New
#211
My processor supports 64-bit, and I've got all the requirements needed for 64-bit Windows 7, although I'm sticking with 32-bit. Will changing to 64-bit make any difference or will it just eat twice the RAM if I have no 64-bit compatible apps other than Photoshop?
The only difference is that you will have access to all your installed memory. 64 bit apps do not 'eat' anything and are not inherently any faster than 32 bit apps.
Dil
It will make a difference (for sure) if you have over 4 gigs of RAM.
Personally, I could probably get by with x32 as well, but why NOT use x64? The applications out there that are x64 native are small right now, but x64 is growing in popularity.
While there is no reason for you to NEED to switch over (especially if you are all setup on that install), it is definitely something you should do by your next computer or reinstall.
~Lordbob
It will only make a difference if more memory is needed for a particular app or data set. I have 8Gb here and run both 32 + 64 bit Win 7 and there is no speed differences between the two. There are benefits to using 32 bit apps in a 64 bit environment, but speed ain't one of them. In fact I choose to use the 32 bit version of Office 2010 on my 64 bit Win 7 setup. There is absolutely no need to go crazy using 64 bit apps on a 64 bit OS.
Dil
Actually, in Dilbert's case, there may be a very good reason to stay with 32-bit Office. Many good commercial plug-ins only work in 32-bit. I have the same setup now, as well. I was running 64-bit Office, but needed to use an Excel add-on that only ran in 32-bit. I was a bit ticked I needed to remove and re-install Office. We're getting to 64-bit slowly and surely, but there are still a few hiccups on the the road to all 64-bit.
The problem is that many people think that 64 bit apps are inherently better or faster and that is just not the case.
@PhreePhly - love the sig!
DrT