Vista Home Premium 32-bit to 64-bit

Is it really worth the upgrade? Aside from being able to use 4GB or ram vs 3GB? I was really upset when I found out my system is a 32-bit and it only supported 3GB

What is needed for me to upgrade to 64-bit. I have all the driver CDs that came with the 32-bit system. I did see some 64-bit drivers after looking into the files. Are those all I need? Would I have any issues with warranty? Also, do I need a new serial key/license or could I use the 32-bit that came with my system?

Thanks

 

ur drivers with the 32 bit system are essentially redundant should you want to shift. The set of drivers are different for a 64 bit system. besides you must have a processor capable of supporting a 64 bit system Am not aware if the 5850 supports a 64 bit system or not, do check up on that and yes you need a different key. the one supported by the 32 bit will not be the same for the 64 bit. as regards your warranty i think it will stay on.

 

I'm not sure how you can get a 64-bit version, I think you have to call Microsoft and request a free disk. Your 32-bit version CD key entitles you to 64-bit Vista, it just isn't included on the disk (usually). Vista Ultimate disks come with both 64-bit and 32-bit versions.

Otherwise, I really wouldn't worry about going 64-bit at this point, you can still install 4 GB into Vista 32bit and have Vista utilize a good 3.2GB hunk of it (not bad). Moving up to a 64-bit OS isn't necessarily worth it for the extra 800MB. I run 32-bit Vista on my Macbook Pro here with 4GB of RAM. I can utilize about 3.2GB of that RAM, which is fine with me. If you were going up to 6GB, then I'd see a reason to go 64-bit.

You might see a small performance gain in certain applications, but overall moving up to 64bit isn't necessary at this point, Vista doesn't need more than 2GB, 3GB gives it more than enough room to breathe, adding the extra GB gives you about 200 more Megabytes, but Vista was fine at 3GB. If you are just in it for the fun, go ahead, or if you want to help accelerate the production of 64-bit applications and overall adoption, go ahead.

 

Actually all 32-bit drivers worked for me when i upgraded to 64-bit

But that was using a different system

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I appreciate it! What is the maximum amount of RAM my system will support with Vista 64-bit. I have the T5850 Chip. If I could go more, I'd go more. I just want to use my system close to its potential.

 

You can find 64-bit drivers on dell's support website.

 

they work like a charm... been running Ultimate x64 for about 2 months, and it's great... aside from the usual problems with the touch buttons and DVD ejection...

 

Vista X64 SP 2 - Great and Fast