Vista 64bit is it really worth the upgrade?

Hey Guys

I just got my laptop a few weeks ago and it came with a 32 bit vista O/S.

I was wondering is it worth the upgrade to 64 bit.

I was told 4gb ram will not register with 32, but it will with 64.

1. Dont know how much it costs.
2. what are the advantages
3. do you have to do a system re-start, or can you just update.

Thanks so much, pondering the thought.

 

I'd like to know as well although I already ordered my 64 bit media disk from M$ for $15 on Sat.

 

Personally...I've used both and I prefer 32Bit just because I ran into so many problems with the 64Bit but NONE at all with 32Bit.

Then again it could've been the computer but basically with 32Bit your computer will see all 4GB but utilize only 3.2GB of Ram. With the upgrade you are apparently supposed to be able to use all 4GB...But to me its not worth it because 64Bit was bug central for me.

If you live in Seattle go to Microsoft and do 30 minute study and just get Ultimate for free =P

 

When ordering a new laptop, how do you if the Vista you'll get is 32 or 64? (or, which Vistas are 32 and which are 64?)

 

See picture below

Control Panel>System And Maintenance > System

 

I don't get it. What am I missing from the pic?

 

Most dell laptops come w/ 32 bit. Unless it says it's 64, assume it's 32.

 

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

The dude asked how to tell if you have 32 or 64 so I took a screenshot of a place where you can find that out...

 

In the picture, under "system type" (located under the Vista experience rating and CPU information) it says "32-Bit Operating System".

 

Actually I was asking how to tell before ordering it. I didn't know which versions of Vista were 32 and which were 64.

 

I believe that Vista Basic is the only one NOT available in 64bit.

 

I've never run into any problems with Vista-64. I run it on both my main desktop and my XPS and haven't had any trouble at all.

As far as your question goes.. You do need to reformat and start fresh if you plan on switching. You can get just the 64-bit disk and use the same key that is used on the bottom of your machine. I don't remember exactly where you can get it from, but it is assessable from the Windows Marketplace site.

At this point in the game, there aren't many advantages of upgrading if 32-bit works for you, or if you have under 4gb of RAM.

 

Actually, Vista Basic is available in 64-bit.

Vista Starter Edition is not, but that's only sold in certain countries anyway.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx

 

I personally love 64-bit, and will never go back to 32-bit. Everything feels much snappier in 64-bit than it did in 32-bit, and I have not run into any program compatibility issues or anything, so far its been perfect.

(knock on wood)

 

So once you get the DVD, all you have to do is the use system's 32 bit activation code and it will go through?

That's nice to know if it works that way.

 

Hey

I used the link, its not available in the UK.

Really crap if you ask me.

Probably can order if you live in the US or Canada.

Oh well, will have to stay with 32bit.

 

Supposedly, you can burn your own copy of 32- or 64-bit Vista. You need your own activation code to install, of course. Here's the link:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/...able-dvd-from-microsoft-wim-with-vlite-guide/

 

Ok okay so I hear others say that 64bit is bug prone or having many issues. Please let me know.. I just installed it on my xps m1330 and it seems to be working okay. I plan to install my music software on it soon.

 

as for whether it's worth it or not, take a quick look at this page:

http://www.vistaclues.com/should-i-install-32-bit-or-64-bit-windows-vista/

sums up most of the issues, such as driver problems amongst other things, take note that the page is over a year old now, so some of it may no longer be relevant ( such as the current workarounds available for getting past the "non signed driver" issue).

pretty much the main thing to make sure of is that there are 64-bit versions of all the drivers you intend to use.

hope that helps shed a little light.

 

Nevermind....

 

Hmmm, I thought it was pretty clear. I said "When ordering a new laptop, how do you if the Vista you'll get is 32 or 64? (or, which Vistas are 32 and which are 64?)"

 

When ordering a new laptop, how do you if the Vista you'll get is 32 or 64? (or, which Vistas are 32 and which are 64?)


HOW DO YOU IF THE VISTA?

Sure its PRETTY CLEAR but you made a mistake and I made mistake so stick it

 

I am curious as to what the big issue is. We are talking laptops here which usually have a max. RAM capacity of 4GB. Windows 32-bit may only see 3.5GB of that RAM but you do realize that hardware will still utilize the remainder of the RAM. Besides, from what I've read & seen there really isn't much difference in performance when we're talking 2GB vs. 3GB vs. 4GB unless you're doing something intensive such as computer graphics (rendering) or video editing.

So I personally wouldn't get too panicky about swapping 32-bit out for 64-bit on a laptop unless you plan to go OVER 4GB of RAM and the notebook can actually go that high.

 

I've been telling my friends this every day ^^^^^

 

I think it was very clear. You just didn't realize what I was asking. No big deal.

Stick it? Really?

 

So really apart from maybe faster boot up times I would not see any diff on upgrading.

I play games on my 1530 and encoding downloading typical stuff.

If its not worth the $80.00 £40.00 for 4gb ram dont see the point really do you?

 

canada16: for what you want I'd stick with either 2GB or 3GB. RAM is cheap (from places other than Dell) so if you feel the need later you could always upgrade. The real point to this thread is the 32-bit vs. 64-bit debacle.