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Upgrade Win7 Pro 32bit to 64bit or go to Win8?
I have an aging system (2008) Win7 Pro 32bit. I would like to upgrade to 64bit in order to be able to use more ram, and other benefits.
Trying to decide whether to go to Win8 or Win7 Pro 64bit. I have some favorite programs that run on the 32bit system and may not run on 64bit. As I understand it, I may be able to run these 32bit porgrams on a 64bit machine. (??)
I am not a total newbie, but have not been keeping up on new technology since 2008, so I am asking for advice. I have a computer tech who can help.
My tech friend is advising NOT to go to Win8. He says that he would not recommend this OS until at least two years time has passed since it's introduction so MS has time to work out bugs. I am also just upgrading a desktop and have no touch screen.
I want my new system to be a media center, some graphics and some light video work.
I have bought
Asus AMD 990FX Atx 4 DIMM DDR3 TUF Sabertooth MOBO
ASUS - SABERTOOTH 990FX
AMD FX - 8320 EIGHT-CORE 3.5GHZ 16MB 125w AM3+CPU
AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320 Eight-Core 3.5GHz AM3+ Processor - AM3+, Eight-Core, 3.5GHz, 16MB, 125W, Unlocked at TigerDirect.com
Kingston 8GB 1600MHz 10-10-10 DDR3 HyperX Red (thinking about getting another 8gb and upping my ram to 16gb)
HyperX red | Kingston Technology
I will be using my current Silverstone 850watt power supply, hard disks, case and DVD drives. Have a 6950 AMD Radeon video card.
Some more questions
If I upgrade to Win7 64bit while changing hardware, what is the procedure for getting MS to recognize this change? I have a leagl copy of Win7 Pro 32bit.
Is there any real advantage to go to Win8?
How can keep the ability to run present 32bit software?
Thanks for your help,
Bill