Because you can do it in either 32-bit or 64-bit...

I highly recommend you getting the 32bit version. You won't see 64bit applications in another year or so. By the time everyone is using 64bit, its about the right time to switch to another computer (est. 3~5 years)

ive read in some review( sorry i cant remember the site, it was linked from toms hardware main page ) that compatibility in vista was weirdly better in 64bit and performance was a little better. Thats all i can say from non-experience

However im installing Vista Ultimate 64-bit tonight( Currently XP Pro 32-bit ), ill post a few of my compatibility issuesif youre interested in that?( not all cos im sure it will be 1000's of lines long, but just whether my game collection works or not and if slower/faster )

Well i've been on vista ultimate 64 or a while now and it's all fine compatability wise.

I was horrified when i bought c&c3 to see the box saying will not run on 64bit vista, but with a quick patch to the game they got it working, so it seems that companies are happy to put resources into making games and programs work on 64bit machines as well as 32 bit.

I highly recommend you getting the 32bit version. You won't see 64bit applications in another year or so. By the time everyone is using 64bit, its about the right time to switch to another computer (est. 3~5 years)

I've got Vista Ultimate 64 bit and most applications that run on Vista will run on 64 or 32 bit.

I too have had little in the way of compatability problems, only my AV and Nero, both of which won't run on Vista full stop. My av now has a free patch and I bought the latest version of Nero so evrything works.

If you're into gaming get the 64 bit as only the 64 bit supports 4Gb of memory. Also, Crysis is to be released as a 64 bit version (2 dvd's in the same box?). So its untrue to say there won't be 64 bit apps. There won't be many but most 32 bit apps will run on 64 through compatability mode which is completely automatic, you simply can't tell if something is 64 or 32 bit. It either usually works with all Vista versions or it doesn't work at all).

I suggest the 64 bit Ultimate.
Yes, this very little 64bit software made but the 32bit software will at least "run".
If you don't mind getting a Vista 32 Home AND a 64bit upgrade down the road, then just get the Vista 32.

I personally got the 64 Ultimate because I hate paying again in "upgrade" fees.

If you upgrade frequently go with the 32-bit, if you don't want to buy another copy until the next version of windows comes out go 64.

Thank you so much for all your replies.

Basically, I want to build a system that will last me at least 3 years, and I'm trying to do it for under a grand. I don't game at all. I'll be using it to run Photoshop CS2 (and other Adobe CS2 apps), and to record music. If 64-bit Vista runs better and can detect my hardware (most of which will be brand new except my sound card, an Audigy 2 EX PLatinum), then I rather go with that than have to pay for it later on. Does this sound like a good idea? I'll make a new post soon about the exact specs of the system, and see if it seems decent to people who know more than myself!

sorry its off topic, but have you ever got the damn thing to draw lines without blending? i.e. mspaint type solid lines, that drove me nuts

btw on your Audigy -> if you plan to play any xp games that use direct sound youll have to get the alchemy drivers, but for your card you have to pay

64 bit architecture will make things like Adobe work faster, simply because all cpu reads and writes are 64bit, and that includes hard drive activity( i.e. will speed it up for swap files or adobe etc if the images are really large )

Then I'd vote for 64-bit since by the time you replacec it 64-bit will have become common.



Yes, but Vista doesn't like sound cards, I haven't checked lately but to the best of my knowledge none of the SoundBlaster cards work with Vista.

If you're staying with CS2, bookmark this link:
http://jquindlen.com/blog/2007/01/30/getting-photoshop-cs2-to-run-in-windows-vista-registration-issue/

If you do go 64-bit, check all of the manufacturer's websites to make sure they have 64-bit Vista drivers. Not just your computer components - make sure there are drivers available for your printer, scanner, etc. With 64-bit, you can't make an old XP (32-bit) driver work - so check to make sure the 64-bit drivers you'll need are out there.

I'm gathering parts for a new build myself and am going to the 64 bit version of Vista. Its on a separate hard disc, so I'll have a disc with XP if I want something in 32 bit. To me, its doesn't make much sense to upgrade to Vista without going 64 bit, as that's where the future will be. Not saying its the right decision for everyone, only as to my desires.

As to the Sound Blaster cards, last I read the X-Fi series is being supported by Creative, but not the Audigy series. You can check the Creative site for details.

Will games that came out 2-5 years ago run on the 64 bit version? For that matter, do they run on Vista at all (64 or 32 bit)?

Yes on both counts, all my old games run on my vista 64 installation, so they will work on a vista 32 version as well.

Fructinhit,

Beware Adobe apps on Vista as Photoshop can be a problem. Adobe don't seem keen to support Vista from what I've seen.

Sailor,

XFI cards work, I've got one in, what doesn't work on the XFI cards apprently is movie sound decoding but as I don't watch movies on my pc I could care less. Could be an issue if you do though. Audigy, I'm unsure of. Certainly sound is one are where all versions of Vista have undergone a big change.