32 bit, 64 bit?

Skybird · 02-06-10, 09:50 AM

Dumb question: what kind of systems need/can take benefits from a 64 Bit version of Windows 7? Is it certain CPUs? Or mainboards?

Arclight · 02-06-10, 11:04 AM

CPU with x64 architecture. Not even sure they still sell hardware that doesn't support 64-bit; the thing you need to be sure about is that you have a 64-bit OS.

Skybird · 02-06-10, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arclight

CPU with x64 architecture. Not even sure they still sell hardware that doesn't support 64-bit; the thing you need to be sure about is that you have a 64-bit OS.

Another dumb question: and what hardware is that? What kind or processors? Must HD and memory also be changed if going 32 or 64 bit?

I mean if I would go to a store today and start putting together components for a system, how do I know whether the things I pick up is 64 or 32 bit? I read adverts and sales offers, but the bit version never is mentioned.

Arclight · 02-06-10, 05:47 PM

I think it's never mentioned because it's there by default.

Make sure you have CPU that can process 64-bit (x64 supported/architecture) and get 64-bit OS, that's it.

No special memory or boards. If you buy a modern system, it's there. I never gave it a thought when I bought my PC over 2 years ago, and I'm happily running 64-bit OS.

Skybird · 02-06-10, 06:04 PM

Why are 32 bit versions for Home Premium and Professional offered, then?

And the XP compatability mode, it sometimes get listed as a feature of Pro, but not Home Premium. Is that feature just an increase of chances that old XP software (sims) will run on it, or is it a separate XP emulator? Do I need Pro to make surte that older things like FS9 and SBP run under W7?

Arclight · 02-06-10, 06:20 PM

Why they still sell 32-bit OS is a good question, but matter of fact is there are still people on older systems that can't run 64-bit OS. After taking a lot of heat over Vista, last thing Msoft needs is more flak from forcing people to move to 64-bit. Perhaps 32-bit OS is also (marginally) cheaper, making it a more cost-effective option for lower-end pre-built systems that come with OEM edition. Conversely, it makes it possible to charge extra for equiping such machines with a 64-bit OS.

There are definitely programs that won't run in 32-b "emulation" on a 64-b platform, but I can't give any examples because I never came across any. Everything I use works fine.

XP-mode is nothing more than a Virtual Machine pre-installed with XP; I have it, but never used it. Again, I'm sure there are programs that won't run in Vista/Win7 (it's more likely it won't run on Vista than Win7), but everything so far works fine for me. Seems (imo) like a marketing move to take away any concerns people might have about "upgrading" (keep in mind trust was damaged by Vista), or a feature to entice people to purchase a more expensive edition.

Though I should note I don't use "specialist" stuff; fairly average user.

You can forget about gaming on XP-mode btw; hardware is simulated: your actual graphics card does not get used for anything executed within the VM.

Skybird · 02-06-10, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arclight

Make sure you have CPU that can process 64-bit (x64 supported/architecture)

Which are these? It never gets listed. I consider an Dual Core i5 with something at 3 or more GHz, to make sure that software using just one core will at least run as fast as on my current single core 3 GHz. Quad Core at 2.6 GHz will not do me much good, if only one core is used.

02-06-10, 09:50 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 40,633 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	32 bit, 64 bit? Dumb question: what kind of systems need/can take benefits from a 64 Bit version of Windows 7? Is it certain CPUs? Or mainboards? __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

02-06-10, 11:04 AM	#2
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	CPU with x64 architecture. Not even sure they still sell hardware that doesn't support 64-bit; the thing you need to be sure about is that you have a 64-bit OS. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

02-06-10, 05:47 PM	#4
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	I think it's never mentioned because it's there by default. Make sure you have CPU that can process 64-bit (x64 supported/architecture) and get 64-bit OS, that's it. No special memory or boards. If you buy a modern system, it's there. I never gave it a thought when I bought my PC over 2 years ago, and I'm happily running 64-bit OS. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

02-06-10, 06:04 PM	#5
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 40,633 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	Why are 32 bit versions for Home Premium and Professional offered, then? And the XP compatability mode, it sometimes get listed as a feature of Pro, but not Home Premium. Is that feature just an increase of chances that old XP software (sims) will run on it, or is it a separate XP emulator? Do I need Pro to make surte that older things like FS9 and SBP run under W7? __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

02-06-10, 06:20 PM	#6
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	Why they still sell 32-bit OS is a good question, but matter of fact is there are still people on older systems that can't run 64-bit OS. After taking a lot of heat over Vista, last thing Msoft needs is more flak from forcing people to move to 64-bit. Perhaps 32-bit OS is also (marginally) cheaper, making it a more cost-effective option for lower-end pre-built systems that come with OEM edition. Conversely, it makes it possible to charge extra for equiping such machines with a 64-bit OS. There are definitely programs that won't run in 32-b "emulation" on a 64-b platform, but I can't give any examples because I never came across any. Everything I use works fine. XP-mode is nothing more than a Virtual Machine pre-installed with XP; I have it, but never used it. Again, I'm sure there are programs that won't run in Vista/Win7 (it's more likely it won't run on Vista than Win7), but everything so far works fine for me. Seems (imo) like a marketing move to take away any concerns people might have about "upgrading" (keep in mind trust was damaged by Vista), or a feature to entice people to purchase a more expensive edition. Though I should note I don't use "specialist" stuff; fairly average user. You can forget about gaming on XP-mode btw; hardware is simulated: your actual graphics card does not get used for anything executed within the VM. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia. Last edited by Arclight; 02-06-10 at 06:32 PM.