Disadvantages Windows 7 64-bit?

[priosteel]

Does programs run slower than 32-Bit?
Does it use More Ram?

 

[Dinesh]

Yes it uses more RAM as compared to 32bit OS. But the programs runs even faster.

 

[priosteel]

but i kinda heard that the 32-bit programs run slower in 64-bit OS

 

[Dinesh]

but i kinda heard that the 32-bit programs run slower in 64-bit OS

No.

 

[priosteel]

so what do you recommend me to use ? 32 0r 64, according to my system specs?
i'll use whatever you tell me...

 

[Dinesh]

Look at my system specs. Pretty much same. I quit 32bit 3 months ago and 64 bit runs simply awesome.
Also, use this utility to see if your processor supports 64bit OS.
GRC|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features|

 

[ignatzatsonic]

With 2 GB of RAM, there is no over-riding reason for you to go with 64 bit. There is some possibility that you will have difficulty finding the necessary 64 bit drivers. Lastly, a few 32 bit applications may not run properly or even install on a 64 bit system.

 

[GailLA]

Presuming you have a 64 bit processor:

If you still use any older 16-bit apps, and most people don't, they will not run on 64 bit because there is no more built in 16 bit support. I get around it by running XP Mode, but you have to have Professional or better, and you need hardware virtualization support in your processor and motherboard to use XP Mode.

I agree with what others have said -- I install 32 bit on my computers with 2 GB or less RAM and I run 64 bit on my computers with 4 GB or more RAM (3 GB can go either way IMHO but I'd lean to 64-bit if I had a 3 GB computer).

I've been running 64 bit Professional since the end of August with no problems. I've had no problem using 64 bit Vista drivers when 64 bit Win 7 drivers are not available. Most 32 bit software runs fine, but I've gotten a few free compatibility updates for some specialized software I use.

64 bit support is quite good now and will only get better as time goes on. I recommend that everyone who has the hardware to do it, run 64 bit.

I can confirm that 64 bit does take a little more RAM comparing 2 very similar in hardware and software laptops I have, but really not that much more. It is hard to tell if there is a real speed difference though, without highly controlled benchmarks.

 

[priosteel]

well i had 64 bit win7 installed few days ago, and i had no trouble installing the drivers or any other software.

so if i can get better performance with no problems using the softwares that i use, then i guess i should stick to 64-bit?!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Sure, stick with it. It's anybody's guess whether or not you are better off with it, but it certainly isn't worth the trouble to go back to 32 bit.

 

[ggrrttdd]

I tend to disagree with the other posts, I have found that programs run more slowly when using 32 bit programs in a 64 bit OS, as it has to run them in emulation mode. For example 32bit convertXtodvd takes 30 seconds or so longer to convert the same 700 mb file.
However, if moving files between partitions or such the 64 bit OS is faster. Also, if you're going to be using 64 bit programs they will be faster.
I think it depends on what programs you are using, I don't think Adobe have released a flash player for the 64 bit OS yet either, which means that you will be using the 32 bit browser, which again will run slightly slower than the 32 bit due to emulation.

I would say stick with 32 bit until many more programs are 64 bit.

 

[priosteel]

ya true, changing OS is like setting up a new pc

 

[pparks1]

I haven't really noticed that 32-bit programs run any slower on 64-bit operating systems. However, I'm not a believer that 64-bit operating systems are just inherently faster either. Now, a 64-bit app itself would provide some performance increses, but if the majority of apps are 32-bit....you might not see all that much improvement.

And without a doubt, 64-bit code will chew into RAM more than 32-bit code. Therefore, I don't suggest using a 64-bit OS with less then 3GB of RAM.

 

[priosteel]

I have found that programs run more slowly when using 32 bit programs in a 64 bit OS, as it has to run them in emulation mode.

If this is true, then it should be 32!

this is so confusing :S

 

[logicearth]

...using 32 bit programs in a 64 bit OS, as it has to run them in emulation mode...

No they are not ran in an emulation. On Intel Itanium is ran in emulation but not on consumer oriented processors. On these systems it is just a redirection of system calls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WoW64

...on the x86-64 (x64) architecture, which switches the processor hardware from its 64-bit mode to compatibility mode when it's time to execute a 32-bit thread, and then handles the switch back to 64-bit mode. No emulation is required for WOW64 on x86-64 (x64).

 

[ggrrttdd]

If the computer is working well and as expected, be happy and content.

 

[ggrrttdd]

@ logicearth
so it is the emulation mode or the compatibility mode which creates those short delays, but noticeable for me, when running 32 bit programs in 64 bit OS on my system.

 

[priosteel]

wow, xcept for dinesh. all other guys have voted for 32bit.
just to knw what i'll miss, is 64bit at all good for anything xcept for running 64bit applications?

 

[logicearth]

64bit can handle bigger integers at one time, verses breaking them up into smaller computations.

 

[priosteel]

64bit can handle bigger integers at one time, verses breaking them up into smaller computations.

didnt understand a word