32 bit vs 64 bit?

Question

Wats the difference btween 32 bit and 64 bit windows system. I juz dunno wat it means. Shall i buy vista home premium 32 bit or ultimate 64? Will ultimate be able to run games which r 32 bit?

Answer 1

A 64 bit Operating System can make use of additional features of newer 64 bit processors, eg. AMD 64. The additional features include faster processing using 64 bit registers in certain cases, and the ability to address more memory - 32 bit can only support upto 4GB of RAM, whereas 64 bit can support virtually unlimited 17,179,869,184 GB of RAM.

However, even if you install 64 bit Windows, that doesn't automatically make all softwares run in 64 bit mode - in fact the ones written for 32 bit architecture (which is way more common now) will not run.

So if you want to make a decision, the following points should be taken into consideration:
1) Do you have a 64 bit chip?
2) Do you use a lot of memory - and expect to add more than 4GB of RAM in your computer (for example, you plan to set up a web server)?
3) Are all the softwares that you'll buy going to have a 64 bit version?

If you are answering yes to all of them, you might want to go for a 64 bit Vista.

However, for common use, chances are that you won't require 64 bit OS now, so if you'd ask for general opinion - I'd say go for 32 bit (even though your chip may be 64 bit) - it is a safer bet and is more compatible with the softwares that are available now.

Answer 2

32 bit applications (including games) WILL run in a 64 bit OS, this is the second time today I have seen someone give bad info on that. Also, there are plenty of Intel processors that will run a 64 bit OS, if they are offering you the option of 64 bit, the processor will obviously run it. As for which is better, 64 in the long term, but there are a few pieces of hardware that won't work with it, like printers etc. so check with your manfucaturer first, and if you use iTunes, it currently does not support Vista 64.

Answer 3

Recommend staying with 32 bit in fact you might want to hold buying or upgrading to VISTA until all the bugs are worked out since not all software is adaptable and will run under VISTA

Answer 4

32 bit software work on 32 bit computers which are of Intel processors and the software is bit slow. 64 bit software work on 64 bit computers which are of AMD processors and the software is faster than the 32 bit one. And yes 64 bit softwares can run 32 bit games. But before you purchase any software please check your processor is Intel or AMD. If AMD then take vista ultimate 64bit. I have a 64 bit computer and i can play games which I used to play on my old 32 bit computer