64-Bit

[Peerzy]

I have a 64bit processor and reently noticed the copy of Windows Vista that came with the laptop is the 32-Bit version

Would I get a big (noticable) speed difference by installing a 64-Bit version?

One thing this would mean however is formatting a legit version of Vista 32-Bit and installing a pirate 64-Bit edition.

Ta

[clocker]

You probably wouldn't notice any difference except it's harder to find drivers for the 64-bit version.

[lynx]

You probably wouldn't notice any difference except it's harder to find drivers for the 64-bit version.

I haven't had any problems with drivers, though I admit I haven't noticed a performance benefit.

However, I suspect that the lack of performance improvement is more related to the software available than anything else.

[j2k4]

You probably wouldn't notice any difference except it's harder to find drivers for the 64-bit version.

I haven't had any problems with drivers, though I admit I haven't noticed a performance benefit.

However, I suspect that the lack of performance improvement is more related to the software available than anything else.

So then, the question I put to you two wizards is as follows:

Why the reticence of the industry to start pounding on the lack of 64-bit development while continuing to dangle it's promise like a nicely kippered herring?

Clocker-

I have the x2 processor.

My nerve is dwindling.

Shit.

[kaiweiler]

I'm in this same dilemma.
I have a 64bit CPU, and am looking to upgrade to vista fairly soon.
I was originally thinking of going the 64bit (OS) route, just to save me from having to upgrade again in a couple of months once the software catches up.
But I am unsure of the inconvenience, if any, of the 64 bit OS today.

[j2k4]

I was originally thinking of going the 64bit (OS) route, just to save me from having to upgrade again in a couple of months once the software catches up.

But that is my question-

You say, "in a couple of months once the software catches up"...Hell, 64-bit XP is several years old, now.

How many "months" do they need, ffs.

[lynx]

There's actually quite a lot of 64-bit software around, the main problem seems to be that too few suppliers want to really push the 64-bit versions.

It doesn't help when the 64-bit versions want to install into the "Program Files (32-bit)" folder, though I can't really see the point of having 2 folders in the first place.

That said, 32-bit versions of the software will run quite happily on a 64-bit OS (just as long as you don't need them to access memory above the 4GB boundary) so that's really no reason to hold back from installing 64-bit versions of the OS.

[j2k4]

There's actually quite a lot of 64-bit software around, the main problem seems to be that too few suppliers want to really push the 64-bit versions.

It doesn't help when the 64-bit versions want to install into the "Program Files (32-bit)" folder, though I can't really see the point of having 2 folders in the first place.

That said, 32-bit versions of the software will run quite happily on a 64-bit OS (just as long as you don't need them to access memory above the 4GB boundary) so that's really no reason to hold back from installing 64-bit versions of the OS.

Yeah, it seemed to me we'd gotten to a comfort zone as to driver/program compatibility, but none of it really takes advantage of 64-bit, as you've noted.

Next time I need to lay hands on an OS (XP or Vista), it'll be 64-bit, no matter what.

[dotcomsimon]

I also have the x2 processor, I have a program running called everest which keeps tabs on temp and clock speeds for me, every now and again it tells me that im running 32bit vista and to get a better performance i should upgrade to 64bit, Cant really see how much better the performance will be I already have 4gb RAM so I'm going to stay as I am for now, be interesting to find out how much difference the change will make though - have to be a pirate copy though too LOL

[clocker]

im running 32bit vista...I already have 4gb RAM

How much RAM can 32-bit Vista actually see...3.12GB.
Limited just like XP was/is.