Windows 7 32 or 64 on 2GB Ram & DSM 330

[Haz]

Hi All,

My laptop currently runs Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit edition, however the processor Intel T7400 supports 64 bit O/S.

I was looking to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, however my laptop only has 2GB RAM (tha max the manufacture recommends).

Should I upgrade to the 32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7? Will I notice and speed differences?

Also, on another note, does anyone have any experience of whether the D-Link DSM 330 media streamer works with Windows 7?

Many Thanks

 

[Jonathan_King]

Welcome!

First, I recommend sticking with the 32-bit version, because x64 has more problems and uses slightly more resources.

The 64-bit is really only needed if you have 4GB+ of RAM.

Second, I strongly suspect that the streamer will work with Windows 7. If you have any doubts, be sure to run the Upgrade Advisor.

 

[CarlTR6]

I concur with Jonathan. I think you will be better satisfied with the 32 bit version given your RAM limitation.

 

[Haz]

because x64 has more problems and uses slightly more resources.

Apparently, unofficaily, the laptop can take 2x2GB sticks, but due to the chipset being unable to undertake memory remapping, only 3.5(ish) is useable. So this is an upgrade option to myself, if I did this, would you still advise the 32 or 64 version?

Will I notice any speed differences in the 32 over the 64 version? I know you said it uses more resources, but I'm just trying to asatain in my own mind what would work better. In the sense that the processor is a 64 bit process, so surely I should have a 64 bit O/S to make best use of that?!

Once again, many thanks to you both for your quick replies.

 

[CarlTR6]

64 bit needs at least 4 GB to be efficient. There are not many 64 bit applications as of yet to take advantage of the 64 bit processor. If you had a desktop with 8 GB of RAM, my opinion would be different. I think you will be better satisfied with the 32 bit.

 

[Jonathan_King]

There are a few programs (like Photoshop) that can utilize a x64 system better, but in general, 32-bit will perform better with less than 4GB.

 

[Haz]

Thank you both so much, you've been really helpful!

 

[CarlTR6]

You are very welcome. Let us know what you decide and how it goes. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to post them.

 

[Noels]

Haz,

Just to second the notion of using 32 bit - I just bought a new Toshiba laptop with 4GB DDR3 RAM and 64 bit Windows 7. I find that there are some programs that I used in XP that are difficult to bring on board with 64 bit, and one in particular (Partition Manager, a particularly useful program) that it refuses to use, due to 64 bit. If I could do it over again, I would select a laptop using 32 bit, even with 4 GB RAM...

So, I'd say, stick with 32 bit unless there are some programs that you use that would fare better in the 64 bit environment.

Good luck, Noels