3GB of RAM(DDR1) Vista 32 or 64?

**~~Cecil900~~** · 12-24-08, 12:24 PM

So im going to be able to buy a copy of Windows Vista Home Premium. Yes i know Windows 7 is coming out next year.

Anyway, i am also going to be stepping my computer up from 2 gigs of RAM to 3 gigs of RAM. I could do 4, but it would be hard to do with DDR1 184 pin memory.

32 or 64?

**Guyver** · 12-24-08, 08:03 PM

64, especially if you want to add more ram down the road.

**SapiensErus** · 12-24-08, 08:15 PM

32 will allow you to use 3Gb.  Only 2 for application workspace however... the rest (1Gb) will be used for OS and driver.  If you go 64 you might experience driver issues, especially because your computer is somewhat older.  Really though, 64 seems to work fine for most people.  You may consider that 64 bit OS will actually use more memory for itself and it's drivers.

Remember, if you have a Vista key, you can use it to activate either version (64 or 32) from any vista ISO of the appropiate bit ype (so if your buddy has a Vista Home 32, and you bought an ultimate 64, you could install Ultimate 32 with his Home 32 DVD).  OEM versions do not include both disks, but if you buy a retail disk, you get both 32 and 64 bit versions.  So if you buy 32, and you ever do upgrade, you could upgrade to 64 as well.  You may have to borrow or copy the appropiate ISO unless you buy retail however.

Your choice...I see a mild risk with 64 (driver support MIGHT be iffy, but likely not) and slightly better performance with 32.  And if I am thinking correctly, this mobo, and hence computer will never go past 3Gb RAM anyway, so you may as well install 32.  You could buy 64 and install 32 with a borrowed ISO too...

**jason_jinx** · 12-24-08, 08:21 PM

64 works fine.

**~~Cecil900~~** · 12-26-08, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

32 will allow you to use 3Gb. Only 2 for application workspace however... the rest (1Gb) will be used for OS and driver. If you go 64 you might experience driver issues, especially because your computer is somewhat older. Really though, 64 seems to work fine for most people. You may consider that 64 bit OS will actually use more memory for itself and it's drivers.

Remember, if you have a Vista key, you can use it to activate either version (64 or 32) from any vista ISO of the appropiate bit ype (so if your buddy has a Vista Home 32, and you bought an ultimate 64, you could install Ultimate 32 with his Home 32 DVD). OEM versions do not include both disks, but if you buy a retail disk, you get both 32 and 64 bit versions. So if you buy 32, and you ever do upgrade, you could upgrade to 64 as well. You may have to borrow or copy the appropiate ISO unless you buy retail however.

Your choice...I see a mild risk with 64 (driver support MIGHT be iffy, but likely not) and slightly better performance with 32. And if I am thinking correctly, this mobo, and hence computer will never go past 3Gb RAM anyway, so you may as well install 32. You could buy 64 and install 32 with a borrowed ISO too...

Ok. I was planning on getting an OEM Home Premium Version. But from what you said above i think im gonan get Home Premium 32 OEM.

Thanks for the info.

**~~Cecil900~~** · 01-13-09, 07:29 PM

Well i got Vista 64 Bit Home Premium, and have had no problems thus far.

I've installed Nforce Drivers, Gforce Drivers, X-Fi drivers, as well as other software such as Steam and Firefox. It has all installed with no problem. The RAM upgrade from 2GB to 3GB went flawlessly as well.