Which version to buy? Need to optimize for gaming! 64 or 32 bit?

[kobe24life]

Here are my computer specs.



CPU - Intel i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3 GHz (3.7 w/TB) Quad-Core
http://goo.gl/n1LpW -

Motherboard - MSI P67A-GD55 (B3) LGA 1155
http://goo.gl/p3Pz4 -

RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 @ 1333 MHz CL9
http://goo.gl/JggWz -

Video Card - XFX Radeon HD 6950 ZNFC
http://goo.gl/lJqDK -

Storage - Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB @ 7200 RPM
http://goo.gl/VCpcK -

Optical Drive - ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24X DVD Burner
http://goo.gl/l6h8b -

PSU - XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular
http://goo.gl/A1F4U -

Will 32 bit recognize everything? Should I go Home? Basic? Ultimate?

 

[dragonic2020]

All versions of 32-bit Windows 7 can only support up to 4GB of RAM, other than starter which supports only 2GB.
Home Basic 64-bit Windows 7 can support up to 8GB RAM.

More info here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

 

[kobe24life]

Would I benefit with anything else by going 64 bit even though 32 bit can support my RAM?


Is it more optimized? Better for gaming or anything like that?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

32 bit will only see about 3.25 gigs of ram,go 64 bit so you can upgrade the ram later !

 

[kobe24life]

Ok I will go 64 bit, but which version of Windows 7?

 

[dragonic2020]

Would I benefit with anything else by going 64 bit even though 32 bit can support my RAM?
Is it more optimized? Better for gaming or anything like that?

Well actually, 32-bit Windows 7 uses less than 4GB of RAM, more like 3.5GB by some estimates. 64-bit will be able to use all of it.
And if you ever want to add more RAM, 64-bit will be able to support it.

And also, 64-bit Windows 7 handles memory more effectively than its 32-bit cousin. At least, that's what Microsoft says.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 7 Home 64 bit is good for most people !

 

[dragonic2020]

Ok I will go 64 bit, but which version of Windows 7?

It depends on what features of Windows 7 you want or need.
Comparison chart here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart

As a side note: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit and upwards supports 192GB of RAM. But seriously, who the hell needs that much?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 7 pro and ultimate have Xp Mode that you can download !
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode

 

[kobe24life]

If I wanted to strictly game and nothing else on this PC, which will give me all the performance and nothing else?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Go with Home Premium 64 BIT !

 

[kobe24life]

Thanks! I was leaning towards that too.

 

[kobe24life]

Best answer selected by kobe24life.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Your Welcome ! Let us know how it runs !

Thanks for using the Forum !