Thread: Windows 7 32 vs 64 bit

Originally Posted by Potemkine

Due to the fact that I have decided I am going to ask for Win 7 for Christmas, I would like to know what I should specifically ask for. I know I am going to ask for professional at the least as it has the XP backwards compatibility option. I do not see how I would need ultimate though. Now for bit size, I am torn between 32 vs 64. Other than the ability to utilize 4+ gigs of RAM, what does 64 bit allow you to do that 32 cannot?

Thanks all.

All versions of Vista and 7 have an XP compatibility option. Windows 7 Professional has an XP mode which is a virtual machine running XP.

64 bit allows 64 bit integers to be passed through. There is no reason to get a 32 bit operating system. Windows 7 64 bit can run 32 bit programs just fine. It is better for future purposes. Programs are being coded for multi-thread/64+ bit processors.

Originally Posted by Potemkine

so in other words, dont bother with pro, go with home premium and go 64 as that is the future. Interesting. How is home at dealing with customizability? I am going to be learning IT so what ever I learn and like, I am going to want to put on my desktop.

I don't believe Windows has ever limited the user in that area unless it was a Starter edition. You should be fine.

64 bit is faster, smoother, better. Bottom line. You can dive into details, but all you really need to know is that 64-bit is the better experience.

Think about graphics. 32-bit graphics were awesome,,,,then came the 64-bit systems. See where Im going with that. I know its not the EXACT same kind of "bit" we are talking about, but we are talking bit count here. Wouldn't more be better?

Besides, this is the last time Windows is ever going to offer a 32 bit option. From here on out it is going to all be 64 bit.

Originally Posted by Potemkine

Due to the fact that I have decided I am going to ask for Win 7 for Christmas, I would like to know what I should specifically ask for. I know I am going to ask for professional at the least as it has the XP backwards compatibility option. I do not see how I would need ultimate though. Now for bit size, I am torn between 32 vs 64. Other than the ability to utilize 4+ gigs of RAM, what does 64 bit allow you to do that 32 cannot?

Thanks all.

if you are buying the non OEM version of the OS it includes both the 32 bit and 64bit versions. The serial will work with either install but you can only install one or the other at one time. So if you want to do 32 bit for now you can and later do a wipe and 64bit install you can. The OEM versions are the ones that specify a bit version and they are only good for a single install. As a side note 64bit is the future so if you want to save yourself the time later, install it now. You will want more ram eventually. 64bit allows the OS to address more than the ram limit in 32bit (3.5GB)

Originally Posted by WileECyte

I'd recommend more RAM. Windows 7 64 is definitely more RAM hungry. I ran into some performance issues due to my RAM getting exhausted. It lead to excess swapping, which caused games to hang/freeze and the audio to skip. I just got a 2x2gig RAM kit at Fry's and it made all the difference.

This was more true with Vista on a basic install. I have a few PCs running 64 bit Windows 7 with 2GB and less (playing CS:S). It runs like a champ.