dave_the_scot Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Hi I have always used the 32bit versions of Windows and now that Windows 7 is almost upon us, I' ve been using 32bitversions of the beta releases but, I've also noticed that in this forum, many users have downloaded the 64bit and seem very happy with it. I will be downloading the official Win7 RC32bit on Tuesday 5th May (if I can get a connection to the M$ servers), but can anyone tell me what the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Win7 RC 64bit over the 32bit version? With win 7 RC veing available on 5th May, now is the time when I can try out both the 64bit and 32bit versions free of charge, sp your input would be very helpful, I'm thinking of things like hardware, app and compatibility support and, obviously, your feedback will have a bearing on what version of windows 7 I buy when it is eventually in the stores. Regards Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocture Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 i'd say, these days, if you have a 64-bit processor you might as well just go for it. I've been running 64 bit vista for 2 years now and i've not had any problems at all. Compatibility is not an issue anymore, at least I haven't run into any drivers that were not released in a 64 bit version. I think the main advantage is that it allows you to use 4 GB ram or more (although i heard they hacked Windows 7 32 bit to support 4 GB ram, but not more), and some speed improvements overall on general use. However, software applications are beginning to be released in 64 bit versions as well which should prove to be faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ci7 Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I think the main advantage is that it allows you to use 4 GB ram or more (although i heard they hacked Windows 7 32 bit to support 4 GB ram, but not more), and some speed improvements overall on general use. However, software applications are beginning to be released in 64 bit versions as well which should prove to be faster. nope , it is Physhical memory address which 32bit has always supported 4GB of physhical address Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ambroos Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I've tried both (of build 7100) and for me, even on 2GB RAM the 64bit proved faster and more reliable than the 32bit did. It's definately worth a shot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocture Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 nope , it is Physhical memory address which 32bit has always supported 4GB of physhical address I see, for what reason did XP and Vista 32 bit only support 3,2 GB of 4 GB then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbfc_uk Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I've tried both (of build 7100) and for me, even on 2GB RAM the 64bit proved faster and more reliable than the 32bit did. It's definately worth a shot! I had the 32-bit version of Build 7000, then the x64 versions of Builds 7068 and 7077, now I have 7100 x64 installed and still no problems, and this is the first time i've used a 64-bit OS. I find it blazing fast, and I too only have 2GB of RAM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vice Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I see, for what reason did XP and Vista 32 bit only support 3,2 GB of 4 GB then? They always supported up to 4GB of Address Space. That includes the physical memory of all devices inside the computer, It is the same with Vista 32-bit and I believe Windows 7 has not changed that. There is a thing called PAE which would allow the addressing of more then 4GB but it is rarely utilised by Microsoft in extending the Memory limitations of the 32-bit OS's it is however used for DEP. (Data Execution Prevention). To the original poster: Go 64-bit! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84Mark Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 There really isn't much point in running a 32bit OS if you can go with 64bit - compatibility isn't really an issue anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devHead Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I've tried both (of build 7100) and for me, even on 2GB RAM the 64bit proved faster and more reliable than the 32bit did. It's definately worth a shot! I've had the same experience. I've run Vista x64 from the beginning and with what would be considered a pretty old CPU (Athlon X64 1.8 GHz, single core) and only 2 GB of memory, and find that the 64-bit version seems somewhat more responsive, especially starting times for many programs. In Windows 7, with the 32-bit oddly enough I had some BSODs when playing some videos, but the 64-bit has been rock solid stable. No matter what, if you have a 64-bit CPU, there's no reason not to switch to Windows 7 x64 (or Vista for that matter.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_the_scot Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Hi Many thank to all who have taken the time to respond to my request for info on Windows 7 32bit/64bit. I must say that the support for 64bit over 32bit seems to be conclusive and this gives me great encouragement to download the 64bit version but, the only problem is that I'm not sure if my notebook will support and run Windows 7 64bit. My notebook is the Toshiba P200-17C (Part Number : PSPB6E-03G02TEN) and has the Intel? Core?2 Duo Processor T5450 Centrino and according to the 'spec' the CPU supports Intel 64 Architecture but also states the following: "64-bit computing on Intel? architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel? 64 architecture". "Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS". "Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations". The full 'spec' for the notebook can be seen here: http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/inn...&service=UK I would like to try the 64bit version but before I d/l it, I need to know if my P200 will support and run it, so any help/advice would be greatly appreciate:) :) Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneKnee Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Yes, because you are so cool calling Microsoft "M$". Any ways, like it has been stated above. 32bit can support 4GB's Physical Memory (Not just RAM), this also includes Page file and even GPU memory. 64bit is definitely the way to go, the driver support is nearly onpar with 32bit. Hope this helps you out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGHammer Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Yes, because you are so cool calling Microsoft "M$".Any ways, like it has been stated above. 32bit can support 4GB's Physical Memory (Not just RAM), this also includes Page file and even GPU memory. 64bit is definitely the way to go, the driver support is nearly onpar with 32bit. Hope this helps you out. The real issue with 64-bit with Windows 7 will be *older hardware* (as opposed to RAM or applications). Unlike Vista64 (or XP64 for that matter) Windows 7 RC in 64-bit trim is MUCH snappier in low-RAM (2GB or less) conditions. (I'm not talking out of my hat; I have been running Windows 7 and Vista in 64-bit side-by-side until last night; Vista got ejected and I'm running 7 RC 64-bit as sole OS. This is on an ASUS P5N-EM with a Celeron DC E1200 with but a single 1 GB Corsair XMS2 RAM stick.) XP64 performed okay but Vista64 was better; however 7 RC 64-bit eats their lunches. I had been recommending 64-bit regardless with Vista (if you have the hardware/application support); Windows 7 drives the point home with a jackhammer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84Mark Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I would like to try the 64bit version but before I d/l it, I need to know if my P200 will support and run it, so any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. :) Regards According to http://www.intel.com/products/processor_nu...rt/core2duo.htm the T5450 is 64bit so you will be able to install the Windows 7 x64 version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_the_scot Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 Hi After reading the replies of all those who took the time to respond, it seems that my P200 will run Windows 7 RC 64bit OS but, as stated in the extract from the Intel website: "64-bit computing on Intel? architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel? 64 architecture". &quoProcessors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enableBIOSu>". "Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations". The BIOS installed atm is a 32bit BIOS and the Toshiba website has both 32bit and 64bit BIOS'es for this notebook, so do I need to flash my BIOS with the 64bit BIOS before installing Windows 7 RC 64bit, or can I install the 64bit OS under the 32bit BIOS and then flash with the 64bit after installation? The highlighted text above is confusing as it seems to suggest that both 32bit and 64bit processors will operate with an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS? Regards Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludexiz Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 is there a such thing as 64-bit specific hardware? (64-bit video cards, sound cards, network cards etc...) or is it all in the drivers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Canadian Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 is there a such thing as 64-bit specific hardware? (64-bit video cards, sound cards, network cards etc...) or is it all in the drivers? It's all in the drivers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirtuin Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 For me the only bad thing in 64 bit Windows 7 is the forced digital signature check in all drivers. It isn't a problem if you have new and common hardware but I have to disable the check every time I want to use my Xbox controller or transfer media from Topfield DVB-recorder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaidgs Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 "64-bit computing on Intel? architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel? 64 architecture". &quoProcessors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enableBIOSu>"."Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations". You remind me of myself a year ago when I wanted to switch to 64-bit OS. I had the same concerns, I even quoted those exact quotes. I never had any problems when I upgraded. It went smoothly. Any computer with a core2 processor most likely has a 64-bit compatible motherboard and BIOS. Usually laptops are a bit more quirky than desktop, and you might have some trouble finding drivers. However, generally, if 32-bit vista includes built-in drivers, then most probably the 64-bit version also has drivers for that device. So you only need to look for equivalent drivers for those you installed manually. Besides, since trying the windows 7 RC is free of charge, you have nothing to lost, just download and install, and see how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xanathar Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 They always supported up to 4GB of Address Space. On a 32 bit Windows OS, the upper 2GB area of an address space is always used by the kernel (well, you can use the /3GB boot switch to enforce a 3GB user / 1GB kernel mode, but it is not recommended and is only supported by some programs, for example the mssql server). On the other side, all your 4GB memory can be utilized, but a single program is always limited to 2GB. For me the only bad thing in 64 bit Windows 7 is the forced digital signature check in all drivers. You can create a test signature and sign the drivers after you enable the test signature mode with this: bcdedit.exe /set TESTSIGNING ON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_the_scot Posted May 5, 2009 Author Share Posted May 5, 2009 Hi all Many thanks to everyone who replied to my post regarding Windows 7 RC 32bit or 64bit (especially zaidgs, who has been in my position). Well I've got the official Microsoft 64bit version of Windows 7 RC and before giving it a go, I'd like to know if any user's who have installed previous builds of Windows 7 64bit and intend to install the 64bit RC, did so with a 32bit BIOS installed, and did they encounter any problems? Toshiba provide both a 32bit and 64bit enabled BIOS's for their computers (do all manufacturer's?), so prior to installing a 64bit system, is it essential to flash your system BIOS with a 64bit enabled BIOS, or will a 64bit OS work just as well with a 32bit BIOS? Regards Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xanathar Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Toshiba provide both a 32bit and 64bit enabled BIOS's for their computers (do all manufacturer's?), so prior to installing a 64bit system, is it essential to flash your system BIOS with a 64bit enabled BIOS, or will a 64bit OS work just as well with a 32bit BIOS? Correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't think that the BIOS' are 32bit or 64bit. It should be the BIOS update tool which is different, you use the 64bit installer on x64 and the 32 bit on x86. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I am curious to find out what it's like to use a 64 bit os full time. I can imagine it'll be smooth. I'm in the process of getting a new pc, although I think I'll wait to after July 1st so I can get a voucher to get Windows 7 for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Canadian Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I am curious to find out what it's like to use a 64 bit os full time. I can imagine it'll be smooth. I'm in the process of getting a new pc, although I think I'll wait to after July 1st so I can get a voucher to get Windows 7 for free. I use Vista x64 all the time -- except right now because I cannot boot back into it as Win7 killed my bootloader -- but it is nice, fast, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 I use Vista x64 all the time -- except right now because I cannot boot back into it as Win7 killed my bootloader -- but it is nice, fast, etc. Nice. I am not going to touch Windows 7 Until I get a new pc. I'll stick to XP until I buy a new PC, it will come with vista though, but the PC i want I am sure I'll have no slow down, then free upgrade to 7 woo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_the_scot Posted May 5, 2009 Author Share Posted May 5, 2009 Correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't think that the BIOS' are 32bit or 64bit. It should be the BIOS update tool which is different, you use the 64bit installer on x64 and the 32 bit on x86. Hi 'xanathar' With reference to the BIOS' being 32bit or 64bit, I'm not really sure if they or not and, perhaps it is the BIOS update tool? All I know is that Toshiba have BIOS downloads for both 32bit and 64bit (Toshiba URL below): http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/inn...arch&page=1 Inside the file there is a setup.exe and a ROM file. I'm still not clear if I need to flash my BIOS from a 32bit to a 64bit before installing Windows 7 RC 64bit? Or can I install Windows 7 64bit under the 32bit BIOS? Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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