# Should I go for 32 or 64 bit Windows?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 11, 2009, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048 "2009-08-11T11:49:18Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/1 "2009-08-11T11:49:18Z")
I’ve been running Windows 7 RC, and loving it. I’m planning on buying it, but should I get the 32 bit or 64 bit version?
I currently have the 32 bit version, and my laptop has 4gb RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo T7700.
I know that I will be able to use the full 4gb (as opposed to 3gb at the moment). But I’ve heard that some drivers and programs don’t work with 64 bit. Is that true? Are there any other advantages or disadvantages?
---
### Author:  [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/2 "2009-08-11T12:54:01Z")
For hardware, check with the various vendors. As for software, drivers come under the classification of hardware, and I’ve had no problems running my PC on 64 bit Vista with 32 bit software.
---
### Author:  [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/3 "2009-08-11T15:30:40Z")
I know nothing about it, but the computer columnist in the local commuter paper often advises to avoid the 64-bit Windows because most software isn’t written for it, so it’s more opportunities to cause system conflicts without any corresponding benefit.
–Cliffy
---
### Author:  [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/4 "2009-08-11T15:41:42Z")
One caveat with 64-bit Vista is that it drops support for 16-bit Windows applications. I suspect that you could run VirtualPC to run (in isolation) old 16-bit applications if you had to, but I haven’t tried that. (Similarly, I’m not sure if 16-bit apps will work in the new Windows 7 feature for virtualizing WinXP apps.)
As Quartz notes, there are some drivers that haven’t been provided by vendors for 64-bit Windows, but most of those are for older devices. Ironically, Microsoft do not have 64-bit drivers for their finger-print reader/wireless mouse product.
As for advantages, aside from the extra available memory (which should be selling point enough, especially with RAM hungry Vista), some things are significantly better. Virtualization (via VirtualPC or VMware) runs better, because 64-bit Intel chips have better features in that area that can’t be accessed from 32-bit software. For the most part, you’ll only see significant gains in applications that rely on operating system performance, because there aren’t a huge number of 64-bit applications out there yet. The new MS Office will apparently come in a 64-bit version, and I suspect that OpenOffice will have a 64-bit Windows version sometime soon (they already have a 64-bit Linux version).
---
### Author:  [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/5 "2009-08-11T15:56:15Z")
Yes. I’d hold off Windows 7 for 3-6 months anyway so all the problems come to light. Your RC license is good until next year anyway.
Again, I’ve yet to find any 32 bit software that doesn’t work on 64 bit Vista.
---
### Author:  [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/6 "2009-08-11T16:25:56Z")
32-bit software on 64-bit OS is a pretty easy problem to crack. The only real issue is drivers. If there are 64-bit drivers for your laptop you might as well do it now instead of later upgrading to 64-bit. I think the trouble devices nowadays are things like old USB printers and scanners from manufacturers who dont update their drivers. Currently, if I see a win7 driver, I see it in both forms, so there’s not much to worry about. Vista64 really forced manufacturers to up their game after some lackluster support for XP64.
---
### Author:  [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/7 "2009-08-11T16:50:08Z")
One other factor to consider, if you are buying the higher end version of Windows products (meaning not “home”) 64 bit is included with the retail disc.
I agree with the above, you might want to check in to your most commonly used programs to make sure there are no caompatibilty issues. I am running Vista 64 and Win 7 64 and have hit very few major issues.
---
### Author:  [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/8 "2009-08-11T16:57:21Z")
Why? Is there a “need” to go from 32- to 64-bit beyond the alleged “coolness” factor?
---
### Author:  [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/9 "2009-08-11T16:59:32Z")
I would say depending on your needs. Do you need more than 3.6GB of RAM? Are you running any large powerfull aps that would benefit from 64 bit? (SQL, etc?)
If those answers are no, then you could probably skip it.
---
### Author:  [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/10 "2009-08-11T17:02:42Z")
I’ve got a Core 2 Duo CPU with 3GB RAM on a new, but fairly middle-to-low range Dell PC. It’s running Vista 32-bit and I plan on upgrading to Windows 7. I use no special, proprietary or outdated software except for the possibility of install and old game or two when I get an itch. My MoBo only has 3 memory slots. I’m not sure I’ll ever have a need to upgrade beyond 4GM RAM on this particular machine but I suppose the option isn’t out of the question.
Is it worth it to go with the 64-bit version of Windows 7? One day I’ll probably delegate this box to a Home Theater PC running Media Center, I think Win7 32-bit with 3GB RAM seems like more than enough computer for that job. Am I wrong?
---
### Author:  [@tacoloco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tacoloco)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/11 "2009-08-11T17:03:51Z")
> [@Duckster](#):
>
> Why? Is there a “need” to go from 32- to 64-bit beyond the alleged “coolness” factor?
Now, not so much.
But as 64bit operating systems become more ubiquitous. we’re going to see a lot more applications being ported to 64bits and taking advantage of the benefits of
the 64bit environment. Stuff like native use of 64bit data paths and access to a very large memory space.
---
### Author:  [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/12 "2009-08-11T17:08:46Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Why? Is there a “need” to go from 32- to 64-bit beyond the alleged “coolness” factor?
Working with less than 4gigs of ram is extremely limiting for even todays applications when working with large data sets, manipulating large files, or gaming. For tomorrows applications is a ridiculous limit. Considering everything in your “uncool” PC right now was seen with the same skepticism, perhaps you should accept this as the normal pace of PC engineering. Afterall, would you like to have a machine without USB2 or pci? Or with much slower ram? Or with a 256 color video card?
---
### Author:  [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/13 "2009-08-11T17:23:20Z")
> [@HorseloverFat](#):
>
> Working with less than 4gigs of ram is extremely limiting for even todays applications when working with large data sets, manipulating large files, or gaming. For tomorrows applications is a ridiculous limit. Considering everything in your “uncool” PC right now was seen with the same skepticism, perhaps you should accept this as the normal pace of PC engineering. Afterall, would you like to have a machine without USB2 or pci? Or with much slower ram? Or with a 256 color video card?
Oh please. For the average home user we’re still a LONG ways away from any programs which need \>3GB of RAM. For high-end gaming, database apps and video editing fine. In what way is your typical email, web browsing, word processing and MP3 listening user going to require \>4GB of addressable RAM?
---
### Author:  [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/14 "2009-08-11T17:36:26Z")
Thank you for all your responses. I am not interested in any ‘coolness’ factor, only to have my computer running as smoothly as possible. I can use my current 32 bit system without having to worry whether any program or hardware will be compatible, and I would like to continue to do so. The only task I do which could be considered in any way labour intensive is photo editing. I don’t play any games.
As I said, I have 4gb RAM of which Windows can use 3-point-something-or-other-gb. Would the extra point-something-or-other make much difference?
---
### Author:  [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/15 "2009-08-11T17:41:27Z")
> [@Omniscient](#):
>
> Oh please. For the average home user we’re still a LONG ways away from any programs which need \>3GB of RAM. For high-end gaming, database apps and video editing fine. In what way is your typical email, web browsing, word processing and MP3 listening user going to require \>4GB of addressable RAM?
_(The above posted while I was posting)._
I have to say, I don’t feel that I’m suffering in any way. It’s just that I will be purchasing Windows 7 in the near future, and I have the choice, and I’m relying on your good selves to point me in the right direction.
---
### Author:  [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/16 "2009-08-11T17:46:55Z")
> [@](#):
>
> . For the average home user we’re still a LONG ways away from any programs which need \>3GB of RAM.
Computer architecture isnt designed for the lowest common denominator. Using your requirements you should be happy with a PII machine, yet I doubt you use one.
All these things that you take for granted you get at a very sensible price. Tomorrow grandma may buy a 64 bit win7 machine which will just as overpowered for her as her current p4 or later XP machine. So what? Arguing against being able to buy a powerful machine at low prices doesnt make an iota of sense. Fighting against progress in OS’s is just silly. Eventually all PCs will be 64 bit. This is how it starts.
---
### Author:  [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/17 "2009-08-11T17:50:39Z")
> [@Omniscient](#):
>
> Oh please. For the average home user we’re still a LONG ways away from any programs which need \>3GB of RAM. For high-end gaming, database apps and video editing fine. In what way is your typical email, web browsing, word processing and MP3 listening user going to require \>4GB of addressable RAM?
HD video playback is going to be an increasingly popular thing, as is network streaming/transcoding, and web sites are getting more and more content rich every day.
3GBs might be fine right now, but there ARE “ordinary” tasks that will require more and more RAM. I can make my 3GB Core 2 Duo system hiccup if I try to multitask a few web apps and play a video or two – I don’t think that’s particularly unusual behavior.
---
### Author:  [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/18 "2009-08-11T17:55:03Z")
It also gives you a lot more flexbility. I can minimize a game Im playing, and have firefox open with 30 tabs, winamp, etc. Developers will use the available hardware, so we’re freeing their hands for the future. Just because we’re short sighted today doesnt mean that 64 bit is something just for the “cool kids” or whatever.
---
### Author:  [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/19 "2009-08-11T17:59:12Z")
> [@NineToTheSky](#):
>
> As I said, I have 4gb RAM of which Windows can use 3-point-something-or-other-gb. Would the extra point-something-or-other make much difference?
It really does depend upon what you’re doing.
---
### Author:  [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048/20 "2009-08-11T18:48:09Z")
> [@HorseloverFat](#):
>
> Computer architecture isnt designed for the lowest common denominator. Using your requirements you should be happy with a PII machine, yet I doubt you use one.
>
> All these things that you take for granted you get at a very sensible price. Tomorrow grandma may buy a 64 bit win7 machine which will just as overpowered for her as her current p4 or later XP machine. So what? Arguing against being able to buy a powerful machine at low prices doesnt make an iota of sense. Fighting against progress in OS’s is just silly. Eventually all PCs will be 64 bit. This is how it starts.
I’m not repressing anything. Powerful machines are great. I’m just calling you out on your alarmist (and kinda silly) stance. In no way is 3GB a “ridiculous limit” on any hardware operating _right now_. Remember the question is if one should upgrade to 64-bit Win7. In a computer built 10 years from now a 3GB limit might be crippling, for any machine operating now the 3GB limit is essentially the stratosphere except for a small percentage of users.
> [@typoink](#):
>
> HD video playback is going to be an increasingly popular thing, as is network streaming/transcoding, and web sites are getting more and more content rich every day.
>
> 3GBs might be fine right now, but there ARE “ordinary” tasks that will require more and more RAM. I can make my 3GB Core 2 Duo system hiccup if I try to multitask a few web apps and play a video or two – I don’t think that’s particularly unusual behavior.
Video playback and web streaming are FAR more limited by video cards and network bandwidth. If you are experiencing hiccups it’s not because of a 3/4GB RAM limit or a 32-bit architecture, it’s because of a bottle neck elsewhere.
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-for-32-or-64-bit-windows/506048.md?page=2)