Should I use 32-bit or 64-bit on my laptop

[bondas25]

Hello, in a few days I will add 1 GB(currently 3 GB will be 4 GB) more ram for my OLD laptop and I haven't decided which type of windows I should use. 32-bit or 64-bit for better performance? Here's my computer specs: http://i61.tinypic.com/27y21kk.jpg

 

[cluberti]

Unless you've got reason to need some of the additional hardware-based security features in Windows and IE (and other software that would make use) that native x64 Windows can provide, you probably won't see any difference on that hardware with x86 or x64 installs of Windows.

 

[AddRAM]

My philosophy, if you have a 64 bit capable cpu, install 64 bit.

If you already have 32 bit installed, there`s no point in changing now, what is the maximum amount of memory the laptop can use ?

 

[bondas25]

I don't know exactly, but I want to add additional 1 Gb and to make it 2x2GB, because now it's 1x1 Gb and 1x2 Gb. So I'm asking is it better to install 32-bit for 4 Gb or 64-bit for 4 Gb.

 

[cluberti]

They both can see 4GB of RAM if the hardware doesn't reserve memory.

 

[whs]

If you have to reinstall, go 64bit. If you keep your current 32bit OS, that's OK too. It does not really matter unless you have a graphics that takes a lot of address space. Check that in Resource Monitor - see picture.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

bondas25,
You could pay dearly for that upgrade for a couple of reasons. We always suggest matched pairs of ram as upgrading just one module could be an issue. Then with the upgrade from 3gb now to 4 gb you'll be lucky to net 3.2-3.4gb total recognized by the 32 bit OS.

 

[AddRAM]

And even if you install 64 bit you won`t see any change in the hardware reserved area, the motherboard is still gonna use the same amount.

 

[whs]

And even if you install 64 bit you won`t see any change in the hardware reserved area, the motherboard is still gonna use the same amount.

Here we have to distinguish between address space and RAM space. E.g a graphics card with it's own RAM needs address space but an on-board graphics needs RAM space and of course address space. In 32bit it is limited to 4GB for both. In 64bit you have acres of address space. The current x64 implementation uses only 48 bits for addressing - but that is still acres.

 

[ThrashZone]

The best upgrade to a laptop isn't the bit rate of windows but if it's running on a ssd or hdd
Otherwise 32 bit is just fine and what most programs are anyway