Vista Ultimate 32bit vs 64bit?

[spt60]

Anyone experiences any major differences? I'm looking to buy the ultimate steal for student Vista Ultimate but not sure which one should I get.

Thanks!

[sarbin]

do you need to run any 64-bit optimized software? other than that and the capability to address really large amounts of ram (depending on hardware), what advantage is there to it?

[mgo]

Anyone experiences any major differences? I'm looking to buy the ultimate steal for student Vista Ultimate but not sure which one should I get.

Thanks!

No real speed differences between the two. Most applications just run as 32 bit in the 64 bit version anyway. Office 2007 applications run well in either, and at about the same speed, and open about as quickly on either.

Some programs will not run at all on Vista 64 bit, so you might want to stick with 32 bit just to avoid complications like that.

Unless you are very much into multimedia, Ultimate is very overpriced and not worth it.

[loyukfai]

2 main reasons to go 64-bit...

1. >3GB/4GB of RAM
2. Run 64-bit optimized software (especially computational heavy ones)

Otherwise, stick with 32-bit Windows is probably a better idea at the moment (IMO).

That being said, since your license covers both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, why not give 64-bit a try if you have time to spare...? : )

If you do find the 64-bit version works for you, I would suggest keeping a 32-bit install on hand (dual boot, virtualization...) just in case...

Lastly, you may like to check out the below article at Dan's Data (and the linked WinSuperSite article)...

http://www.dansdata.com/askdan00001.htm

Also this posting on the Vista Team blog...

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windo ... today.aspx

[msb0b]

I have Vista 32-bit and 64-bit running right next to each other and I can't tell the difference. Both systems run the same set of 32-bit applications without any problem. I use the 64-bit system to build and test 64-bit applications.

My recommendation to my clients has been, if the system is capable, go 64-bit, unless there are applications or hardwares that don't work with 64-bit OS.

If you plan to upgrade memory to >= 4GB down the road, 64-bit OS will be able to recognize the additional memory right after reboot, but 32-bit OS will need to be replaced with 64-bit OS to address the full memory. With memory at $10 to $20 per GB, this is a very likely scenario.