novice with 64bit vs 32bit question

I read in one of the threads about upcoming Z6XX series with new 64bit series CPU or GPU (not sure which). Does this mean if I buy a Z590 now that it will be 32bit? Does it matter? I am a number cruncher and run a large medical software program, not gaming.
Great forum, by the way!
Thanks in advance.

 

They're talking about the CPU

The CPU in the Z590 is capable of running 32 and 64bit applications. Whether it is 32 bit or not depends on the OS you decide to go with.

Depends on you. I use 32 bit software for the compatability, but many users find that 64 bit works as well.

If you are using industry specific programs that have not migrated to the 64bit platform you might want to stick with 32bit until 64bit becomes more mainstream.

 

But the CPU in the Z590 will be able to run both 32bit and 64bit, so your large medical software program will still be able to run it without any problem.

 

Thanks folks.
Merry Christmas.

 

While true, it will not let you run a 64-bit program inside a 32-bit Windows OS. If the large medical software program is 64-bit (which is unlikely, but certainly possible), it will not run in Vista 32.

With few programs compiled for 64-bit Windows as of yet, and even fewer that don't have a 32-bit version, the main benefit to running Vista 64 (or XP 64) is to be able to use 4 GB of RAM without losing 1 GB to the memory mapping fairies.
Being able to run both 32- and 64-bit apps, and the native 64-bits apps usually being faster, is as of yet a small bonus.

The price you pay for switching from Vista 32 to Vista 64 is:
(a) Having to buy a Vista 64 DVD. The serial number you have for Vista will still be valid for Vista 64 too, but the DVD itself isn't freely distributable, despite what many people at this forum seems to think. If running large medical apps, you do not want to risk using media obtained through copyright violations, even if you have a license for the software itself.
(b) Hard drive space usage. Not only are 64-bit apps bigger, but the OS needs to provide both 32- and 64-bit libraries.
(c) Memory usage. 64-bit apps are bigger. Also, if running a mix of 32- and 64-bit, you may end up loading the same libraries twice. See (b). In other words, you may be able to use 4 GB instead of 3 GB, but you may also need that extra gig.

I'd say that unless you know you need Vista 64, it may not be worth it to switch the OS. If you got Vista 64 pre-installed, on the other hand, I'd say "go for it".