Win7 32bit or 64

[Boudreaux]

I have the opportunity to buy Win7 Ultimate either the 32 or 64 bit version for less than $50. A legit copy. Do I buy the 64 bit version to be a "little" future proof or stick with the 32 bit version? Not really gaming anymore..more just everyday surfing and such.

Current setup:
Athlon 64 3200
2 gig PC3200
320 HD (win 7 will go on this)
80 (XP already installed but with keep as a dual boot machine)

Thanks

[OS-Wiz]

First check that all your components have 64-bit drivers available, if so, get Win 7 64-bit.

[ua549]

Windows 7 Ultimate is distributed with both versions.
If you have exactly 4GB memory the 64 bit version will not provide any memory advantage over the 32bit version.
If you have more than 4GB memory use the 64 bit version.

[Boudreaux]

Right now I've got 2gb of RAM. This machine is several years old and hopefully this summer I'll be building a better one so them I'll prob be around 4gb of RAM.
OS-WIS...which components are you talkin about. If I get the 64 bit version...will its run really slow on my current setup?

[Learux]

Check the windows 7 website, There is a compatiblilty check. It will show you what is compatible or not within your system.

[kent1146]

Right now I've got 2gb of RAM. This machine is several years old and hopefully this summer I'll be building a better one so them I'll prob be around 4gb of RAM.
OS-WIS...which components are you talkin about. If I get the 64 bit version...will its run really slow on my current setup?

A lot of older hardware does not have native Windows 7 driver support. For example, the ATI Radeon x800 video cards do not have native Windows 7 drivers. Your best bet will be to take Learux's advice, and check your compatability on Microsoft's website.

And just FYI, yes, Windows 7 will run slow on your current machine. An Athlon XP 3200, 2GB of RAM, and what I can only assume is a slower mechanical hard drive will run Windows 7 pretty slowly.

[Nater]

I think you'd probably get much poorer performance with the x64 version on your machine. I haven't tried to install the 32-bit version, but I believe having a license key grants you rights to both x86 and x64 versions, but not both at the same time. That assumes that you purchased a retail copy.

Run 32-bit for now, then dump it when you build your new system.

[jaydeee]

guess I have to stay on 32 bit...
because I am no sure if my software will really work on 64bit so I don't want to risk it.

[Nater]

I doubt that you'd have any problems with software compatibility on an x64 install, but you wouldn't gain anything by it.

The only exception is if you're buying an OEM copy. You only have access to one version with the OEM, with the retail copy you have access to both x86 and x64 versions of Windows 7.

[jaydeee]

I doubt that you'd have any problems with software compatibility on an x64 install, but you wouldn't gain anything by it.

The only exception is if you're buying an OEM copy. You only have access to one version with the OEM, with the retail copy you have access to both x86 and x64 versions of Windows 7.

this is new to me...
I was afraid of getting 64bit because of thinking my software may not be compatible to my current system/software, but the idea of not getting anything from it would keep me on 32bit LOL!

thanks

[cat5e]

In general the X64 version works faster.

The main culprit to x64 troubles are heavy Games that are Not compatible with x64.

So if One is a gamer he should log to the game's support and check the status of his/her favorite games.

There might be here and there some specialty software that would not work either but there is No problem with regular main stream applications.


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