General 64 bit questions

G

globex

New Member
I'm about to set up a new computer and I'm considering using a 64 bit Win XP. But I have some general questions about 64 bit computing that I can't seem to find answers to.

1. Will all my 32 bit programs (that currently don't have specific 64 bit support) still run on my 64 bit computer?

2. If not, can I have both 32 bit and 64 bit Win XP systems installed on the same computer?

3. Are the any other problems with running a 64 bit computer other than the lack of software and driver support?
 
Err... yes, I know that. I'll be using a Intel Core 2 Quad processor with a compatible motherboard. That doesn't answer my questions.
 
1. I believe you can install 32 bit programs on a 64 bit OS to run as 32 bit. So yes you dont lose compatability.

2. Yes you can dual boot 64 and 32 bit OS's independently.

3. The only reason I see to use a 64 bit OS is if you had proprietary software you had to use for work or other, or if you wanted to utilize 4GB of RAM. Otherwise 32 bit suits most people's needs.
 
I want to use 5GB of RAM and take advantage of other 64 bit speed improvements. So is this correct?

- The only major downside to using a 64 bit system is that some hardware (such as audio equipment, webcams, etc...) is not yet supported because of lack of driver support.
 
globex said:
I want to use 5GB of RAM and take advantage of other 64 bit speed improvements. So is this correct?

- The only major downside to using a 64 bit system is that some hardware (such as audio equipment, webcams, etc...) is not yet supported because of lack of driver support.
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yes... but 2GB is alot already. 4GB is overkill . 5GB is... well......
 
Keep in mind that a 64 bit OS is useless if all the programs you install on it are 32 bit programs. Installing a 32 bit program on a 64 bit OS will not speed up the program.
 
oscaryu1 said:
yes... but 2GB is alot already. 4GB is overkill . 5GB is... well......
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I plan to use it for 3D rendering. So the more mem the better. Might be getting 8GB in the near future.

I would get Vista 64 bit before I would try to use XP 64bit.
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Sorry, but I can't help but laugh at this. Vista is simply not an option. I don't even consider it to be a real OS. It's total junk. But that's besides the point.

Keep in mind that a 64 bit OS is useless if all the programs you install on it are 32 bit programs. Installing a 32 bit program on a 64 bit OS will not speed up the program.
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The question is, will it make 32 bit programs slower? Certainly, whenever I get the chance to I'll be using 64 bit programs. But some of the software I'm using currently doesn't have 64 bit versions out. So instead of waiting for those versions to be released, does it make sense for me to switch to a 64 bit OS right away and continue using 32 bit programs for now? Or should I wait until all the programs I use are supported in a 64 bit environment and then switch to 64 bit OS?
 
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