Vista 64bit gaming performance vs. 32 bit

Does anyone have any experience/opinions about 64bit Vista and gaming? How does performance compare? And if it is better, is it worth the extra stress regarding compatibility, drivers etc?

I am buying a new laptop and was wondering whether the time is ripe to shift to a 64bit operating system...(or at least riper than it was last time around?!)

(sorry if you feel this should be in the Windows OS section...but i wanted a more gaming oriented discussion so posted here!)

 

64Bit is the future,but lack of good drivers hurt gaming performance

 

No big difference either way. Performance is in *most* cases the same. In some situations you might be better off with the 64-bit version. (It's better at dealing with memory-intensive games, and might save you a few crashes)

On the other hand, the 32-bit version is still a bit better supported with drivers, firewalls and antivirus and such, but you're unlikely to run into big problems either way.

However, since you're buying a laptop, you could just check if the manufacturer supports 64-bit. If they do, it's probably a safe bet that drivers won't be a problem.

Huh? What do you base that on?

 

I have 64Bit Vista HP desktop computer with 8800GTS (640) & games crash without any notice + BSODs when playing games

NFS-MW /STALKER/SCDA all fail due to driver issues

 

The manufacturer of the laptop? If you mean that I doubt that would be a problem...I was more concerned with whether or not I would be getting a ready supply of 64bit Nvidia drivers for my 8600GT, should I get that lappy...

What would you do if you could get for the same price either Vista ultimate 32 bit or 64 bit version installed on your new laptop? or XP lol?

 

I found they are about the same give or take depending on the game. However x86 was more stable, big games like bf2142 didnt play right on x64 and would crash often but never on x86 always on x64.

x64 is the future so thats why I tried it out, but its not now for sure. Even x64 programs I have benchmarked perform better in x86 mode, same for games.

I still use x64 for my desktop as my main OS but on my notebook I use x86.

The big reason for that is I have a AMD Opteron in my desktop and they have more power in 64bit mode than Intel does and also just because I never got around to installing x86

 

Like others have said 64-bit is the future. 64-bit will also be able to use 4GB and above for memory which can be of real benefit in gaming. Both drivers and games are getting better at running on 64-bit OSs. What system are you thinking about getting, and what games are you thinking about playing on it? If you list that information it will be easier to advise you, as both of those may effect how well 64-bit would work for you.

 

ok thanks. I think I will stick with 32 bit then. Unless the support for increased RAM (>3.5GB) would be seen as a good reason down the line? Is it likely that in 2/3 years a game will play better on a 8600GT with 4GB ram vs. 2GB?? I somehow doubt it...

whoops...Avid Gamer posted whilst i was typing this so didn't see his reply.

I am looking at spending about £1K on a 15.4 inch laptop with good gaming capability. I was until recently definitely going to get one from PC specialist who seemed until recently way ahead of the competition price wise but I am now having a rethink as dell looks quite attractive at the moment.

Basically I want at least T7500, 250GB HDD, 8600GT or better (perhaps 2600XT??), 2GB/3GB RAM...and I need vista ultimate for my college network.

 

Everyone said x64 is better...well almost everyone. I don't see a reason why a person with a new laptop shouldn't use it.

 

really? I kinda need to see a few more people back that up before I commit to x64! So you you think vista ultimate x64 for £120 is worth it?

 

I'm not saying that Vista Ultimate worths it's money, all I'm saying is that x64 is on par/better than x86 in terms of gaming.
There is also Home Premium to consider, instead of Ultimate. It also comes in a x64 variant.

 

unfortunately I have to get business or ultimate as I need their networking features...apparently!

 

Why not get 64 bit, you can run any game in 32 bit mode in vista on a 64bit OS anyway... The only thing that's actually required to be 64 bit are your main drivers, video, sound, wifi etc...

 

Keep in mind that the Vista license covers both 32 and 64bit versions, so it's not a huge deal to switch from one to the other.

 

Also the OEM versions??
The retail version yes but OEM? I don't think so...
I was asking that question like a moth ago and most people say that retail version covers 32 AND 64 bit but OEM doesn't...

 

I prefer 64bit... I'm pretty sure OEM only includes one or the other too.

 

The OEM too sgtmatt1. You can do that with the OEM version, but you'll have to buy a Anytime Upgrade disc.

 

So with the vista key on the button of my laptop (32 bit key) i can install vista 64 bit??

 

Correct, to be more specific use Orev's ABR util which basically saves your activation cert and key to a flash drive ( only for factory installed Vista) . The procedure is outlined in this thread. Even tho its thinkpad specific, it works for any notebook, just pay attention to step 3 onwards.

edit: the key on the notebook's sticker would not work for ABR. Sorry if I misread your question but if your current OS is still factory install then it'll work with anytime upgrade and ABR. If not then you'll have to manually enter the key during install and activate.

 

Oh, don't know about OEM.

 

Yes, I know that it works on OEM too.