Which version of Windows 32 or 64 and 7 vs. 8

[HarryWild]

I am planning to upgrade my Z61t and was wonder which versions to go with. I going to upgrade my CPU to a duo core T7600 which is a 64 bit.
I have 3GB of memory and will be upgrading the HD to a SSD.

I have the 950 Graphic Media Accelerator (945GM chipset) in z61t that has a physical address extensions of 32 bits.

First off; should I use 32 or 64 bit version.

Secondly, should it be Window 7 or 8?

Thanks.

[Cigarguy]

I don't see any downside to 64 bit only upside so I'd recommend that. Personally I prefer Win 7 over Win 8. Win 7 is known to be stable, mature with good driver support.

[GomJabbar]

I agree with Cigarguy. Unless you have a tablet, I would not get Windows 8. Windows 7 is pretty nice - that's what I run on my X220.

[ajkula66]

With a 3GB RAM cap, I'd be looking for a 32-bit version. That's what we have on my wife's Z61m which is based on the same platform as your Z61t, apart from the graphics. Runs fabulously well.

My preference would be W7, but to each his/hers own.

[pianowizard]

64bit uses more hard drive space and RAM than 32bit, which is why I always use 64bit only if the machines support 4GB or more. An additional advantage of 32bit is it's compatible with more software. If I were you, I would go with 32bit.

As far as 7 versus 8, you can try 8 for free for up to 90 days by downloading an evaluation copy from http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-in/evalcen ... 54510.aspx . Try it for a while to see if you like it. I didn't like 8 at first but after trying one of the beta versions for a few weeks, I decided I liked it even more than 7 and so I bought a copy on the day 8 was released to the public.

[HarryWild]

Well, I am tempted towards Windows 8 because it new memory management features that after it boots; it monitors what programs are being used and if they are activated and not being use; it takes those programs out of the system to make more memory. Secondly, it is much faster then Windows 7 in boot and shut down time by 30% and the OS is even more solid then Windows 7 according to Microsoft! I like the Windows 8 "Blue" new features that are coming on line starting in 6 months time too where all apps will be the same and run on both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. Lastly, it has Defender built in to separate boot program that then launches Windows8 after the Defender is done!

Windows 64 bit is quite a bit faster then it 32 bit program. Not sure how much however.

I going to be the Z61t for mostly internet surfing so I now thinking 64 bit and Windows 8 because of the above! Is their any reason you can think of not too?

After reading some technical papers; maybe it is wise to just do the 32 bit version of Windows since I only have 3GB even if Windows does have virtual memory and all!

[pianowizard]

Windows 64 bit is quite a bit faster then it 32 bit program.

This is news to me. From where did you get this information?

I going to be the Z61t for mostly internet surfing so I now thinking 64 bit and Windows 8 because of the above! Is their any reason you can think of not too?

Windows 8 is so much newer than the Z61t that there could be driver compatibility issues. For instance, I tried 8 on my Gateway laptop (which I think is actually slightly newer than the Z61t) once and the screen flickered frequently, so I went back to Vista and the problem went away. Again, try 8 for free first through the link I gave you above to ensure it works, before shelling out money.

EDIT: I just realized that you probably meant 64bit programs are faster than 32bit versions of the same programs. I heard about this as well although I don't know how noticeable the difference is. But I never heard of 64bit Windows being faster than 32bit Windows, on the same machine, and I don't think the same 32bit program would run faster in 64bit Windows than in 32bit Windows.

[HarryWild]

pianowizard,

Thanks for all the input; but I would think that Microsoft would have the drivers for the Thinkpad line since it is mostly used in business and large corporations. They have done that in the past so I do not think they would differ now. Plus, Lenovo has their special drivers on top of Microsoft's. It a mad world these software updates. I kind of hate Lenovo now for restricting the 945 graphics chipset to 3GB. They could of just left it alone is my feeling.

[ajkula66]

but I would think that Microsoft would have the drivers for the Thinkpad line since it is mostly used in business and large corporations.

And you would be wrong.

There were drivers missing for W7, making TPM chips unusable on machines that otherwise run that OS perfectly well. I don't see this improving in W8.

Numerous BSOD issues with Atheros-chipped wireless cards when using WU supplied drivers. Etc. Etc.

In all fairness, that's to be expected.

Z61 is a six-year-old platform. The newer the OS, more issues will arise.

Good luck.

[pianowizard]

Thanks for all the input; but I would think that Microsoft would have the drivers for the Thinkpad line since it is mostly used in business and large corporations. They have done that in the past so I do not think they would differ now.

There is no need to speculate. Just try Windows 8 for free like I suggested above and see what happens. What do you have to lose?

[HarryWild]

Now I am thinking about installings windows 7!

But no matter what versions I going to select; is it better to install hardware upgrades before installing a new version 7 or 8? I going to be adding a new CPU and new Wi-Fi card for the Z61t. Or is it better to install the new version and then add in the hardware afterward?

[ajkula66]

Hardware first, software later.

[HarryWild]

Hardware first, software later.

Thanks ajkula66!