32 Bit vs 64 Bit

Jamin43 · 05-26-2009, 09:11 PM

My old PC is a Dell and it's 32 Bit.

My PC parts coming in the mail are Core i7 920 - Gigabyte UD4P Motherboard based ( I'm assuming 64 bit )

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128374

When I was visiting a local PC specialty store - After describing my PC setup - I was asked if I was going to go 32 or 64 bit. This where I became confused

Isn't the hardware what determines which O/S you should be using? If so - why was the guy asking me if I was going to be using 32 or 64 bit O/S for my PC build after I told him the platform I was building.

What am I missing here?

**bomberboysk** · 05-26-2009, 09:19 PM

Because even though your rig is 64bit compatible, you can install a 32bit os on it(such as XP or vista 32bit), or a 64bit os(Vista 64bit/XP 64bit).

Jamin43 · 05-26-2009, 09:22 PM

I See,

But to my knowledge - there's no benefit in setting it up as a 32 bit system - and there may be some disadvantages - like less RAM capacity?

Is that correct?

**bomberboysk** · 05-26-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamin43

I See,

But to my knowledge - there's no benefit in setting it up as a 32 bit system - and there may be some disadvantages - like less RAM capacity?

Is that correct?

Yup, max memory available is 4gb on a 32bit system, so you will only be able to utilize ~3gb of actual memory depending on gpu memory, etc. 64bit wasnt widely adopted at first because of some compatibilty issues, but anymore theres no use to go 32bit over 64bit

ltshaunbrownuk · 05-26-2009, 09:30 PM

any computer which supports 64bit can also handle 32 bit. If your computer is 64bit compatable it just means your computer is more powerful << meaning you have a gd processor and graphics card> but you will still be able to use most the power of the system in a 32 bit os you wont loose out on much its really about security. although there is a limitation of ram you can only have 3024mb installed on a 32bit system.

since you was asked which os you want to use i would go for the 64 bit as in the future os's are going to convert to it. < i meen windows> because the ram thing. although i would get a 32 bit one if you are going to use your computer for things such as gaming as most games only support 32bit.

64 bit is more secure as it only allows things to be instally if they have been signed << eg say made by edios >>

32 bit is less secure as you can install things from unknown companys or people

i would not worry about how secure it is because if you get windows vista you will get vista sp2 its just been rated the most secure os due to windows locking down on this os.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Vista...d-109192.shtml

if you can wait for about 2 weeks more and you get vista for your computer you will be able to update to windows 7 free as they are offering this to customer who buy the os after 1st july. Although i would wait 3 weeks untill after 13th And you may be able to move from 32 to 64 if you want it for free. All i know is if you buy vista home premium u upgrade to win 7 home premium and the same for vista ulimate to win 7 ulimate im not 100% if its 32 to 32 and 64 to 64 or that you can do from 32 to 64. BUT SAVING YOU A COUPLE OF 100 BUCKS

Retail versions are included as i have asked a person from pc world < big company in uk> and they said yes as i am buying on for my sisetes computer and i am waiting.

hope this helps.

Jamin43 · 05-26-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltshaunbrownuk

since you was asked which os you want to use i would go for the 64 bit as in the future os's are going to convert to it. < i meen windows> because the ram thing. although i would get a 32 bit one if you are going to use your computer for things such as gaming as most games only support 32bit.
.

No games on a 64 bit system ???

Is that right? Doesn't sound right?

Bodaggit23 · 05-26-2009, 10:24 PM

That's BS.

I have Vista x64 and I play games every day. Non issue.

Jamin43 · 05-26-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodaggit23

That's BS.

I have Vista x64 and I play games every day. Non issue.

Cool, I'll go with 64 then - which I expected.

I Downloaded both versions of WIndows 7 RC a while back - so either was an option.

AlienMenace · 05-27-2009, 08:06 AM

The only real problem with x64 bit that I see is some software companies are a little slow in upgrading their stuff.

05-26-2009, 09:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jamin43 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 947	32 Bit vs 64 Bit - I'm confused ? My old PC is a Dell and it's 32 Bit. My PC parts coming in the mail are Core i7 920 - Gigabyte UD4P Motherboard based ( I'm assuming 64 bit ) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128374 When I was visiting a local PC specialty store - After describing my PC setup - I was asked if I was going to go 32 or 64 bit. This where I became confused Isn't the hardware what determines which O/S you should be using? If so - why was the guy asking me if I was going to be using 32 or 64 bit O/S for my PC build after I told him the platform I was building. What am I missing here?

05-26-2009, 09:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
bomberboysk Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northeast Ohio, But mainly infront of computer Age: 16 Posts: 8,113	Because even though your rig is 64bit compatible, you can install a 32bit os on it(such as XP or vista 32bit), or a 64bit os(Vista 64bit/XP 64bit). __________________ CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 @ 3.90Ghz Custom Water Loop \| Mobo: EVGA 790i Ultra SLI \| GPU: 9800gtx and GTS250 in SLI\| Ram: 4GB(2 x 2gb) 1333Mhz ddr3 \| Case: Xclio WTBKAdvanced \| Sound: X-fi Fatal1ty Championship, Z-5500 5.1 Surround\| HDD: 2x Raid 0 7200.11 500gb \| PSU: Zalman ZM-1000HP \|OS: Windows 7 Enterprise x64\| Dont skimp on a power supply,if it fails, it usually takes out other components alongside it. New? Dont forget to read the rules. Heatware P.M. If interested in Shin Etsu X23-7783D

05-26-2009, 09:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
ltshaunbrownuk New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Liverpool, UK Posts: 1	XD this any computer which supports 64bit can also handle 32 bit. If your computer is 64bit compatable it just means your computer is more powerful << meaning you have a gd processor and graphics card> but you will still be able to use most the power of the system in a 32 bit os you wont loose out on much its really about security. although there is a limitation of ram you can only have 3024mb installed on a 32bit system. since you was asked which os you want to use i would go for the 64 bit as in the future os's are going to convert to it. < i meen windows> because the ram thing. although i would get a 32 bit one if you are going to use your computer for things such as gaming as most games only support 32bit. 64 bit is more secure as it only allows things to be instally if they have been signed << eg say made by edios >> 32 bit is less secure as you can install things from unknown companys or people i would not worry about how secure it is because if you get windows vista you will get vista sp2 its just been rated the most secure os due to windows locking down on this os. http://news.softpedia.com/news/Vista...d-109192.shtml if you can wait for about 2 weeks more and you get vista for your computer you will be able to update to windows 7 free as they are offering this to customer who buy the os after 1st july. Although i would wait 3 weeks untill after 13th And you may be able to move from 32 to 64 if you want it for free. All i know is if you buy vista home premium u upgrade to win 7 home premium and the same for vista ulimate to win 7 ulimate im not 100% if its 32 to 32 and 64 to 64 or that you can do from 32 to 64. BUT SAVING YOU A COUPLE OF 100 BUCKS Retail versions are included as i have asked a person from pc world < big company in uk> and they said yes as i am buying on for my sisetes computer and i am waiting. hope this helps. Last edited by ltshaunbrownuk; 05-26-2009 at 09:48 PM.

05-26-2009, 10:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Bodaggit23 Diamond Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Aperture Science Posts: 4,565	That's BS. I have Vista x64 and I play games every day. Non issue. __________________ Team Stats @ ExtremeOverclocking.com Team Stats FOLDING FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND :F@H Team 44358 CPU: i7 920 Batch#3841A525 (@3.43Ghz) Board: EVGA E758-A1 Memory: Dominator 3x2GB DDR3 1600 Hard Drive: 300GB VelociRaptor GPU: EVGA GTX260 SC Core 216 Optical: Sony Optiarc 22x DVD/CD Burner PSU: Corsair TX850W CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 Primary OS: Windows Vista x64 SP2 Case: Coolermaster HAF 932

05-27-2009, 08:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
AlienMenace Silver Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 234	The only real problem with x64 bit that I see is some software companies are a little slow in upgrading their stuff. __________________ AsusTek M3A78 MB, ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler 6gb Patriot Extreme's PC667, AMD X2 5200+ Windsor 65w, EVGA 9500 GT (512mb), Sound Blaster Audigy SE, 1 tb Seagate SATA 3.0gb, DVD player and DVD Recorder DL, Dual Boot Windows XP Pro 64bit, and Windows 7 Ultimate x64 RC1.

05-26-2009, 09:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jamin43 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 947	I See, But to my knowledge - there's no benefit in setting it up as a 32 bit system - and there may be some disadvantages - like less RAM capacity? Is that correct?

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