Vista 32 compared to 64

Are there noticeable performance gains with 64 compared to 32?
I understand that software written for 64 will benefit greatly, however, my question is more about performance of the OS in general such as;
is the wifi connection better?
do programs load faster?
etc...

64 is capable of up to 8G of ram, so I would guess that general system performance should improve if you have 4g of ram since 32 will only recognize up to 3 or 3.5G.

I work at a university and I can get the top end Vista 64 for a VERY VERY low price, but is it worth it?

 

It really depends on what you'll be doing. If you're the average internet surfer, IMer and future graphic artist, then 32 bit will be better. Some devices and drivers do not work as well with the 64 bit operating system. I'm talking from experience. There won't be any gains with 32 bit applications. 64 bit applications will run a little bit smoother. 3GB of RAM is way more than enough. I multi-task heavily and barely reach over 2GBs. I always have Firefox, AIM, Photoshop, PHPMaker and Dreamweaver open. I'm never crippled due to a lack of memory.

 

Differences between 32 bit OS platform and 64 Bit OS platform

1)Size: 32 bit is much smaller in storage size than 64 bit. This is mainly do to the fact that the 64 bit Vista includes a lot more code in the OS as well as contains a 32 bit emulator that takes a lot of files and structure from the 32 bit OS. Also, while the 32 bit emulator has worked well for me, be known that there is still a few programs/drivers that are picky and won't work even with the emulator.

2)Performance: About the same really. Just because you can have 8 GB or RAM (I do right now on my desktop) doesn't necessarily guarantee a performance gain as both other hardware will become the new "choke point" in the system (system is only as fast as its slowest component) as well as you will really never cap.

3) Security: While 64 bit OS are traditionally more secure because of the code structure as well as it has not really been used until recently, it is still a moot point considering any hacker can take half a day and compromise a 64 bit system. That's just how it is

4) WiFi: No, the wifi connection is entirely dependent on the hardware. The software side is just a GUI means to interact with the signal.

I have both 64 bit Home Premium and 32 bit Vista Ultimate and I would rather run 4 GB of ram on a 32 bit system than the 8 GB on 64 bit just to let you know.

BBGus

 

Good to know thanks!

 

Programs that are 64bit will run faster in Vista 64bit. Performance depends on what you mean. 64bit will allow you to address more physical memory which could allow you to run more programs simultaneously by avoiding the use of the hard disk as virtual memory. Thus, performance means that you're machine wont' slow down. If you mean that things will run twice the speed, that is not going to be the case.

 

For me 64 bit Crysis had a better fps than the 32 bit one.

 

Good info. Thanks to all.

 

Definitely some good info here. I'm in the same boat as not clear of what to get. So, with the 32 bit, you are able to run most of your application and software with no problem comparing to the 64 bit, right?

 

If your CPU is 64-bit then using a 64 bit OS should be faster than using a 32-bit version.
Most vendors however have only now started releasing 64-bit drivers (which maybe why no one wanted to move on to the 64 bit versions initially). Now as vendors are releasing 64-bit drivers, I think its better to move on 64-bit Vista (depending on availability of the drivers for your config and if the programs you use are available in 64 bit versions).

 

So, if I'm in the process of buying a HDX laptop, should I go ahead and get the 64 bit version?

 

Get 'em both.

The 64 bit version ships only with Vista Ultimate (along with the 32 bit version) for all others you need to request for the 64 bit version separately (pay shipping charges only).

 

Are you sure the 64 bit version ships only with Vista Ultimate? How come when choosing the operating system, it gives me an option of choosing 32 bit or 64 bit and if I want the ultimate, then I have to pay an extra $99.

 

Yes checked with M$. BTW I am talking about when buying from M$ (not sure about OEM).

 

If the price difference is minimal,do get it.

 

Get um all, and run them at the same time.

I use VMWorkstation, and run multiple copies of Windows and Linux at the same time.

Joe