64-bit Windows - Applications designed for 32-bit (x86), will they run?

Question

I'm thinking about getting 64-bit Windows Vista on my new PC. Reading a few forums, wondering about the performance and compatibility issues.

1. Will normal 32-bit programs run. With better or worse performance?
2. If I install 32-bit Vista on a 64-bit processor, would there be better or worse performance? Or, would it simply not take advantage of multi-core processing?
3. Would games, such as World of Warcraft or Battlefield 2, play on 64-bit. Better or worse?
4. Any overall tips.

I'll add details immediately if an answer brings up another question for me. Thanks for the info and your opinions. :)

Note on Vista--I've used Vista since it's Beta release. I have yet to come across a problem I couldn't fix myself. As a matter of fact, the biggest problem I've found with Vista is ReadyBoost, which I now have completely disabled. I believe you are like most who simply haven't tested Vista, and for which, make a biased statement as to it's quality. In my opinion, having ran and used XP Home & XP Pro multiple times, Vista is simply that, but better.

Not to mention, I have a Cirtix server. If anything completely isn't compatible, I simply run it in Citrix and it runs just like a charm.

Answer 1

Well you divided into numbered parts, so I will answer it that way (by the way, ignore the first answer, I actually use Vista 64, so I know what I am talking about.)

1) Yes they will all run (with a few exceptions detailed below), and if any don't, it is not for the 64 bit reason but for other reasons. Same performance.
2) No better or worse performance. If you had a program that came in either 64 bit or 32 bit, obviously you could only run it in 32 bit, which would degrade performance. 64 or 32 bit has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with multi-core processing, a very common misconception.
3) If they came in 64 bit versions, they would perform better, otherwise no change.
4) If you plan to get 4GB or more of RAM, a 64 bit OS is a MUST. But make sure all your parts have available 64 bit drivers (do this by going to the manufacturer's website).

Now to those exceptions I mentioned. There are a few programs that have problems with working well in a 64 bit OS, usually it is a driver compatibility issue. These are usually very small and obscure programs, and you can easily find a suitable alternative. If there are any professional type programs that are essential for work/school reasons, it is smart to check first at the manufacturer's website.

Then of course, there is the one big glaring compatibility problem, and that is from those wonderful idiots over at Apple. For reasons that are beyond my comprehension, they STILL have not gotten around to making iTunes fully 64 bit compatible. You will run into two major problems. One is burning CDs from iTunes, you won't be able to do it. The second is if you own an iPhone or an iPod Touch, neither of these will sync properly using a 64 bit OS. This is not Microsoft or Intel or AMD or anyone elses fault, this one is squarely on Apple, as it is up to them to design the proper drivers and such for their own program.

That should about cover everything, if you have further questions, I am online on Yahoo Messenger.

Answer 2

Some 32 bit programs will run, I use XP Pro 64bit on a dual corePC I built. But I have found some that won't. You can expect no change in performance. You will see faster speed with a loaded vidio card and maxed out memory. As far as the games go, Check with the manufacturer to be sure. And Vista sucks. i will use the XP Pro 64 bit untill the vista has all it's bugs out.
Hope that helps.