I might get 4 Gb of RAM with this. If I only get 2Gb of RAM, will I still benefit from a 64-Bit O.S.?
2007-09-10 08:40:39 · 11 answers · asked by rezster0900 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I don't think I can run 32 bit applications on this. Can you list some games that support 64 bit?
2007-09-10 08:52:01 · update #1
If anyone says 32 bit will hold 4 Gb of RAM, it won't. It will only show about 3.2 gb.
2007-09-10 08:53:42 · update #2
As you already rightly know, a 32 bit OS cannot use 4GB of RAM, so don't listen to misinformed people who call other people misinformed. Secondly, Vista 64 is fully backwards compatible with almost every 32 bit application out there (I have it, I know) so don't worry about compatibility. As for drivers, check with your manufacturer first to see if it has 64 bit drivers, I have yet to see anything that has Vista 32 bit drivers not have 64 bit drivers, if it supports Vista, it should support Vista 64. In case you are wondering, I keep mentioning Vista 64 exclusively because I would not mess with XP 64, driver support is much more limited.
2007-09-10 10:07:31 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you're only going to use 4GB of RAM, the maximum addressable amount for 32 bit operating systems, there really isn't a point.
For now at least, legacy drivers and software are happier in 32bit environments. Vista has an app that will translate but it will slow your system down as it's not native.
There are reports that graphics performance is better with 64 bit processing but if you're not going above 4GB it doesn't matter much. At least my opinion.
2007-09-10 08:50:13 · answer #2 · answered by Mike S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I run 64bit Ultimate and love it but I did my homework before I put it in. There are issues with drivers and some software but you have the same type of issues with 64bit XP. 64bit Vista is more stable and over 10% faster than it's 32bit sibling. Unless you have a motherboard with a chipset that supports memory mapping you won't see all your ram with 4 GB installed. I see 3199 on a rig with the 945 and all 4096 on a rig with a 955X chipset with memory mapping.
Just because you dont see it doesn't mean its not being used like a lot of misinformed people say. That 800 MBs of ram is reserved for and is running the system and if you had 2 GBs of Ram, althou you could see it all, the system would still need ram to run the system and will go into the 2 GBs leaving you with 1.5 GB or so to play with. As far as 32bit versus 64bit goes a lot of anti-virus software doesnt run on 64bit and some drivers are only available in 32bit XP or Vista so you need to make sure you have 64bit drivers for your hardware and your software supports 64bit. Homework is needed before anyone attempts to install a 64bit OS and if they don't want to do it they should stick with 32bit. Just like Vista, people are installing it not even checking to see if there are Vista drivers for their Printers, video cards, TV tuners, etc then they blame it on Vista. Same thing happened when the OS system they love so much now, XP, first came out.
2007-09-10 09:43:41 · answer #3 · answered by s j 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I would say no because right now there aren't many programs for 64bit and not many companies make drivers for the hardware either. I think u should wait till 2010 or 2011 to get a 64bit computer when Windows 7 comes out because it will be the last 32bit operating system and at that time 64bit computers will have good support or software. You will find better speed and stability in a 64bit no doubt and its more powerful obviously but if u r an average user then u won't even notice it. Anyway the decision is completely up to you but I think its still too early to buy one right now.
Good Luck!
2007-09-10 08:49:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would get the 64-bit regardless and don't worry much about the drivers. I have Vista home premium 64-bit (many say it sucks and there's no drivers for even the the 32-bit version) and so far have found all drivers I needed. Many speak based on what they read online.
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NM... AH
2007-09-10 08:56:38 · answer #5 · answered by INOA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
64 bit operating systems can run 64 bit software which can be processed twice as fast as 32 bit software.
More 64 bit software comes out everyday, so yes, get the 64 bit.
2007-09-10 08:44:26 · answer #6 · answered by Shwaa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A 64bit OS works with a processor capable of doing a 64bit command. Intel and AMD don't (or didn't) quite work the same here. AMD has a completely 32bit backward command set, Intel initially did not, I don't know if they have changed with regard to 32bit backwards compatibility or not. It's something you should research before going to 64bit. 64bit was initially targeted at server platforms but have migrated to workstations. Either way, these markets tend to have more niche application availibility, so you should ensure that all the applications you desire are available in 64bit before going this route.
2007-09-10 08:57:29 · answer #7 · answered by Rick A 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not unless u are prepared to deal with lack of software and driver support .. i really wouldnt do it unless u know what ur doing .. the ram has nothing to do with it .. if u use a 64bit os u need all 64 bit drivers and 64bit applications ... in other words if ur favorite game is not available in 64 bit u cant play it ...
2007-09-10 08:45:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
its hard to do lots of technical knowledge needed hard to get all the software and updates are slow so far
2007-09-10 08:48:05 · answer #9 · answered by sobe_it_69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would recommend it. even if your not gunna use more ram than that, you can still benifit from having the 64b
2007-09-10 08:46:00 · answer #10 · answered by imapirateaarr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋