32 bit or 64 bit

Crazypete96

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I bought the windows seven upgrade pack. I am currently running Vista Home Premium 32 bit. Looking for recommendations....... Should I upgrade to windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit....the hardware of the computer will support 64 bit..... What are the advantages of 64 bit system?

Thank you in advance....
 

My Computer

OS
Vista home basic 32 bit
I bought the windows seven upgrade pack. I am currently running Vista Home Premium 32 bit. Looking for recommendations....... Should I upgrade to windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit....the hardware of the computer will support 64 bit..... What are the advantages of 64 bit system?

Thank you in advance....

32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel i5-2500k
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V Pro/GEN3
Memory
16GB
Graphics Card(s)
2x Radeon HD7970 Crossfire
Sound Card
On-Board / Logitech G930
Monitor(s) Displays
3x Dell u2412m
Screen Resolution
5760x1200
Hard Drives
Toshiba thns064gg2bbaa SSD
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB
Intel RST SSD caching enabled
PSU
Corsair AX850
Case
Corsair Obsidian 650D
Cooling
Corsair H100
Keyboard
Logitech Illuminated
Mouse
Logitech M510 Wireless
Internet Speed
1Mb/s
If the hardware supports it, unless the system is short on memory I would go 64bit.
If your only on 2 or 3 gigs of ram I don't think it would make a difference.
4+ gigs of ram and yes definitely upgrade.

That's just my opinion though.
The benefits of 64 bit are actually a bit limited, there are only so many programs that actually run 64 bit so most of the time you will be running the same 32 bit apps you normally would. I know photoshop benefits from 64 bit if you are doing higher end editing. Few games do, but more and more utilities and media applications are using 64 compatible apps now too.

Anyhow, the only reason I wouldn't go 64bit on a system that supports it, is if the system doesn't have much ram. As the 64 bit install will consume more base ram as it runs more processes in the background.
If you are using 4 gigs or more it's pretty much required if you want windows to use all your ram. As the 32 bit version will not see anything around 3.25 gigs or higher.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Insane hobo technologies. ;-)
OS
Windows 7 x64
CPU
Intel i7 2600k
Motherboard
Asrock z68 extreme 4 gen 3
Memory
G.skill Ripjaw 16gigs @ 1866
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia gtx580 (evga)
Sound Card
Integrated HD audio + hdmi
Monitor(s) Displays
24" ASUS widescreen + 42" insignia
Screen Resolution
1080p (1920x1080)
Hard Drives
128 Samsung 830
256 Samsung 840
3 x 1tb storage drive (various)
1 western digital 1tb (eSATA)
1 Seagate 1tb (eSATA)
PSU
1 kilowatt SLI/Crossfire rated Silverstone modular
Case
NZXT Phantom + additional 220 fan
Cooling
Zalmann
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless 3000 (v2)
Mouse
MS - wireless 5000 (bluetrack)
Internet Speed
depends on if you ask me or my provider.
Other Info
The above information is provided as is, and the author assumes no responsibility for issues it may cause with your sanity or fanboyism.
Just a quick point.
You can actually upgrade from Vista 32 bit but you must do a clean install to go to Windows 7 x64.
Back up all your data.
Then you must reinstall all your applications.
Also it would be a good idea to check to see that there are 64 bit drivers for your hardware, although if your system is relatively new, that shouldn't be a problem bu just in case.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64, Windows 8.1 Pro x64, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1,
CPU
INTEL i9-7920X LGA 2066
Motherboard
Gigabyte X299-WU8 F3
Memory
64 GB (4 X 16 GB) G-Skill V Series DDR4 3200 Quad Channel
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 1060 SC 3 GB
Sound Card
Realtek Onboard ALC1220
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung S27E310
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 2 x 970 EVO Plus 500 GB NVMe
1 x 6TB WD 6003FZBX SATA
1 x 6TB WD 60EFRX SATA
12 x 3TB WD 30EFRX SATA
PSU
Seasonic X-1050
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Corsair H80i V2 Liquid AOI Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G510s
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 2S
Internet Speed
200 Mb/s
Antivirus
ESET NOD32 13.1
Browser
EDGE (Dev, Canary, Beta), Chrome
Other Info
ASUS RT-AC68U router
Malwarebytes 4.0.4
My laptop is running 3 gb of ram. Would that be enough ram to run the 64 bit windows 7? I ran a program called advisor from microsoft. Which recommended a custom install. Also suggested making backup of programs and files....
Thanks for all of the help...
 

My Computer

OS
Vista home basic 32 bit
One word of caution - Make sure your important software that you "have to have" is supported by a 64-bit OS!!!

A lot of people upgrade to a 64-bit OS only to suddenly find out their favorite software program no longer works or will not be upgraded to a 64-bit comaptible version.

Do your homework on this before the upgrade!!!

My two cents.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built by me.
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Intel Core i7-4770K (3.5Ghz)
Motherboard
Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (F10 Bios)
Memory
32 gig Corsair Dominator Platinum (4x8Gig)
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire Tri-X R9 Fury
Sound Card
Soundblaster ZXR
Monitor(s) Displays
NEC PA242W 24" LCD Monitor
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
Primary - Samsung 850 Pro (512gig), Samsung 840 Pro (256gig), 2TB WD Caviar Black.
PSU
EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
Case
Cooler Master HAF X
Cooling
Corsair H100i with Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Fans
Keyboard
Logitech Wireless Wave
Mouse
Logitech Performance MX
Internet Speed
High Speed Cable
Antivirus
Norton Security
Browser
IE11
Other Info
Memory Timings - 1866MHz @ 9-9-9-27-1T @ 1.5 volts
The differences and advantages have been well documented for about 5 years now, but it really all comes down to one point, here in 2011. Is there some reason why you can't run x64 (such as a very old application that is absolutely crucial)? If you can't find a reason not to run x64, go with it and be done with it. It's the platform of tomorrow (and today), so there's no point in clinging to the past unless you can find a good reason.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
From what I have read I think I can make all of my software work that I currently have. I will have to install some of the software in another destination besides the typical Program files directory. So the programs will run under 32 bit OS. I am not sure if this will work but I thought of creating the Program Files folder in my documents and installing my (older non supported) applications there. Should that work? Also mentioned in what I read, it was suggested to install older programs in the X86 folder under C: or just install them under C: instead of C:/Program Files. This will keep the programs away from the UAC User account control(s) that are in windows 7. Which option should I use?
 

My Computer

OS
Vista home basic 32 bit
From what I have read I think I can make all of my software work that I currently have. I will have to install some of the software in another destination besides the typical Program files directory. So the programs will run under 32 bit OS. I am not sure if this will work but I thought of creating the Program Files folder in my documents and installing my (older non supported) applications there. Should that work? Also mentioned in what I read, it was suggested to install older programs in the X86 folder under C: or just install them under C: instead of C:/Program Files. This will keep the programs away from the UAC User account control(s) that are in windows 7. Which option should I use?

Where you install programs has no effect on User Account Control.

Windows 7 will automatically install various programs in the correct place.

Windows 7 will automatically try to install programs so that they work. Most do.

Only a few applications have to be run in special configurations. For the vast majority of users this is completely immaterial as they don't need to do it.

Regards....Mike Connor
 

My Computer

OS
Several, including Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Just to clarify what Mike is saying.... it makes no difference where you or Windows puts the files/programs, if it's installed under a 64-bit OS, it needs to be 64-bit compatible - whether it goes into the 32-bit program files folder or not is irrelevant.

Just to clarify.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built by me.
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Intel Core i7-4770K (3.5Ghz)
Motherboard
Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (F10 Bios)
Memory
32 gig Corsair Dominator Platinum (4x8Gig)
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire Tri-X R9 Fury
Sound Card
Soundblaster ZXR
Monitor(s) Displays
NEC PA242W 24" LCD Monitor
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
Primary - Samsung 850 Pro (512gig), Samsung 840 Pro (256gig), 2TB WD Caviar Black.
PSU
EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
Case
Cooler Master HAF X
Cooling
Corsair H100i with Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Fans
Keyboard
Logitech Wireless Wave
Mouse
Logitech Performance MX
Internet Speed
High Speed Cable
Antivirus
Norton Security
Browser
IE11
Other Info
Memory Timings - 1866MHz @ 9-9-9-27-1T @ 1.5 volts
I had to have a 64bit PC, i work with 3d software, it is a must.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP
OS
Windows Seven Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7 x980 @ 3.33GHz
Memory
12.0 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
Just to clarify what Mike is saying.... it makes no difference where you or Windows puts the files/programs, if it's installed under a 64-bit OS, it needs to be 64-bit compatible - whether it goes into the 32-bit program files folder or not is irrelevant.

Just to clarify.

Hmmm...that's not true. I think you have mistyped something there. You can install 32 BIT programs under Windows 7 x64.

Windows 7 provides the compatibilty layer required, and it works for most of the available 32 BIT software.

I run many identical 32 BIT programs on various systems, including Windows 7 x64.

Regards....Mike Connor
 

My Computer

OS
Several, including Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
I had to have a 64bit PC, i work with 3d software, it is a must.

No, it is not a "Must". Some software runs somewhat faster on it, and it can address far more RAM than a 32 BIT system, and for those reasons alone it can be very advantageous, but it is not a "Must".

Which machine and system you obtain or use depends entirely on what you want to do with it.

Telling people that things are a "must" merely confuses the issue.

Regards....Mike Connor
 

My Computer

OS
Several, including Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Just to clarify what Mike is saying.... it makes no difference where you or Windows puts the files/programs, if it's installed under a 64-bit OS, it needs to be 64-bit compatible - whether it goes into the 32-bit program files folder or not is irrelevant.

Just to clarify.

Hmmm...that's not true. I think you have mistyped something there. You can install 32 BIT programs under Windows 7 x64.

I probably explained it wrong but yes you can install 32-bit programs under a 64-bit OS. I very aware of that ;)

What I meant by 64-bit compatible is it needs to ba able to work on a 64-bit OS, not that it had to have a 64-bit installer.

Again I'm quite aware that 32-bit programs work under a 64-bit OS through WoW64 - WoW64 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hope that clears things :)
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built by me.
OS
Windows 10 Pro
CPU
Intel Core i7-4770K (3.5Ghz)
Motherboard
Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (F10 Bios)
Memory
32 gig Corsair Dominator Platinum (4x8Gig)
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire Tri-X R9 Fury
Sound Card
Soundblaster ZXR
Monitor(s) Displays
NEC PA242W 24" LCD Monitor
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
Primary - Samsung 850 Pro (512gig), Samsung 840 Pro (256gig), 2TB WD Caviar Black.
PSU
EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
Case
Cooler Master HAF X
Cooling
Corsair H100i with Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Fans
Keyboard
Logitech Wireless Wave
Mouse
Logitech Performance MX
Internet Speed
High Speed Cable
Antivirus
Norton Security
Browser
IE11
Other Info
Memory Timings - 1866MHz @ 9-9-9-27-1T @ 1.5 volts
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