Why Win7 64 bit instead of 32 bit

[IggyAZ]

It seems to me that most of the issues we find here are related back to 64 bit Win7 drivers. I'm using the 32bit version and would think that most users at home could also user the 32 bit version.

So the question for everyone is why did you select Win7 64bit over 32bit or visa versa.

I will start by saying I selected 32bit because I knew it would have drivers for 100% of my hardware and I didn't need to buy more memory just to name a few reasons I stayed with 32bit.

if you don't want to write at least you can fill out the pole above by selecting 32bit of 64bit.

 

[severedsolo]

is what? :sarc:

 

[IggyAZ]

is what? :sarc:

I just updated my message LOL

 

[severedsolo]

:roflmao: well i basically picked 64 bit because i had the choice between 32 and 64, my PC originally came with 32 bit Vista, so when i upgraded i thought "hell i may as well go 64 bit" touch wood, so far have only had one driver issue, which was fairly easy to sort out

 

[burtie]

I just switched to 64bit after building a new machine and have had no driver or program problems...but saying that I have only been running it for a few weeks.

 

[tw33k]

I just switched to 64bit after building a new machine and have had no driver or program problems...but saying that I have only been running it for a few weeks.

My build is only about a month old. It's my first x64 machine. Now my PC at work is also x64 and I'll never run x32 again (except for my little laptop..not x64 capable) I've not 1 single problem the whole time and I've made a lot of tweaks.

 

[CarlTR6]

I picked 32 bit because my computer is old and 32 bit runs well on it. I am in the process of building a new computer and I'll have to decide which to install when that time comes.

 

[Jonathan_King]

64, because I had 4GB RAM when I installed, and didn't know if I was going to upgrade. Sure enough, I will be receiving 2GB more in the mail tomorrow morning.

 

[pparks1]

When I built my new computer in July of 2009, I knew that I would be going with Windows 7 on the box. I also planned to install 8GB of RAM, as I'm a systems admin for a living and running virtual machines simultaneously is very important to me. I tried the release candidate of Windows 7 64-bit and I didn't have issues with the hardware that I needed on that computer. Thus, when I purchased Windows 7, I stuck with 64-bit to support my 8GB of RAM.

However, on my work laptop, it's only got 4GB of RAM and I knew that our corporate VPN did not have a 64-bit client based on the version of the hardware we are running...so I stuck with 32-bit on this machine.

If I didn't need/want more than 4GB of RAM at home, I would NOT have went 64-bit.

 

[alphanumeric]

My new build was 64 bit capable so why not. Plus I could if I had to, go back to 32 bit and use the same product code, so there is no big risk in going 64 bit that I can see. Aside from the time it takes to re-install if I hit a deal breaker.

 

[ehren444]

I have been running 64bit since win XP pro 64. Xp had MASSIVE driver issues but vista was much better and now 7 is back to stupid status. If your hardware is up to the task then run 64. The only problem i have run into has also been with vpn and remote software like citrix. I am able to run it in a 32bit envioronment but with flaws, like screen resolution recognition issues and explorer add-ons now working for those applications.

 

[thefabe]

I choose the 64bit version to be able to take the fullest advantage of the amount of Ram I have. I posted this article today Frequently asked questions 32 or 64 bit. Article from MS. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions. Fabe

 

[IggyAZ]

I choose the 64bit version to be able to take the fullest advantage of the amount of Ram I have. I posted this article today Frequently asked questions 32 or 64 bit. Article from MS. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions. Fabe

Finally! You are the first to actually say why you upgraded to 64 bit....
So you can utilize all your RAM. Good reason.
Now what programs do you run that can use all your memory?

Any others out there want to say why they needed Win7 64 bit?

 

[jr26]

I have x64 installed because I believe we will start seeing a lot more 64 bit apps/games in the coming years. I also have a number of x64 apps like 3dsmax and such that in my case work a noticeable amount better than the 32 bit versions. That and the main reason is I have 4gb(soon 8gb) ram so I don't want the 32 bit limit. Haven't had any issues and everything runs as good or better than my 32 bit xp previous install.

 

[PeteC]

I went with 64bit for my notebook w/4gb ram, but really? It was a close decision. Without a doubt, the future is rapidly approaching where 64 bit will be the mainstream. Had I any insurmountable driver issues with Win 7 64bit, I would have re-installed 32 bit...but everything I run has a compatible 64bit driver, or runs properly in 32bit emulation, so 64 bit it is!

 

[loaba]

I have 64b hardware, 4g of RAM (looking for an excuse to double), decided the 64b OS was a natural fit. Also, don't have any essential hardware/software issues that would preclude me from using it.

So far, no problems whatsoever.

 

[Billy]

I chose it for the sole purpose of having more than 3GB of RAM.

 

[electrotune1200]

I was in the process doing a re-install from a factory image on my Toshiba laptop. To my surprise I was presented with the option of x86 or an x64 install of Vista. Just being curious, I installed the x64 version and haven't looked back since.

When it was time to install Windows 7, I didn't even look at x86 even being an option.

 

[Nigsy]

64bit all the way!!
Only had one driver issue and that was for an Akasa multi card reader, easily sorted, and to Akasas credit they now have the full drivers on their website.

No harm in having 64bit, 32 bit is old news and will soon be obsolete, bring on 128bit....

 

[IggyAZ]

Well after reading all the messages I'm planning on staying with 32bit version of Win7 because I don't have any 64bit software and I'm not a gamer that needs 4 or 8 gig of ram.
I guess as more applications write their software in 64 bit I may change my mind.
Anyway great information all and I'm sure this will help others in deciding which version they need. 64 bit or 32 bit.

Thanks