32-bit or 64-bit? - that's the question

[Annobanno]

Hey all Thinkpadders!

I have to decide wheither to keep running my Win7 ultimate 32-bit or to get the Win7 ultimate 64-bit.

So I use my T61p to play a few games, Battlefield 2 - a mod for BF2, Portal and a few other Steam games if I feel like installing them. Other than that I use it to surf, Live messenger, iTunes, watch DVD's and do work in Office 2007.

So are there any advantages for me to change to 64 bit, or should I keep the 32-bit? I heard something about that there isn't much support for 64 bit systems, compared to 32-bit.

Would be nice to hear from some of you guys with a lot of insight on this: What would be best for me and the needs I have - 32 or 64 bit ?

Thanks for the help!

PS: Hope you can understand my english

[K0LO]

Annobanno:

64-bit support is pretty good today. Unless you have an old printer, scanner, or other hardware device that is lacking a 64-bit driver, or that the manufacturer refuses to support, you probably won't have any issues moving to a 64-bit OS.

I made the move last year to Windows 7 x64 on three PCs and have not had any problems whatsoever. That being said, for the kinds of applications that you mention there is probably no compelling reason to use a 64-bit OS other than future-proofing. The most common reason for needing a 64-bit OS is for applications that benefit from more than 4 GB of RAM.

[dr_st]

I'm all for 64bit, barring the exceptions mentioned my K0LO.

[Annobanno]

I see - I have a 2 Gig RAM card for my TP so i could go from one 2 gig together with a 1 gig - and just get 2 with 2 gigs on each

[Marin85]

Hm, 32-bit vs. 64-bit has always been the question (at least on these forums)! I would install 64-bit OS only if I am considering using more than 3 GBs of RAM. Apart from the increased amount of available system memory, the only other performance differences between 32-bit and 64-bit can be seen in performance software, i.e. 3D graphics, simulation or computational software (which, however, is arguable as far as Windows OS is concerned), and HD video playback (I am hearing so, can´t confirm if this is really the case). But beware, if you move on to Windows x64, you will lose the thumbnail generating of .pdf files! (Well, there seem to be third-party applications for this, but they are still pretty buggy.)

[GrandMasterKhan]

Add one stick of RAM and go with 64-bit. No problems whatsover except for Flash but with 64-bit W7, you get 2 versions of IE (32- and 64-bit). Just do it. You are overanalyzing when people are telling you there are no problems. 64-bit is much snappier.

[Annobanno]

Thanks for all the replies !

I have chosen to upgrade to 64 bit and I am impressed! that extra RAM really speeds things up and I haven't had any problems so far with any Lenovo drivers or various programs! It is great!

[aau007]

If you have 3GB RAM or less, stay with 32bits for compatibility reason, just in case. 64bits with 3GB RAM or less doesn't do you much good. 3GB or above, go with 64bits. IE8 64bits version has no flash support so you will have to go with IE8 32bits or use an alternative 32bits browser.

[GrandMasterKhan]

on 64W7, the 32bit IE is provided so there is no Flash issue Braddah.

[bevross]

I've got some programs --e.g., Adobe Creative Suite 8 (beaucoup $$$) -- that won't install on 64-bit: I'd have to purchase a version that specifically supports it. I've other software examples that are more esoteric (e.g., SAS). So, it's my investment in software that makes me not want to move to 64-bit just yet. Next time I get ready to upgrade software I'll go to 64-bit.