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In case you were wondering or holding off from installing until you had confirmation from other users...

I installed Vista Ultimate x64 (dual partition - one system one data) and used the license that came with my Vista Ultimate x86 (Lenovo Restore Discs). After installing all available windows updates, I installed SP1. As for drivers, I installed the newest drivers for every onboard device. Prior to the install, I installed the newest BIOS (2.13). I installed only the necessary Lenovo bloatware (ie. System Interface driver, Power management software, etc.). Despite my reservations, I installed AVG Free antivirus (better than no antivirus, I guess).

Everythings working perfectly so far. After some tweaking, the system runs faster. The Vista "Experience index" scores are unchanged, but now my system can utilize the full 4GB of RAM. The system feels Noticably more responsive

On another note: Vista x64 seems to really like to hog memory (moreso than Vista x86). I'm noticing that it's utilizing about 300MB RAM more than x86 on idle (about 1.3GB idle with Aero on)

I'll be testing battery life out, and will post the results soon.

So far my verdict is: it was worth it.

iamdmc wrote:In case you were wondering or holding off from installing until you had confirmation from other users...

I installed Vista Ultimate x64 (dual partition - one system one data) and used the license that came with my Vista Ultimate x86 (Lenovo Restore Discs).

x86 license for a x64? Does the license actually work? Did you have to call Micro$oft?

My friend got ultimate and it came with both a x86 and a x64 install disc, and of course both use the same install key (otherwise you could run 2 separate installs off one vista! gasp) Now, this *was* ultimate, but it would actually make sense for them to allow this. After all, it's the same vista either way, right? I hope it's the case with Business, if it is I'm gonna be upgrading when I get more RAM ^_^

I should look up and see if x64 has any benefits for less than 4GB... a different addressing mode might make things better all the way around, who knows...

for the record, notice when you install without providing a key, it asks you which edition you have licenced- but not which architecture

iamdmc wrote:On another note: Vista x64 seems to really like to hog memory (moreso than Vista x86). I'm noticing that it's utilizing about 300MB RAM more than x86 on idle (about 1.3GB idle with Aero on)

Hello

You paid for the RAM, so be glad Vista makes good use of it as long as no application demands it.
I guess the reason X64 uses more is because there simply is more around (about 1.5GB more compared to x86). Note that as soon as an application asks for the RAM, Vista will release it: Most of it is used for caching, so it can be given up easily.

As for the license question: This has been asked 100eds of times. Fact is: The license is valid for both 32 and 64 bit, but one often has a problem finding the 64 bit DVD for the installation. Normally Microsoft will mail one if you ask them, but they will not do this for OEM licenses: Here the OEM would be responsible for providing the media. However, I think the OEMs are not allowed to do this by their contract with Microsoft, so essentially one is out of options...

This is why most people claim that there is no way to switch to 64 bit for free with OEM licenses. But once again: The key works! It will require activation by telephone, but this is true for all OEM keys, both for 32 and 64 bit installations.

Regards, Martin

P.S. I installed Vista 64 Ultimate with SP1 integrated, and all is well for my system also (X61s). So from me as well: Highly recommended!

You don't need to call Microsoft.

Refer to this:
http://directedge.us/node/24
and search "ABR" aka "Active Backup and Restore"

It's a good tool

It wouldn't make much sense for Windows to use more RAM just "because". On my two computer towers (both with the same version of Vista x64 SP1) utilize only 800-900MB on idle (with Aero ON), whereas my X61s uses a full 1.3-1.5GB!!!

Can anyone tell me why? The svchost.exe responsible for AERO on my X61s uses 130MB alone, whereas it used to use 50-60MB on x86 (same version of Vista with same settings)

HELP

iamdmc - vista x64 uses more memory because of the WoW layer.   WoW is better known as "windows on windows" and is the emulation layer responsible for running 32-bit legacy apps on a 64-bit native OS.   this emulation results in vista x64 using more system memory and taking up approximately 4GB more space on your drive.

Alright, but why is Vista x64 using more memory on idle for my Laptop (X61s) than my Vista x64 desktop?

there are any number of reasons why memory usage is different between the systems.   does your desktop use integrated or discreet graphics?   how is memory mapped in the desktop's BIOS?   how many peripherals are in use in the desktop?

it's a simple question but a complicated answer.