64bit vs 32bit

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[The Ferry Man]

Hi

I was thinking about upgrading my system to a 64bit, so I can add more RAM,

However I have been told that 64bit has lots of problems - that it doesn't accept a lot of software?

is this the case? is it worth upgrading to a 64bit system? Is the advantages of more RAM good enough....?

Many Thanks

TFM

[Sunseekeringo]

Hi Ferry man,

it´s simple...more capacity...more usage of resources...

I see no improvement on my 64 bit computer compared to my 32 bit system. The start is not faster and the games are not faster as well.

Up to now I had no problems with the games. The games of today are playable but there are some problems with older games. I am no computer expert but as an example, Age of empires 2 can be installed but has graphic problems (should be able to remove these problems as I read so far).

Lord of the Rings, battle of middleearth...is playable without problems on my computer, however, there are big problems with multiplayer with another computer who has no 64 bit. It was not possible so far (unfortunately!!!)...and that is the point where I regret it a bit the 64 bit systems...because I see no higher performance compared to my other computer (similar equipment).

Cheers
Ingo

[vin_sun]

Hello TFM,

In very basic terms, if you have 4 GB of RAM and over, you need a 64 bit system. In a 32 bit system, only about 3 GB RAM will be used regardless of the fact that the PC may have more than 3 GB RAM. Some versions of Windows 7 have both the 32 bit and 64 bit disks and you can install any one of them.

This link should answer some of your doubts:-

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

Regards
vin_sun

[IRI5HJ4CK]

Hi TFM,

I'm by no means a computer expert, but 64 bit is the future.

Although it's inevitable that the change over from 32 bit to 64 will cause some compability issues for a while, developers are turning their attention to 64 bit.

As vin_sun says though, you only need to get 64 bit if you're going over 4GB. Other than that, it's not something I would rush out to get.

Jack.

[--tractorman--]

Just wait till 128bit comes (its possible for windows 8, some say)

But its nothing to improve gameplay, just allows more memory if your CPU is up for it, which most are.

Most programs do run on 64bit, plus I have installed 32bit versions onto 64bit before. Main difference is aswell as the usual "Program Files" folder you get "Program Files (x86)" which 64bit programs tend to put themselves, which can be confusing for patches sometimes when its looking for something in "Program Files" when the program it wants is in "Program Files (x86)"

[clanky]

This explains why you can use more memory with 64 bit (http://80.95.161.114/shipsim/forum/index.php/topic,15515.msg342750/topicseen.html#msg342750)

As you can see this is a huge increase in available memory in one step so the advent of 128 bit is a long, long way off. 

If you are looking at buying a new sytem then 64 bit is the only way to go, it will not be long before some software manufacturers stop supporting 32 bit architecture, some people did have issues with 64 bit operating systems in particular in the beginning, but these have generally been ironed out now and I have had a 64 bit HP laptop for nearly 2 years now running both Win7 64bit and Fedora Linux 64 bit without any problems (or at least in the case of Linux no more problems than is normal for Linux )

[vin_sun]

Here it is from the "horse's mouth" about 32 bit systems.

Please see attachment.

[The Ferry Man]

Ahh OK

thanks for all the tips and advice guys 

[danhill]

I'm running Windows 7 64bit, and have had no compatibility issues at all.

But remember if your using a 32 bit game or application on a 64 bit system, that game/application will only still be able to use 3.5/4 GB ram.

In order to fully use your ram, you need to run a 64bit game or application on the 64 bit Windows.