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QOTD: Are You Going 32 or 64-bit for Windows 7?

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7:50 PM - July 17, 2009 by Marcus Yam

If you have more 4 GB or more RAM, the answer should be clear to you already.

In times past, going with a 64-bit OS was a bit of an extravagance. Sure, you were on the cutting edge of things – ahead of the curve, even – but there were issues and compromises.

In many cases, going 64-bit didn't make sense unless you had piles of RAM. But now that systems are coming with more memory than a 32-bit OS can address, suddenly going with more bits makes more sense.

Some of you may already be running a 64-bit version of Windows (or some other OS), while other are still chugging along in 32-bit land with a portion of your 4 GB of RAM sitting unloved.

No matter the case, you're going to have to make a choice if and when you upgrade to Windows 7 – that that's which version of the OS you're going with. Thankfully, both 32- and 64-bit versions are included in the same package, so you won't have to commit one way or another until you pop the disc in the drive.

Being the tech savvy bunch that you are, we suspect that you've already made up your mind on 32- vs. 64-bit Windows 7. You might even be running that very version of the RC right not.

So, our QOTD is: Are You Going 32- or 64-bit for Windows 7?

Here's a little recap of the Windows 7 news from the week:

Source : Tom's Hardware US

Talkback
Add your comment
fwaits 07/18/2009 1:59 AM
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-20+

64-bit, done and done... I'm using it in RC form right now and have had 0 issues with drivers, apps, games, whatever. 64-bit is the future, bring it on.

warezme 07/18/2009 2:01 AM
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-20+

With 12GB of DDR3 RAM..., 32bit is not a choice.

makotech222 07/18/2009 2:01 AM
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-20+

Using 64 bit almost-RTM version. never had too many problems with 64 bit.

Wayoffbase 07/18/2009 2:04 AM
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-4+

I switched to 64 bit when I was using vista, not long after it launched. There was quite a bit I couldn't do at the time, but most of the driver makers seem to have caught up now. Using the windows 7RC in 64 bit now.

Quote :Thankfully, both 32- and 64-bit versions are included in the same package, so you won't have to commit one way or another until you pop the disc in the drive.

In my experience, this is only true on retail and upgrade versions, not OEM, unless they changed it for 7. I bought a 32 bit windows vista upgrade, and had to order the 64 bit media for 'free' + a $10 shipping and handling charge.

Wayoffbase 07/18/2009 2:07 AM
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-12+

fwaits :
64-bit, done and done... I'm using it in RC form right now and have had 0 issues with drivers, apps, games, whatever. 64-bit is the future, bring it on.


I am also of the opinion that 32 bit OS's are dead on the desktop. Netbook sales will keep them alive past their usefulness though :P

tekk236 07/18/2009 2:08 AM
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-12+

64-bit absolutely. I'm not cutting my 8GB of DDR3 1600!

NuclearShadow 07/18/2009 2:11 AM
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-4+

When (or if as I have Vista Ultimate and can't afford the ultimate version of windows 7 this time around) I decide to upgrade to Windows 7 I'll certainly stick with 64bit. The extra ram is well worth it when you can turn page filing off.

geminireaper 07/18/2009 2:13 AM
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-7+

64 bit here. Have been running 64 bit since vista was released. Purchased a copy of vista 64bit ultimate. Will be buying win 7 64 too.

Anonymous 07/18/2009 2:16 AM
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-9+

64bit Ubuntu :)

IzzyCraft 07/18/2009 2:19 AM
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Bullheaded67 07/18/2009 2:21 AM
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-19+

64-bit - now lets see if we can make the application writers catch up to the modern era of computing.

doomtomb 07/18/2009 2:24 AM
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-14+

64-bit. Why would anyone limit themselves on a 32-bit platform anymore these days?

bardia 07/18/2009 2:28 AM
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-0+

32-bit. I ran 64-bit Vista on my CB Desktop since it came out and was super happy with it. But my new Sony FW Notebook has only 3gb of Ram, and since 64-bit doesn't actually increase performance short of a ram shortage, there isn't really any reason to not use 32 at the moment. RMclock is much easier to deal with in 32 as well.

That said, 32-bit W7 RC has been running AWESOME for me. Love it. It's as stable as Vista, but with some nice UI changes.

ProDigit80 07/18/2009 2:28 AM
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-1+

If there is 32bit program compatibility, and for desktops I'd probably prefer going 64, having the future in mind.

That would be a first for me!
For notebooks and netbooks 32bit for sure!

I'm not sure as to why the Atom processor supports 64bit. It is a nice feat, but mostly unused,and perhaps unnecessary for 95-99% of the people owning it.
A 64bit OS makes little sense on a device that tries to save battery.

But for desktop, yes!

megamanx00 07/18/2009 2:28 AM
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-20+

64-bit. Honestly they shouldn't even have a 32-bit option.

ProDigit80 07/18/2009 2:32 AM
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--1+

ProDigit80 :
....It is a nice feat, but mostly unused,and perhaps unnecessary for 95-99% of the people owning it.A 64bit OS makes little sense on a device that tries to save battery...


With this sentence I meant for those who use netbooks or atom-like low powered desktops.

winterblade 07/18/2009 2:36 AM
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-3+

I'm running Win7 RC 64-bits and loving it, it has been a great experience, no driver problem at all except my old logitech keyboard and mouse that I am about to replace anyway, and with another 6GB of DDR3 1333 coming the choice is easy and clear, as someone said up there, 64 bits is the future.

cadder 07/18/2009 2:41 AM
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-0+

I loaded 64bit RC1 at home, mostly to try it. If I switch to W7 at work, I'll go 64bit because our CAD apps can certainly use more memory. At home I would probably go with 32bit.

Upendra09 07/18/2009 2:41 AM
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-3+

64 bit anything less is unacceptable, i would take 128 bit if it was out yet but it isn't . :)

Hupiscratch 07/18/2009 2:46 AM
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-10+

Already using 64-bit Vista since launch. Farewell 32-bit!

duckmanx88 07/18/2009 2:47 AM
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-0+

32-bit. i run nothing that needs more than 3 GB and i don't want to deal with hardware where companies don't make 64-bit drivers work properly.

xNEM3S1Sx 07/18/2009 2:53 AM
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-8+

x64 and lovin' it already!

brandonvi 07/18/2009 2:53 AM
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-8+

64 is the only good way to go inless your upgrading from an old computer

Anonymous 07/18/2009 3:02 AM
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--3+

32-bit, even though my lappie came with 4GB and I'll tell you why. My laptop came with vista 64-bit edition and it worked ok. No major problems at first...except for some old programs and tweak applications would not work...And almost all of my programs were running in x86 mode--they ran a bit more buggy and would crash sometimes for no reason. I installed win7 32-bit, every works as it should and not a single application crash. Maybe when applications catch up I'll switch, but I've tried both and that time is not now.

afrobacon 07/18/2009 3:08 AM
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-15+

Gotta have at least 8gb to check my email, so of coarse i'm going with the 64bit.

Anonymous 07/18/2009 3:13 AM
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-8+

64-bit, though there's really no point to it as things stand right now.

We still won't need more than 4Gb for the foreseeable future and with Microsoft's choice of releasing a 32-bit version of Windows 7 there won't be any 64-bit software for this OS either.

Why would any company bother producing 64-bit software when 32-bit runs on both systems? Barring driver-related software, obviously.

64-bit is the future, never doubt that, but until Microsoft release an OS that doesn't support 32-bit other than for backwards compatability it will remain the future instead of becoming the present.

Ironworker16 07/18/2009 3:13 AM
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-8+

64 bit. I using windows7 RC right now, I had one 32 bit app I need to use and was able use it in the xp mode.

Anonymous 07/18/2009 3:16 AM
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-2+

64-bit, though I really shouldn't bother.

I won't run more than 4Gb for the foreseeable future and with the 32-bit version existing, and thus precluding any release of 64-bit software unless drivers require it, it's likely going to remain future-proofing for a future that's a long way off.

Not even Vista should have been released in 32-bit flavors, my 2003 CPU had no issues running 64-bit code nor does any computer sold in this day and age.

Anonymous 07/18/2009 3:17 AM
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sicundercover 07/18/2009 3:18 AM
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--3+

Ironworker16 :
64 bit. I using windows7 RC right now, I had one 32 bit app I need to use and was able use it in the xp mode.



That statement doesnt make sense. 32 bit apps run on x64 OS's via 32bit emulation. Its not that the app doesnt work on x64, its that its makers havnt bothered to patch it in over 3 years to match the new registry/file system. Either that or you havnt gotten a newer version

invisik 07/18/2009 3:18 AM
Hide
-3+

If i ever plan to upgrade to w7 from vista i will get 64bit.


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