32 bit and 64 Bit OS

Hey i got the 32 bit OS in my M17 for christmas and i was wondering if it woulda made a differnce if i got the 64 bit and if theres a way i could upgrade the 32 to the 64

 

Yes difference, you can access more RAM and can run 64-bit only programs, not that there are many. You will lose compatibility with some older programs, Task Manager will show more processes running, and it requires a processor capable of 64-bit such as AMD Turion 64x2 or Intel Core 2. Apart from that, not much difference for the end user, mainly just more RAM access. But think to yourself; do you ever use more than 3/3.5 GB of RAM? If no, stick with 32-bit.

If you went with 32, you could always upgrade to 64 by ordering a $10 disc from Microsoft with your serial.

 

so your saying with my M17 even though they gave me a 32 bit OS i can still make it 64 bit in the future?

 

I don't think you can convert a 32 bit install into a 64 via some kind of upgrade, if that's what you mean. Mine came with 32 bit and I later installed 64 bit.

 

If I understand you correctly, yes.

You WILL need to reformat to accomplish the change however... There are some compatibility problems with older/badly coded programs... but there are those same problems between XP and Vista. (eg, the /documents and settings/ folder in XP is not used in Vista)...

but I digress. if you have CrossFireX graphics and 2+ GB of RAM (4 or 8), then you'll definitely want to upgrade. though Vista will REPORT 4GB of physical memory, check task manager, and it will tell you quite a different story about how much is able to be used (total physical memory on the performance tab)... It's kinda saddening to have 4GB of memory and be only able to use ~2.5GB.

I jumped to 64-bit within 6 months of having my m15x.

FYI, the M17 only has CPU options for Core 2 chips from Intel; all the Core2's are 64-bit compatible via EM64T (the Intel equivilant to the AMD64's).

Enjoy your new box. welcome to the forums and welcome to the AW family

 

where do i go exactly to see if its 32 or 64 because i was told that it was a 64 but dont think it is

 

Click "Start" -> Right Click "Computer" -> Select "Properties" -> Lists whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit on that page under "System"

 

Ok its a 32 bit is there a way to upgrade it without paying a lot?

 

Refer back to post #2.

Not worth your time unless you need access to more than ~3.25GB of RAM.
If you still insist on it, Fred2028 says it's cheap.

 

Hi
After a lot of google, i found that it's impossible to upgrade form oem Vista to retail version....

 

Retail version has nothing to do with the bits.

As fred2028 said, you can use your 32bit serial key to install 64bit Vista. You will need a cd of that version though.