X60 with 4GB / Which one Vista x64 or Vista x32?

[m509272]

I have an X60 with 4GB memory. I have a choice, which one should I install Vista x64 or Vista x32? Assume any Vista version since I have TechNet. I can also do multiple boot or even virtual installs with XP Pro.

[Marin85]

No matter which OS you will install, your X60 cannot utilize more than 3 GB of RAM due to a hardware limitation.

[sportfreak]

hey marin..u just beat me to that reply..matter of seconds!!

[Marin85]

hey marin..u just beat me to that reply..matter of seconds!!

No, for the record I have been actually ready with my reply for some time, but wanted to wait until someone jumps in and starts writing, and then post my reply just before he has finished his, because I´m so mean and cruel Joke aside, this happens to me all the time. If you just knew how many nice replies I had given up because of this...

Back on topic:
@OP: You may also want to search our forum a bit on the Vista x64 subject. You may find a few good threads on this topic. Despite the fact that the choice of OS architecture doesn´t make a difference to the amount of utilizable RAM in your situation, you may find other benefits in using 64bit OS.

[m509272]

Actually I read the memory usage/hardware limitation threads BEFORE I even posted this so I had the memory answer first This is/was a question regarding the OS choice. e.g. are there some performance benefits running x64 REGARDLESS of the fact that 4GB is not being fully utilized vs there might be driver issues where maybe the function keys are supported, etc. I'll go hunting. Just thought someone might have done it and can quickly summarize either way.

[Marin85]

Ah, ok, I see now your point, you should have said so from the very beginning on

You shouldn´t have any problems installing all drivers needed. I was actually about to state that in Vista 32 bit your apps will be limited to 2 GB of RAM usage, but this is not the case as Vista 32 bit comes with DEP enabled by default and hence, according to M$, it should have PAE enabled by default as well. So, such a limitation doesn´t apply.

If you happen to have native x64 apps, you will, with high probability, see performance gain in Vista x64 over Vista 32 bit. There are some other, rather theoretical advantages of Vista x64 in general like being more stable and less vulnerable to malware. Also, some 32bit apps may have compatibility issues with Vista x64 even though they are not supposed to. And last but not least, your 16 bit apps from the windows 95 era won´t work under Vista x64


Marin

[m509272]

Ok, that's what I was looking for. I'll probably do a dual or triple boot and toss away the Vistas if they are really annoying. My tech net expires next week so I need to act quickly.

[Marin85]

Glad to be of help

(Just download everything possible )

Cheers,

Marin