 bit operating. For now, I am grateful 32 bit Win 7 runs so well on this antique.

Thanks.
At least I'm not the only one on the forum using 32bit and like it.
I use my computer probably 12-14 hrs a day for work and pleasure and my computer is fast enough.
Have a great day!
32 bit rocks!