Vista: 32 or 64 bit

Hi, not sure if this is the right place. Its not really a game, but it is software so I figure its better here than on the hardware boards.

Anyway, looking at making some improvements to my rig (new processor and hard drive, specifically) but I figure its time for an OS upgrade as well.

On newegg they have Vista OEM discs and they offer 32 and 64 bit. Not sure which one to get. If someone could give me the rundown on these that'd be awesome

My rig is fairly powerful, and I'd be doubling my memory to 4GB.

If it's "fairly powerful" and you are upgrading to 4gb then go for 64 bit Vista.

I barely have any issues

If it's "fairly powerful" and you are upgrading to 4gb then go for 64 bit Vista.

I barely have any issues

eikast

I second this.

I've had Vista 64bit for almost 2 years and have encountered very little problems.Just downloaded Max Payne off of Steam (a game from 2001) and it plays like a dream.

Also the fact that you will be using 4 gigs of ram or more,and the fact that Vista 32bit can only address upto 3gb makes your desision quit easy imo.

If you have a 64 bit CPU, get a 64-bit OS. Theres no real reason not to.

But i would recommend waiting for Windows 7 coming soon and getting that instead of Vista. Its largely better than Vista in nearly every way.

If you buy the 64 bit version, it gives you the option to install 32 bit as well. So, it really makes no sense to NOT buy the 64 bit version. But if you are running a semi modern PC with at least 4 gigs, 64 bit all the way.zomglolcats

Not sure about this in that I have Vista Home Premium 64bit and there is no choice. I know when the Ultimate first came out it had both and might still but HP doesn't.

Not that it should matter cause I never even questioned getting 64bit with 4gigs of ram. I've had it for over a year without a single problem.Just make sure you get it with at least sp1. Not sure if it's available with sp2 already, havn't looked.

check the MS site and get whatever will allow you to get the free Windows 7 upgrade!! Don't waste your money otherwise.

I have heard good things about Windows7 - currently I have Vista32 which I haven't had any problems with

Vista Ultimate 32.

Never had much of a problem.

If you have a 64 bit CPU, get a 64-bit OS. Theres no real reason not to.

But i would recommend waiting for Windows 7 coming soon and getting that instead of Vista. Its largely better than Vista in nearly every way.

XaosII

Stick with what you have for now and get windows 7 professional 64 in october

I don't know much about Win7, but I do know to avoid new OS's for the first 6 months to a year. Unless it is just a Vista patch screw that. I upgraded from Vista 32 to 64 the last time I re-formatted, no issues at all.

Actually, You are wrong, it does not belong here. Title of board specificaly says 'Pc and Mac Games'. Mods can we please get this moved??

Don't worry about it, you always get a few stragglers.

I don't know much about Win7, but I do know to avoid new OS's for the first 6 months to a year. Unless it is just a Vista patch screw that. I upgraded from Vista 32 to 64 the last time I re-formatted, no issues at all.

vfibsux

Yeah, windows 7 is basically windows vista fixed so you'd be better off getting 7 over vista, even at launch. If you want guaranteed stability, go for xp.

Actually, You are wrong, it does not belong here. Title of board specificaly says 'Pc and Mac Games'. Mods can we please get this moved??

MrUnSavory1

does it bother you that much? :roll:

bttt vista 64 without a doubt, even though its far from reliable, if you can wait id hang on for windows 7 although id give it at least a month or two to see how buggy it is

64-bit is definitely the way to go. My rig has a Quad-Core CPU & 8 GB RAM, it's good to be able to address more memory.

I also just purchased a game that has been optimized for 64-bit and DX 10, and I'm hoping that in the near future more game developers will follow suit.

with windows 7, MS finally came up with decent x64 OS. actually XP x64 is good, but drivers and updates are in short supply. with W7 x64, I can finally waved good-bye to Vista x64, which does have some stability issues.

btw, this thread is perfectly fine here if OP speaks of the best gaming OS.

we have many more off-topic threads here everyday, especially hardware rookie questions and hardware showing-off, system wars, and console exclusive wishing.

Actually, You are wrong, it does not belong here. Title of board specificaly says 'Pc and Mac Games'. Mods can we please get this moved??

MrUnSavory1

Done

Hi, not sure if this is the right place. Its not really a game, but it is software so I figure its better here than on the hardware boards.

Anyway, looking at making some improvements to my rig (new processor and hard drive, specifically) but I figure its time for an OS upgrade as well.

On newegg they have Vista OEM discs and they offer 32 and 64 bit. Not sure which one to get. If someone could give me the rundown on these that'd be awesome

My rig is fairly powerful, and I'd be doubling my memory to 4GB.

mrbojangles25