Windows 7 x64 vs Windows 7 x86 (Fight)

[alan1476]

I am running Windows 7 ( 7229) on a Q9550 with 8gbs of Ram. WD Velosciprator 300gbs hdd, the X64 is the way to go. You have almost a year to test it, I am not sure what A/V to run though, I have a paid license for Kaspersky Internet Security but for now I am using the Windows Firewall and Avg free. This works for now ( I think). You need a processor that supports Virtualization , if you do not you cannot run the XP Pro addon. I would like to answer more of your questions if I can.

 

[fakeasdf]

I think windows firewall and avg works good enough. Personally I don't use virus scan software, It's like a virus in and of itself. It steals CPU cycles, causes certain programs not to work, often creates network connectivity issues. Bleh, the saved time from not using a virus scanner is more than the time to just reinstall an OS. I haven't had a virus since '01 (at least none I've known about or have caused me problems I've known about).

 

[Blackhawk7188]

A good way to think of x64 compared to x86 is that with x64 you have more lanes on the highway with a faster speed limit(in comparison to data). Of course more traffic will go through in less time...it only makes sense.

64-bit is the way to go with any new pc...almost any new processor comes with x64 compatibility...why not use it? From experience even 2GB of RAM works well with x64 Windows Vista and Seven...tested on an old HP desktop. x64 makes all the difference.

 

[chrysalis]

I have hit the 32bit limit now (this pc on xp32 only 3 out of 4 gig ram working).

So on my laptop I installed 64bit to see how it would go, result is so far everything I use on it works fine. No driver issues, no app issues, no game issues. I mean no major issues that is.

At some point 64bit will be the default, might as well make the move sooner than later.

 

[xan K]

absolutely right. welcome to the club.

 

[masterB]

x64 is the best if the processor supports it

 

[mcenal]

Only one thing to say.

8 TB of possible address space. x64.

2 GB/3.5GB address space x32.

Read this article for more on it.

Gamasutra - Features - Sponsored Feature: RAM, VRAM, and More RAM: 64-Bit Gaming Is Here

Even Microsoft checks in on this one.

Virtual Address Space (Windows)

Nuff Said.:huh:

Wait, one more thing to say.

Windows 7 will max out at 192 GB of Ram... Sigh

http://news.softpedia.com/news/192-GB-Windows-7-Maximum-Supported-RAM-110282.shtml

 

[xan K]

...Windows 7 will max out at 192 GB of Ram... Sigh

192 GB - Windows 7 Maximum Supported RAM - For the 64-bit Ultimate, Enterprise and Professional SKUs - Softpedia

bummer! now I know that I'll never be able to use my 256 GB ram rig at its full potential.

 

[Snake2135]

A good way to think of x64 compared to x86 is that with x64 you have more lanes on the highway with a faster speed limit(in comparison to data). Of course more traffic will go through in less time...it only makes sense.

64-bit is the way to go with any new pc...almost any new processor comes with x64 compatibility...why not use it? From experience even 2GB of RAM works well with x64 Windows Vista and Seven...tested on an old HP desktop. x64 makes all the difference.

This just makes perfect sense.. It is the reason why x64 will be the standard in the relatively near future (hopefully). If you can pass more data through at one time without a "traffic jam" metaphorically speaking, then you will experience much fewer hangs, lock ups and freezes. Too bad I bought my laptop when Dell didn't offer 64-bit on this model... Even still Vista 32 runs fairly well on my system.

BTW, there is a small tweak in Vista 32 that allow you to utilize up to 4GB of RAM, it's called Physical Address Extension, google it if you really want to know how it's done.

 

[Malboro]

I really like to use 64bit, but my favorite app won't work on it , so I need to use 32bit windows

 

[The Cool Guy]

I really like to use 64bit, but my favorite app won't work on it , so I need to use 32bit windows

What is it?

 

[Malboro]

What is it?

My old english finnish dictionary (that work without any CD or USB) . Best dicitionary that I can find. There is new (USB) version, but it's need USB always to be plugged, if I wanna use it >_<, so that's why I can't upgrade it. And I also have notebook...

 

[digitalrurouni]

I can asure you Photoshop CS4 64-bits is millions of years faster than the 32-bits or other version ever, even with high dpi outdoors and raw pictures. In the proper machines, of course.

Agreed. So is video editing with Adobe Premiere.

 

[WindowsSe7en]

My computer had Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit on it. Because of this I can't go to 64-bit until the retail upgrades come out.

 

[fakeasdf]

My computer had Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit on it. Because of this I can't go to 64-bit until the retail upgrades come out.

I'm pretty sure you won't be able to do an upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit even when the retail comes out I could be wrong, but I don't think so. You will still have to do a fresh install of 64 bit, and then manually move your files, or you could use the easy transfer wizard...

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you'll need to back up your files and then perform a custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows.

For detailed information about installing and upgrading 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, go to Installation choices for Windows Vista (32-bit) or Installation choices for Windows Vista (64-bit) online.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Wi...1554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx#EBF

 

[Snufffed]

My computer had Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit on it. Because of this I can't go to 64-bit until the retail upgrades come out.

You will not be able to upgrade then either. WHY. Because you can not x86 with a retail version of x64... YOU CAN ONLY CLEAN INSTALL. You should also verify that your system is x64 compatible.

 

[laplinux]

Thanks, this is very helpful.

 

[KazeNoKoe23]

My computer had Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit on it. Because of this I can't go to 64-bit until the retail upgrades come out.

You'll only be able to clean install. You'll either have to set up a dual-boot configuration or wipe your drive entirely and install Windows 7 x64 afterwards.

 

[fakeasdf]

You'll only be able to clean install. You'll either have to set up a dual-boot configuration or wipe your drive entirely and install Windows 7 x64 afterwards.

That's not entirely true I think he already got the point he wouldn't be able to upgrade. But he doesn't have to set up a dual boot configureation or wipe the drive, he can just do a clean install and it will move everything into the Windows.old folder...

 

[nano404]

I've been convinced to go to 64-bit for a new rig I'm planning on getting soon. A few months ago I would've said no but... x64 is becoming prevalent now. Most of HP's new desktops come with a 64-bit O/S by default. Just a week or so ago I was thinking "Why? You noobs!" lol, then I got informed. x64 all the way, can't wait to try a 64-bit O/S. Especially for rendering in 3DS Max... 64 should be good for a while, then on to x128...