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    Vista 32 vs 64 bit Choice

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ncwitz, Jun 4, 2008.

  1. ncwitz

    ncwitz Newbie

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    Is there a "general" consensus on going with Vista Business 32 vs 64 bit operating systems?

    From searching, I know there is/were issues with obtaining 64 bit drivers for some hardware. Is this still a problem? From reading, I believe any of the 32 bit programs run fine... it's just the "old" 16 bit that won't run.

    Basically, any reason not to run Vista Business 64? Thanks!

    My planned system base system:
    T61
    T9300 processor
    15.4 screen
    2 MB RAM
    NVIDIA discrete graphics
    160 GB 5400 rpm drive
     
    ncwitz, Jun 4, 2008
    #1
  2. ssnseawolf

    ssnseawolf Notebook Consultant

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    The launch issues with drivers are largely resolved. You'd be hard pressed to find a device in wide release that does not have a x64 compatible driver.

    Most 32-bit programs will run fine out of the box, however some will require you run them under compatibility mode.

    I would say there is no reason to get Vista Business x64.
     
    ssnseawolf, Jun 4, 2008
    #2
  3. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The only reason not to go x64 would be if you have driver compatibility issues and/or program issues. You know your hardware, and your software...chances are all your programs (except for maybe AV) will work. Check to see if all your peripherals have x64 drivers available.
     
    Greg, Jun 4, 2008
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  4. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    For your laptop all devices will have a 64 bit compatible driver.

    However unless you upgrade to 4GB of memory either from lenovo or after market I would stay with 32bit.

    With 2GB of ram and Vista x64, you will get few benefits from 64bit and all of the negative compatibility issues from software that might arise. A 64bit memory address is much larger then a 32bit memory address. This means each 64bit address itself takes up more memory then a 32bit address. So you will have less free memory with a 64bit os vs a 32bit os. This isn't a big deal though if you had 4GB+ of ram because you'd be able to have an extra ~1GB of memory over using a 32bit OS with 4GB of ram. (32bit = 4GB of total memory addressing, on my T61p w/4GB of ram I end up with exactly 3GB in Vista 32)

    For my use the only issue I still have with x64 is my VPN software still doesn't have a 32bit driver. I have to use a Virtual machine to connect to work.
     
    MaxGeek, Jun 4, 2008
    #4