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    32 bit install on a 64 bit computer?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by deeznutz206, Jan 6, 2011.

  1. deeznutz206

    deeznutz206 Notebook Consultant

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    Is there any downside or negative effect if I install the 32bit version of a program on a laptop that is 64bit?
     
    deeznutz206, Jan 6, 2011
    #1
  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Nope. Well, the 32bit app won't run as well as if it were running in 64bit, but there's nothing you can do about that but ask for a 64bit version of the application. But it won't run any slower on 64bit than it would under 32bit, and it won't hurt the system.
     
    Pitabred, Jan 6, 2011
    #2
  3. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    why won't it "run as well" on 32bit?
     
    Primes, Jan 7, 2011
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  4. no1uknow

    no1uknow Notebook Consultant

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    He means that if the program had a 32-bit and 64-bit version, then the 32-bit would not run as well as its 64-bit counterpart. But for most programs today, there is only a 32-bit version, and in that case it would run the same on a 64-bit OS (thru WOW64) as it would on a 32-bit OS.
     
    no1uknow, Jan 7, 2011
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  5. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    it just can't access the gains a 64bit program can access: more ram, more cpu registers. that can lead to a bit slower performance (but often much less than 5% difference). the ram-thing depends mainly on the app. some apps have need for more than 2 / 4gb ram, most don't.

    so just install what you have, it'll be fine. most apps right now are 32bit only. you won't notice anything about them.
     
    davepermen, Jan 7, 2011
    #5
  6. maximinimaus

    maximinimaus Notebook Evangelist

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    It depends of the RAM installed.
    Up to 3 GB install X32. If more install X64. Assuming you are using Windows.
     
    maximinimaus, Jan 7, 2011
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  7. Dufus

    Dufus .

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    Depends on what your installing. If the 32-bit install requires use of 32-bit drivers it will not work on 64-bit windows.
     
    Dufus, Jan 7, 2011
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  8. Retreat

    Retreat Notebook Enthusiast

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    There will be no notable difference in performance....unless u have more than 4 GB of ram installed
     
    Retreat, Jan 8, 2011
    #8