Gaming in 64 bit Windows 7 good or not?

[g335]

Hello

I am wondering if I should game in 64 bit Windows 7. I am concerned that some of my older games are not compatible with it.

Should I stick with 32 bit or go 64?

 

[evilgenius134]

I have found that Win7 x64 is fairly compatible with all older 32bit games, it might require some changing of desktop settings and running in compatibility mode, but they should all work eventually.

Win7 x64 does drop support for 16bit applications, though I would advise regardless that these game are better suited to DOSBOX as the site often has instructions to get them working and it is more consistent.

I'm pretty sure, unless the game is really old, Simcity classic is the only one I have, it is most probably 32bit, which means you can configure it to run natively.

 

[galeener]

You could also have a dual boot set up if you have the space.

 

[g335]

I have found that Win7 x64 is fairly compatible with all older 32bit games, it might require some changing of desktop settings and running in compatibility mode, but they should all work eventually.

Win7 x64 does drop support for 16bit applications, though I would advise regardless that these game are better suited to DOSBOX as the site often has instructions to get them working and it is more consistent.

I'm pretty sure, unless the game is really old, Simcity classic is the only one I have, it is most probably 32bit, which means you can configure it to run natively.

I have older games like Starcraft, Diable 2, etc.

You could also have a dual boot set up if you have the space.

How would I do this?

 

[galeener]

Which operating system are you using right now xp 32? if so heres a link.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

 

[g335]

Which operating system are you using right now xp 32? if so heres a link.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

I have Vista 32 bit but will upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium or Ultimate.

 

[galeener]

Do you have the retail version of Vist 32 or an oem version.
Because if you have retail you can go to the Microsoft site and request the 64bit version of vista DVD and the will ship it to you for about 10 bucks.
I know its not Win7 but it would give you a feel for the 64 bit operating system.
If you buy win 7 retail you should get both the 32 bit and the 64 bit dvds.
Then just google the dual install procedure Its very easy to find.

 

[g335]

Do you have the retail version of Vist 32 or an oem version.
Because if you have retail you can go to the Microsoft site and request the 64bit version of vista DVD and the will ship it to you for about 10 bucks.
I know its not Win7 but it would give you a feel for the 64 bit operating system.
If you buy win 7 retail you should get both the 32 bit and the 64 bit dvds.
Then just google the dual install procedure Its very easy to find.

Can I put the 32 bit on one hd and the 64 on another hd and dual boot that way?

 

[galeener]

Hmm Id have to re read the instructions to get the idea havn't done it in a long time.
I'll look it up and get back with you.

 

[g335]

Hmm Id have to re read the instructions to get the idea havn't done it in a long time.
I'll look it up and get back with you.

Thanks

 

[galeener]

Hmm you may want to read this first.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/8482-63-windows
I have only done it with xp and win7.

 

[TheTech214]

I would say go with 64 bit because most new games are made for 64 bit. I do not think there would be a big problem playing your old games on it. Plus 64 bit is a lot more powerful.

 

[galeener]

I think if you get Win 7 64 ultimate you can also run in xp compatible mode if I remember right.

 

[davcon]

I think if you get Win 7 64 ultimate you can also run in xp compatible mode if I remember right.

Win7 Pro 64 will do that.

 

[galeener]

Ah good to know couldn't remember which one it was.