Vista 32 or 64 bit

[Loddar]

Hello there,

i will update my system to Intel Dual core 8400 and VISTA, but i don't know which one, 32 or 64 bit version???

Thanks for help

[Fender16]

AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS!

If you are going to "upgrade" to Vista, go 32 bit.
I have heard MAJOR compatibility issues regarding software (drivers) and even hardware not working when using 64 bit.

[Skuzzy]

32bit is better supported than 64bit.

[wabbit]

All of the above. The driver situation with X64, isn't pretty. If you really really really gotta run X64, (especially vista), that go online and make sure there are X64 drivers for all your hardware.



Wabbit

[Skuzzy]

Remember Windows ME?  Vista is going the same way.

[_vic_]

A friend of mine purchased a Sony Vaio laptop that came with Vista 32 pre-installed (on a 64 bit platform). He rushed right out and picked up Vista 64 bit Ultimate only to find that Sony had NO 64 bit drivers for the laptop, and customer support could make no indication as to when such drivers might become available...

As others have already said, make sure you check the 64 bit driver situation for your hardware before ponying-up your hard earned money!

Tim

[Motherland]

Not to hijack, but what are the advantages of 64 bit over 32 bit?

[_vic_]

The biggest benefit is accessible memory over 4GB.

Apparently they also handle floating point calculations better, which should be of use to flight sim physics models...

In practice however, I can tell you that I've noticed no appreciable difference between my 32 bit iMac (running windows) or my 64 bit macbook pro (also running windows).

[Chalenge]

Large memory models (next system I have will have 16Gigs and probably be an unstable mess)
number crunching (CADD - PCAD and AutoCAD and soon ACAD w/ AeroCAD plugins)
CrossfireX (2Gigs of Video RAM) - currently not available (and Im wondering if 4Gig will soon follow)

For AHII XP Pro is the best I have used and 2Gigs seems to be the sweet spot. Vista 32 - 2 Gigs isnt enough and 4Gigs is too much. Vista 64 - 8Gigs is fine AHII gets 4Gigs and runs fine. Sound card drivers can be a problem (I personally had better luck outside of Creative products) Some 32 bit programs will run havoc with stability (I have two that cause issues and both are IM programs). I have to point out I had many many many BSOD problems installing Vista 64 but once SP1 was on no problems. It was tough getting there though and I really really tried to find ideal equipment for Vista64. YMMV

[Motherland]

I never knew you could have too much memory. Was going to pick up another two gigs (I already have two), but I guess I won't... thanks.

[Chalenge]

I was always told more RAM is better and will speed up your computer. Then with XP I ran into the 3.5 Gig limitation and it operated best at 2 Gig anyway. With Vista 32 I was told 4 Gigs would speed it up because it would fill 2 Gigs up and it did use every bit of 2 Gigs. So I bought another 2 Gigs and it slowed down! I was using dual channel memory so using one module didnt make sense and I have always been told that mixing RAM sizes was a bad idea so I was left with Vista 64. On my old computer I had an ASUS A8N32 Sli MB and Vista 32 and Vista 64 installed smooth as silk! After some testing with applications I use (CADD) I concluded 4Gigs was not enough for Vista 64. So I went to 8 Gigs and a new motherboard (ASUS P5N-E Sli) and you would have pulled your hair out dealing with the BSODs!

Vista 32 uses whatever RAM it needs and the remainder is shared with applications. Vista 64 uses 4 Gigs for the OS and for 32 bit apps sets aside 4 Gigs. Thats good so AHII has 4 Gigs and everything is great. 64 bit apps can allocate larger chunks. Okay thats great too so... what 64 bit apps? I have a new MB sitting here (P5Q) and it can address up to 16 Gigs. If AutoCAD or AeroCAD ever have a 64 bit version then I will move up to 16 Gigs. Last time I checked that was $1000 in RAM (4 x 4 Gig dual channel modules) so Im in no hurry.

[Rich46yo]

I was just at the puter store and every decent gamer they were selling was pre-loaded 64 bit Vista. And boy the sales people were selling its compatability hard.

[bobtom]

I have 4 gigs and all is going good...though its my first time having more than 1GB...

[Loddar]

Thank you for those many answers Gents