What's the benefit of a 64-bit operating system?

When I got a new computer and upgraded to Vista last year, I considered getting the 64-bit edition to be able to use 4 gb of RAM but then decided against it to avoid software problems. So what's the real benefit of an 64-bit OS, other than being able to utilize a lot of RAM (kinda pointless, actually)?

I've also been hearing about "64-bit CPUs", so what are those? Are they made to work better with an 64-bit OS?

Thanks

It's a moot point really as everything will be 64 bit in a few years anyway. Either jump on the Windows 7 64 bit bandwagon now (no reason not to with it's great compatibility and speed) and get a 64bit CPU or wait a few years and get 64 bit when you can no longer buy 32. In any case the main draw for 64 bit computing is the amount of memory the system can address. With Windows using around 1.5GB idling these days on 4GB of RAM it's fast approaching the time to say goodbye to 32bit altogether.VespertineStar

A 64 bit OS will recognize 4+ GB of memory and up to the max amount that the MB will allow. Where as a 32- bit OS will not utilize much more than 3GB of ram no matter how much that MB supports. And as others have mentioned, soon pretty most programs will be running as 64-bit.

*+

A 64 bit OS will recognize 4+ GB of memory and up to the max amount that the MB will allow.

DieselCat18

Oh and there are a couple other performance benefits on top of the RAM issue. Manipulating files over 4gb in size is easier and 64bit programs will run on 64bit OSs much faster than their 32bit counterparts.

64 bit allows for Larger amounts of memory and all future programs will be 64 (but their will still be that one guy/company making 16bit software some where...:evil: )

Did I mention programs will be able to execute faster, because they are written to be able to use more memory and the CPUs will process them faster.

Just in case you dont know, M$ is working on a 128 bit Windows 7 and it should be out in a few years. Having said that Windows 8 will be 64/128, but the 128 bit version will

not be successful intill the Last Windows OS which will be WINDOWS 9. I say that Windows 9 will be the last, because after Windows 9 M$ will switch over too Cloud Computing. If you dont beleive me do a google search;)

So in closing yeah you screwed up, you should of purchased 64bit.:P

[QUOTE="DieselCat18"]

A 64 bit OS will recognize 4+ GB of memory and up to the max amount that the MB will allow.

markop2003

Oh and there are a couple other performance benefits on top of the RAM issue. Manipulating files over 4gb in size is easier and 64bit programs will run on 64bit OSs much faster than their 32bit counterparts.

Alright, but do we have many 64-bit programs right now, especially in terms of games?

And does a 64-bit CPU support a 32-bit OS?

Go 64bit, 32bit has a 4gb memory limit (includes your RAM and VRAM).

Also 64 bit is for the future, honestly I think that Microsoft should just only sell 64bit OS that way programmers can take full advanage of the 64bit OS. Instead of limiting their programs to 32 bit they can just write them in 64bit. (They never do it that way now because obviously if a computer that was 32bit tried to run a 64bit program it would run a lot slower)

Alright, but do we have many 64-bit programs right now, especially in terms of games?

And does a 64-bit CPU support a 32-bit OS?

Athawolfus

There arent very many 64-bit applications aside of advanced content creation tools (CAD, 3d modellers, movie editors, etc).

Yes, a 64-bit CPU supports a 32-bit OS. A 64-bit OS supports 32 bit applications.

But... Theres absolutely no reason not to go with a 64-bit OS.