Win 7 32 bit v. Win 7 64 bit

I've just placed an order for Win 7 Ultimate which, so I understand will contain DVDs for both the 32 and 64 bit versions. Apart from being able to access more than 4GB of memory, are there any other practical advantages in using the 64 bit version? I ask because I don't want a load of hassle with finding 64 bit drivers for my Medion MD8818 if there isn't any material advantage at the end of it.

 

I agree.

 

Earthling is this a home computer? If so, chances are your gonna be fine running the 32 bit version. Those details/differences between the two really aren't noticeable until you begin using complicated programs side by side. The main difference is how the cpu handles the RAM ( Random Access Memory ). For home/personal use stick with the 32 bit, unless your thinking about upgrading to more RAM.

 

Well, I don't have more than 4GB and don't foresee having it either. Is that really all there is to it?

 

Pretty much, many programmers, visual designers, etc... require 64 bit in order to handle their applications. If your just working from home, surfing the web/emailing you'll do just fine with the 32 bit, no worries!

 

I do a lot of forum support, as you can see from my stats. I don't want to find myself unable to answer questions from 64 bit users just because I only installed 32 bit. But unless there is more to it than the mem limitation I'll probably just use 32 bit.

 

Thats true, well if you wanna learn it you should install it, it wont hurt to only have 4GB and a 64 bit OS. Your computer wont run slow. But you could also try a virtual PC for a 64 bit version. If you have an extra install disk or .iso image for this OS.

 

That idea I like! I have three VM machines running in Vista atm, but the Win 7 RC is dying. I'll probably install 32bit on the HD and run 64bit in a VM. Thanks!

 

Your welcome Earthling!

 

I think you have to be running 64 bit os in-order to run a 64 bit os in a VM. Correct me if I'm wrong here

Advantages over 64-bit

Faster
More stable
Able to use more then 4 GB total ram

Disadvantages

Compatibility problems
More memory usage
drive Compatibility issues

 

My apologies, pclover is 100% correct, the host needs to be 64 bit in order to do this. I thinking the opposite, 64bit host with 32 bit vm. Thanks for correcting me pclover!

 

That makes sense. Thanks for pointing it out

 

I'd go with 64bit. Either ways only one will get registered and update. If you choose to get MS support for updating the X86, you will stop getting auto updates for X64 (the host) and what ever other issues that come along later. This is my understanding even for VM. I haven't tried it but.... I'd figure MS would code it this way. Just a thought.

Cheers..

 

Thanks. It all points to 64 bit being the best option for the full install.

 

Thanks Halo. I don't have any concerns about the PC running Win 7 as it has been running the 32 bit RC for months with no problems at all. Wish I'd downloaded the 64 bit version when I had the opportunity though. :-o

The Medion site has most of the drivers for Vista 64 bit, but only one for Win 7 64 bit - the TV tuner for Heaven's sake rolleyes I certainly don't share the confidence of some of the contributors that 64 bit will work, but I shan't be too disappointed if in the end I can only run 32 bit.

Anyway, all partitioned now for triple boot - XP HP, Vista HP, and Win 7 Ult, and boot config already set up and ready to go. All I need is the postman :-D

 

Wow, I'm truly impressed! The 64bit install completed in little over half an hour, and only one item in Device Manager is lacking a driver, a very old Epson 1260 flatbed scanner. LAN and WAN were set up without any intervention on my part, as was my HP printer. All I can say is if you want easy, get Win 7 :major