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    M17 64-bit or 32-bit?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by FoxTrot1337, Dec 14, 2008.

  1. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    Hi, I'm new here so my question may seem stupid to some.

    I just bought a new M17 from Alienware with the following specs:
    Video/Graphics Card: Dual 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3870 - CrossFireX™ Enabled!
    Processor: Intel® Core™2 T9400 2.53GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
    Chassis: 17-Inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD (1200p) with Clearview Technology
    Keyboard Options: Non-Illuminated Keyboard – with Numeric Pad - No color options available
    Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista® Home Premium (32-bit Edition) with Service Pack 1
    Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Without Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner
    Memory: 4GB« Dual Channel DDR3 SO-DIMM at 1066MHz – 2 x 2048MB

    I'm just wondering whether I should have gone with the 64-bit OS. It is still in Phase 1 so I will be able to change it fairly easy.

    I will plan to use it for school-related tasks (Microsoft Office and stuff), for gaming, watching movies and listening to music, programming (Java mostly), 3D modeling (Maya, 3D Max), web browsing (Youtube, Engadget...) and video editing (Sony Vegas, After Effects...).

    -Thanks in advance!

    Edit: Moreover I want to know how many problems I could encounter if I switched to 64-bit OS.
     
    FoxTrot1337, Dec 14, 2008
    #1
  2. person135

    person135 Notebook Evangelist

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    you have 4GB of RAM, and DDR3 too, so you'd better switch if you want to use all of it.
    64 bit is the future
     
    person135, Dec 14, 2008
    #2
  3. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    32 bit will only recognise 3GB to 3.5GB of your memory. If you have 4GB, 64-bit will be able to use all 4GB of it. 64 bit also responds and works faster.

    Although, it has some (very few) compatability issues. There are only a few, but some programs/drivers wont work. But usually running as adminisrator will make it work. If you are very concerned, dual booting 32 and 64 bit is an option. It is up to you. ;)
     
    ahl395, Dec 14, 2008
    #3
  4. TurbodTalon

    TurbodTalon Notebook Virtuoso

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    I haven't had any compatibility issues, not even one. And if nothing else, you'll get to use that extra 750MB of RAM that you paid good money for, as mentioned by person135. With both of these things in mind, I'd switch if it's not too late.
     
    TurbodTalon, Dec 14, 2008
    #4
  5. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    It is still in phase 1 so hopefully it won't be much trouble. :D
     
    FoxTrot1337, Dec 15, 2008
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  6. TurbodTalon

    TurbodTalon Notebook Virtuoso

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    Good to hear. I'd call a couple of times and make sure it got changed. I hate saying it, but some Alienware reps will straight out lie to you.
     
    TurbodTalon, Dec 15, 2008
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  7. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

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    definitely go with 64bit OS. it's the future of operating systems.
     
    whizzo, Dec 15, 2008
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  8. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    Woot! My M17 has just shipped out! It's delivery estimate is Dec 23!
     
    FoxTrot1337, Dec 18, 2008
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  9. TurbodTalon

    TurbodTalon Notebook Virtuoso

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    Congratulations! Right in time for Christmas.
     
    TurbodTalon, Dec 18, 2008
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  10. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    Thanks. My Sidewinder mouse now finally has a home :)

    R.I.P. My Inspiron E1705, my first laptop :(
     
    FoxTrot1337, Dec 18, 2008
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  11. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Theres something i still dont get :p Whenever you ask someone if you should switch to the 64 bit version you always hear about ram.

    Ive got the 32bit version and so far i never managed to go above 2.5ram usage. So i doubt 64bit will see any benefit from the ram, well except if you are a graphic designer etc.

    That said, 64bit version seems to be faster in some benchmarks and slower in some others, but in overall its a bit faster than the 32bit, nothing huge though.

    Id probably wait for the sp2 to switch since even in vista 32 i had at least 5-6 compatibility issues so far, can be bother to have another 5 or so due to the 64bit compatibility :)
     
    CooLMinE, Dec 19, 2008
    #11