Vista Ultimate 32bit vs 64bit for t61 ?

The title pretty much says it all.........Which version do you think would run better and with less hassles on T61 ? I ordered the T61 with Vista basic as I already have a license for Vista Ultimate

Any explanation is really appreciated.

 

I repartitioned my T61 as soon as I received it 7 days ago and installed Ultimate 64-bit. I have had absolutely no problems at all and everything is working very well. I've been stressing the machine pretty hard as well. I'm very inpressed with my T61's performance.

 

64-bit is not necessary unless you are working with huge amounts of RAM and storage space. There are not as many drivers available either.

Some have noticed a slight performance DROP since many of their apps are 32-bit (must be "emulated", so to speak).


Avoid 64-bit for now.

 

I disagree...Lenovo have 64 bit drivers for all of the devices in the laptop available on their website.

Additionally, running 32bit apps on a 64bit OS doesn't make a difference to the application performance at all. I have no native 64bit apps installed and I still think performance is really snappy.

 

Did you just say snappy? That's me!

I'm also considering reformatting my T60p for the 64-bit version. Maybe more memory will be available this way and boot time will decrease. So, will boot time speed up under 64-bit Vista?

 

Booting up is mainly driver loading...so 32bit vs 64bit won't make much difference. What will make the biggest difference is the speed of your hard disk.

 

So is there any performance increase when you run the 64 bit version? Even though most of your apps are 32 bit?

 

It might be a good idea to do some benchmarks before you upgrade to 64bit, just to see if theres any performance different running 32bit apps on the 64bit Vista.

Heres a article with some benchmarks of 64bit version of XP Pro

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-64bit.html

Theres some mixed results, I'm not exactly sure what apps are native 64bit and which are native 32bit installed on the 64bit os, so there might be performance differences.

 

XP 64-bit is probably not the best comparison. Despite Vista's shortcomings, I've heard much better things about Vista 64 over XP 64.

As far as Vista 64 and Vista 32 goes, I would have answered "it doesn't matter" if I had that option in the poll. But, I picked Vista 64 because so far everyone that I've heard that did a clean install with 64-bit Vista is having no problems. A clean install with 32-bit seems to be taking care of BSODs most of the time, but not all. (Granted the 32-bit owners outweigh the 64-bit ownser so more potential for problems to be seen in the larger group)

Also, people keep talking about driver support. All of the hardware in the Thinkpad has drivers for 64-bit. So the laptop should run just as good as the 32-bit laptop.

The drivers that you might not be able to find for your laptop are for peripherals (printer, scanners, and such). If you want to try out 64-bit Vista, do your homework. Do you know what peripherals you are going to use? Are there drivers available? If you can answer those two questions "Yes" then go for it.

 

It's the digital signing of the drivers that is making Vista 64bit as stable as it is. 64bit Vista will not work with unsugned drivers...hence non WHQL drivers cannot be loaded on bootup. 32bit Vista will install these untested drivers and may cause more instability into the system.

 

Thanks for all the replies so far guys......hope to hear more

 

Check this site put....I'm not sure if they are accurate results but it's an interesting read nevertheless...

http://64-bit-computers.com/windows-vista-32-bit-vs-64-bit-benchmark.html

 

I did some digging and found a HL2 Lost Coast benchmark and it seems if your gonna be gaming it'll be best not to touch Vista64.

http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=2917&p=19

its at the bottom.

 

I don't see the correlation. If you look at the first four graphs (from the link you provided), there is almost no difference.

For example, let's look at the gforce 8800 GTX and 8800 GTS. The x86 scores for Quake 4 CPU are GTS=.82 and GTX=.79 the Quake 4 GPU scores are GTX=.87 and GTX=.81.

Again looking at the gforce 8800 GTX and 8800 GTS. The x64 scores for Quake 4 CPU are GTS=.8 and GTX=.8 the Quake 4 GPU scores are GTX=.86 and GTX=.81.

There is basically no difference at all between x86 and x64.

You said not to touch 64-bit if you are gaming. Maybe there is a performance issue with the one game you mentioned, but staying away from 64-bit because of one game seems kinda silly.

Not to mention if playing games is your main priority, I'd suggest an ASUS G1S instead of a Lenovo.

 

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.asp

64bit Vista versions have slightly more security features than their 32bit counterparts, which i think is pretty cool.

 

I mean look at the HL2 graphs, theres a pretty big loss on resolutions that aren't limited by the graphic card.

Sorry if I didn't make that clear at first, the Quake benchmarks are x86 only.

 

It looks to me like there are 4 graphs at the top. The two at the very top are x86 and the two below that are x64.

Anyway, it looks like they are trying out HL2 Lost Coast the native 64-bit version of the game. They even said " It is likely that Valve has more work to do on their 64-bit Source engine, but we can't rule out Vista x64 as a factor altogether." They compared the 64-bit version of HL2 to the 32-bit version of HL2. I think they should have included the 32-bit version running under Vista 64-bit. This might rule out the possibility that the 64-bit HL2 application has issues.

So it is most likely that it's an issue with Valve (HL2 designer). Sure I can agree that if gaming is your priority that you are really better off with windows XP. If gaming isn't much of a priority, Vista 32-bit or 64-bit are really equally as good. As long as you do your homework and find out if you have drivers for any peripherals you plan to use.

 

FYI:

BEWARE if you think you're getting Vista 64bit installed on your T61!

Last week I ordered a T61, full gambit of options, (T7700, Windows Vista Ultimate, WWAN, etc.) $3000+

After ordering I reviewed the email confirmation and saw Vista 32bit being installed on the T7700 64bit processor. After talking with the salesrep I was told Lenovo only installs 32bit Vista as this is the licensing agreement with Microsoft and the DVD's will not be shipped with the system since one can create refresh disks from the hard-drive (not for 64bit since 32bit is installed).

I have no use for another 32bit OS especially on a 64bit processor! After confirming this with another salesrep I immediately cancelled my order. I waited 9 months for the T61 to come out and all the reviews state Vista 64bit is on the T61 but not according to the salesreps and my own order confirmation - SO BEWARE if you are expecting the 64bit Vista version is being installed on your T61!!

 

Stop posting this everywhere its annoying. Because of your stupidity you don't have a laptop. You can use the same cd key for 32 and 64 bit versions.

 

Is there someone that has a T61 with 64-bit Vista and 4GB of RAM that can confirm that all 4GB of RAM is recognized and useable. I know it suppose to be, but apparently there are some rumors that all 4GB isn't recognized even with 64-bit and santa rosa chipset.

 

Stupidity is only relevent to the knowledge one acquires and how such knowledge is used. Lack of knowledge is not stupidity!

After posting "kind" individuals shared similar comments:
You can use the same cd key for 32 and 64 bit versions. - As you shared
Since Lenovo doesn't supply the original OS disks one can get the 64bit
from Microsoft with their key

Although these are fine solutions, it's still like purchasing a car with a 6cyl and upon arriving removing the engine and installing the 8cyl. Having an OEM install vs performing my own install saves "me" time so I can be with my wonderful family, and the headaches dealing with driver issues and testing and re-installation of pre-installed software. Even if it is easily updateable, who here can guarantee me a clean update??

Anyway, as I'm typing Jason of Lenovo called and said the T61p will be on the site July 10th and should have the option for the 64bit OS. So I'm glad I cancelled the order and will wait for the T61p.

All good things come to those who wait!

 

Well, people typically come onto a forum asking for advice and input. That is what you got. Not sure what you expected.

You will find numerous people that have had issues with their T61 only to discover that it runs like a top after a clean install. So you might find yourself re-installing the OS anyway. I'll be doing a clean install because it has been proven over and over again that it will run faster without the bloatware (that can not be fully removed with just add/remove programs) If you don't have access to 64-bit software then you can purchase the 64-bit anytime upgrade DVD for $5 from CompUSA.

BTW, the Lenovo reps will tell you anything. We have all been told multiple dates for the T61p. Although this time things are staring to point toward July 10 to 12... we'll see.

I understand wanting to spend time with your family. As do most everyone else on this forum. Perhaps you could do it after they go to bed. If you don't have any spare time on your hands maybe you shouldn't be on this forum instead of spending time with your family.

 

The bit about the same CD key being good for either 32-bit or 64-bit, is that true of all versions of Vista? Will be the same with Vista Business x86 and x64?

 

Pretty sure that it will work. My friend was explaining how vista install dvd's work to me. He was saying that you could go and get the ultimate version if you want but if you put in a home edition cd key then it will just install home edition features. He also said it doesn't matter if its 32 or 64 bit versions, both work.

I have ultimate edition and I used the same cd key for 64 bit clean install, worked great.

 

Dude the clean install + installing drivers took me less than 45 minutes. Lenovo provides every 64 bit driver so there is no headache at all. The only skill you need is the ability to follow directions.

Also I have 64 bit and I found a few of my favorite programs refuse to run so I will either be dual booting or switching back to 32 bit.

And you definitely CANNOT compare it to installing a different engine in a car. Installing an engine takes weeks and specialized training, installing a 64 bit vista OS over 32 bit takes less than an hour and anybody can do it. If you want to compare it to a car then its like changing stations on your new radio or setting up the GPS features.

As long as you can follow directions, I gaurantee that your clean install will work perfectly.

 

What programs do you have that won't run on Vista 64?

 

A few programs for guitar recording. I have devices I can hook up and simulate amps and pedals on the computer while recording it. I guess the software uses a some 16 bit parts so it refuses to run on 64 bit.

 

Only been using 32-bit Vista for a few days but it's mostly eye candy so far
I do get some audio glitches once in a while and some other minor issues.

 

I just installed Vista Business 64-bit yesterday on my T61, after putting up with numerous glitches usung the factory install of 32-bit. The "upgrade" went perfectly -- I used both Intel and Lenovo drivers. So far everything is perfect. The computer comes out of both Hibernate and Sleep just like it intended -- no bluescreens! The machine definitely feels snappier. After installing the programs and Lenovo utilities, I have 68 processes running, which is quite a reduction from the 92 running with the factory install.

By the way, one must use the embeded Lenovo OEM key that is found in the recovery partition, or downloaded with a Google search. Good Luck!

 

Or use the ABR utility in Orev's guide to automate the process of backing up and restoring the activation file.

 

i would stick to the 32 bit version for now.

 

Thanks to all of you guys especially Gprice , Stallen and FreezerBurn for sharing all these great and educational info with all of us . I love this Forum because i learn something new everyday and can Teach my friends and family something that will help them to have better access and use of technology , I think we need to spend a little time during day to learn something new and experience it so someday pass it on to our family members
this is a part of this post by Gprice that i thought maybe helpful -----
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=141510

---->"I just did a clean "install" using a 64-bit Upgrade Anytime disk on my T61. I formatted over my original Lenovo install of Vista Business 32-bit and didn't insert a product key. I downloaded the OEM file by doing a Google search for lenovo.oemcert.100036. I copied it to the root of C:\ and opened a command prompt as Administrator. I then ran the command: "slmgr -ilc lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms". This resulted in activating my new install of Vista Business 64-bit offline, without needing to call Microsoft.

So far, I am only running 42 processes, after allowing several updates from Microsoft. This is a big improvement from 92 with the factory install. I will be adding some of the Lenovo utilities (ultranav, finger print reader, etc) to take advantage of the machine's hardware. It is definitely faster to shut-down, but only a little faster for booting."

 

Here's my Thinkpad T61 with 4GB.
I am running 64-bit Vista on it.

 

A little OT, but funny how arbitrary the window's index rating is. For instance, when i had 2.5GB's of ram on my T61 running Vista 32-bit, i had a memory index of 4.8. Now that i have 4Gb's, running the same OS, i have a memory index of 4.6. Since i have integrated graphics though, the Graphics index increased .2, from 3.2 to 3.4, and the Gaming Graphics index increased .1, from 3.4 to 3.5.

 

@defiant - what video driver are you using? This one from Lenovo (Version: 7.15.11.0145 Release Date: 2007/07/11) or something else. I was just looking on the Dell thread and they were getting graphics scores between 3.2 and 3.7. You gotta 4.0! They were able to bump up there scores some by using some drivers they found from laptopvideo2go.com is why I'm asking.

 

stallen,

yes, it's the latest one(7/11) from lenovo.

 

Did you install your 4GB RAM before or after the 64-bit install. The reason I ask is because I just discovered that some people get an error message during the 64-bit install process that requires going down to 2GB until after the Vista 64 installation. More info: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777/en-us

 

Anyone who's interested in installing 64 bit vista, here's my take on installation.

1) First, download the latest Intel INF chipset driver from intel.com
but DO NOT download Intel Matrix Storage driver since Intel Turbo Memory driver from Lenovo already includes this. If you don't have Intel Turbo Memory, do not bother to install this, I think this is the REASON why you see so many BSOD on T61.
2) Download all 64 bit vista driver(32 bit if not available) from Lenovo Support.
3) Save these files on either USB drive or CD/DVD.
4) When Vista finishes all the installation, you are now ready to install the driver.
5) And here's the most important part:
Install Intel INF chipset driver first. Upon completion of installation, computer will restart.
Now install Intel Turbo Memory Driver if your T61 has Intel Turbo Memory.
Upon completion of installation, computer will restart.
After the initial reboot, please follow this instruction from Intel.
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/cs-025783.htm
Please note that it will take several restarts to make Turbo memory work and when you access the console, DO NOT touch the buttons to enable/disable. Sometimes, ReadyDrive is disabled initially but it will be activated after several restarts so do not touch enable/disable buttons. Very important!
If your T61 does not exhibit any weird issues(crashes) at this point, you are in a good shape and you are now ready to install the rest of the drivers(video, etc).
For those who have the Integrated Camera, please DO NOT download the lenovo driver. It will give you issues and besides, 64-bit Vista pre-installed the driver for you during the O/S installation processes.

Defiant

P.S. Some people spread false rumors like 64 bit vista is running 32 bit application in emulation mode and it is so slow because of that. This is FALSE. 64 bit vista is running 32 bit application in compatibility mode. Basically, there is little or no difference between 32 bit and 64 bit Vista when you are running modern(XP era), true 32 bit application.
P.P.S. However, you will run into problems if your 32 bit application is NOT true 32 bit application that contains a legacy(16 bit) part. In that case, dual boot is recommended.

 

Hmm, interesting. I installed the 4GB when I received the notebook but I didn't have any problems.