Is a 64-bit Windows 7 quicker than 32-bit in itself, as an OS?

1) Would Windows 7 64-bit work faster, slower or exactly the same compared to 32-bit version on a computer with AMD Quad-Core A6-3420 64-bit CPU and 4 GB RAM (1333 MHz DDR3). I am mostly interested in its performance as an operating system, like opening My Computer, opening folders, staring the Windows, and using just "light" software like internet browsers, audio players? I mean, not playing any games, not using any Photoshops.

I ask this because with only 4 GBs of RAM there is theoretically no need for a 64-bit OS (if not using any 64-bit software), and, in addition, a 64-bit OS uses a little more computer resourses, so less resourses left for other software -- but does that mean that those used up resource are in this case "wasted" (used only to make Windows work), or is it that the resourses 64-bit OS uses are used more efficiently, so that the OS functions more quickly?

In other words, I'll use this analogy: 64-bit Windows 7 is a more powerful engine, which uses up more fuel than 32-bit - but do I get any benefit of that when not having more than 4 GB RAM and not using any specific "heavy" 64-bit software --- like does it load an internet browser faster, does it open My Computer faster?
Why I ask this is because I noticed that as good as WinXP might be, it just never was as quick as Win98 in just using the computer back in the days. I have always been disappointed by WinXP not holding up to my expectations in performance - but that's understandable, because WinXP is much more complicated OS than Win98. And I noticed WinXP is quicker before you install all the drivers. So regarding Windows 7, I wish to know which version with given hardware limitations would be quicker.


2) Also, a little "off-topic" question: is there a difference in efficiency between Win7 Home Premium and Ultimate? I mean, which one would be quicker? In regards to Windows XP, I noticed XP Professional was faster than Home, but of course that could have just been my wrong impression or I could have missed some important factors (like software installed).

Windows 7 32 bit, has a maximum address space of 4 gigs. What do you have for a Video card? You didn't fill in your system specs. If you have a dedicated Video card with its own onboard RAM, that RAM will still need to be addressed in that 4 gig space. Whats left after that will be used to map your 4 gigs of RAM. The video RAM will effectively subtract from your available RAM. If you run 64 bit there is no 4 gig limit and you'll get full use of your 4 gigs of RAM.

What most people want to know is does 64bit give you a more responsive experience compared to 32bit for everyday use.

From my experience for basic/common usage (Browsing, Email, Office doc's, audio & movies non-editing)
Its not noticable, unless your the kind of person that sits with a stopwatch.

But i totally agree with others, software that requires that extra RAM above the 2GB limit of 32bit then you will see its true benefits.

tufffta said:

So regarding Windows 7, I wish to know which version with given hardware limitations would be quicker.


Also, a little "off-topic" question: is there a difference in efficiency between Win7 Home Premium and Ultimate? I mean, which one would be quicker?

I have 4 GB of RAM.

I moved from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows 7. I never noticed any difference in speed, responsiveness or general performance.

Home Premium differs from Ultimate in features. Not speed, not efficiency.

But millions of people buy Ultimate for reasons unrelated to features, speed, or efficiency. Let's just say those reasons are "personal" and leave it at that.

Why does 64 bit Windows 7 require more RAM than 32 bit?

tufffta said:

Why does 64 bit Windows 7 require more RAM than 32 bit?

I'm not sure it does.

It can recognize and use more RAM, but I don't know that it requires more. If so, I never noticed it.