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    64-Bit Concerns

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Badjer, Jul 21, 2007.

  1. Badjer

    Badjer Notebook Guru

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    Hey, I've recently ordered a notebook, along with copies of Vista Home Premium 32 and 64-bit. I've heard that 64-bit operating software isn't compatible with much software right now, but I've also heard that 32-bit software is supposed to be backward compatible with a 64-bit OS.

    How much software (namely games) is compatible with 64-bit Vista?
     
  2. Joga

    Joga Notebook Evangelist

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    You'll be able to play pretty much any game on 64-bit Vista. A lot of 64-bit compatibility problems are overblown. As long as you have 64-bit drivers for your hardware (and since you have a laptop with all the hardware pre-installed, that shouldn't be a problem), then pretty much any game will work just fine.
     
  3. osso002

    osso002 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ya, as long as you get WHQL certified drivers, 64bit vista won't whine. There is always a 32bit compatibility function. The only thing you'll miss is the programs that run in 16bit only as that's no longer supported. But those are very old programs anyway..
     
  4. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    32 bit programs aren't backwards compatible with 64 bit operating systems. other way around.

    i know some games (ut3) aren't going to have 64 bit support, at least not initially. whether or not they will work is anyone's guess. they most likely will in 32 bit compatibility mode at least.
     
  5. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have never had problems running 32bit software on a machine using a 64bit architecture. 64bit CPUs are compatible with 32bit and lower programs. It just means that those programs won't be able to benefit from the more superior architecture.
     
  6. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    there you have it. 32 bit games should run.
     
  7. Vagabondllama

    Vagabondllama Notebook Consultant

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    Good to know...yeah, everyone talks about driver issues, but I guess if you're getting a new computer that comes with drivers it becomes a nonissue. Though, simply upgrading to Vista would be a huge pain.
     
  8. osso002

    osso002 Notebook Evangelist

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    Nope... Just pop in the cd and do a fresh format...
     
  9. Ethyriel

    Ethyriel Notebook Deity

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    I've been having some rather serious issues with Gothic 3 and STALKER. I'm going to install either a 32bit Vista or XP along side sometime in the next week to get to the bottom of the problems. My suspicion is immature drivers for my 7950GTX.