Windows 7 32 bit vs 64 bit for gaming

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Misha4870-1317101

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May 9, 2013
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Dear All,

I currently own the following system:
CPU: Athlon II X4 620 2.6 GHz (quad core).
RAM: 4 GB DDR2 800 MHz.
VCARD: Sapphire Radeon 7850 1 GB.
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit.

Currently, as it is already known, the OS (being a 32 bit version) is seeing only 3.25 GB of RAM.
My question is: Regarding performance in games, should I upgrade to 64 bit version of Windows 7 ? Will I see any difference ?
The problem with 32 bit version is that is stripping 20% of my RAM (it sees 3.25GB instead of 4 GB). Although this is not huge, it still means something.
Upgrading to 64 bit version would solve this problem. But then, I'm afraid that I would get into other problems like: 64 bit version has a bigger memory footprint, maybe it has a bigger overhead over the CPU, and, last but not least compatibility issues with various software (including games).
On the other hand, as far as I know, the 64 bit version has a far better memory management and it runs faster with 64 bit apps.

Now, which one would you recommend me ? Should I stay with 32 bit or should I upgrade to 64 bit ? Would I see any difference in games ?

Thank You.
 
Solution
DarkSable


Pretty much exactly the same as 32-bit windows. It's a tiny bit larger, but way smaller than what you gain by being able to use the entirety of your ram.

Just as a side note, if that's a legitimate, OEM, copy of windows, you can use your product key to install the x64 copy as well, so you don't have to buy a new one. If it's not a legitimate copy (don't tell us if it isn't) then you should get home premium instead; professional has a security flaw and doesn't give you any benefit over home premium anyways.
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Misha4870-1317101

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May 9, 2013
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Thanks for your answer.
What about RAM usage ? I heard (reading forums) that 32 bit version can allocate maximum 2 GB per process while the 64 bit version can allocate 4GB or even more per process.
Is this true ?
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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"Lord Shubham Verlekar" needs to do a little research. (Removing your head from it's dark resting place might help, oh lord of computing whose solutions are 100% inaccurate and poorly written.)

32 bit operating systems can ONLY access 4GB of ram, including both system ram and video ram. 64 bit operating systems, depending on the version, can access up to several terabytes.

Combine that with the fact that a 64 bit copy of windows will run a 32 bit program just fine, and that its only disadvantage is that it can't run decades-old 16-bit programs, and it's the clearly superior option.

EDIT: Lord Shubham Verlekar should also be aware that it's against tom's terms of use to request best answer... especially when one's answer is wrong.
 
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Shubham Verlekar

Shubham Verlekar

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May 10, 2013
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Unfortunately Its absolutely true :(
But Fortunately it has no big impact on gaming perfomence :)
Regards once again
You can please please chose my answer as best :)
 
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mauller07

mauller07

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Mar 28, 2010
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Use a 64 bit version, there is no need to use 32 bit windows anymore unless your trying to run some ancient software with 16 bit dependencies if they even work on a newer version of windows.

you will have full access to all your ram and your graphics memory, most people do not realise but your graphics memory is included in the 32bit memory limit and it effects your total working memory as well. so having 1gb of vram shadowing 1gb of system ram you will have less around 2.5gb of ram fully usable by your system effectively maybe up to 3 depending if it fully shadows your vram.
 
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Misha4870-1317101

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May 9, 2013
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I don't run 16 bit apps, even though I still have some, but I don't use them anymore.

In case of 64 bit version, what about system footprint and overhead ?
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

Judicious
Sep 27, 2012
8,890
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Pretty much exactly the same as 32-bit windows. It's a tiny bit larger, but way smaller than what you gain by being able to use the entirety of your ram.

Just as a side note, if that's a legitimate, OEM, copy of windows, you can use your product key to install the x64 copy as well, so you don't have to buy a new one. If it's not a legitimate copy (don't tell us if it isn't) then you should get home premium instead; professional has a security flaw and doesn't give you any benefit over home premium anyways.
 
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Solution
M

Misha4870-1317101

Honorable
May 9, 2013
12
0
10,510


Ok then. I'll move to 64 bit. Actually, that's the future. We go forward not backward.
Thanks for your advices.
Also, many thanks to all of you for your support.
 
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