New Laptop - Vista 32 or 64?

I am buying MSI GT725-075 and have the choice of Vista Home Premium 32 bit or 64 bit OS. Should I get the computer with 32bit now and upgrade later to 64bit or is it very hard to upgrade later? I am using it for Internet, Office Apps and Heavy Gaming.

Thanks

 

Get the 64-bit OS version now, and get it over with. It's been working great for me for over a year now!

 

i'd say go for the 32bit right now, just to stay on the safe side so you can use all your applications and programs will be easy to work (drivers easy to find) and in the future you can upgrade to 64bit, it isn't hard, 1)format partition> install vista 64bit> done.

 

That's a tough one. 32-bit works with most everything these days, but 64 will allow you to boost your RAM over 4GB in the future. Tried 64-bit Vista and I found it to be a bit buggy (but then again, it might just be Vista). How long are you willing to keep your computer?

 

I am keeping 32 bit on my 1530

When I get my next new lappy (soon, I hope)..I will install 64 bit!

Comes down to personal choice...


Cin

 

I plan on keeping this one for 3 years anyways.

 

I'd get the 64 bit version. It's the future.

 

Then, maybe go with the 64 bit.!

Cin

 

Any hardware maker that wants MS certification for their products (many do) have to provide a 64-bit Vista driver.

On a modern PC you're not likely to find something that doesn't have a Vista x64 driver, unless it also doesn't have a Vista x86 driver.

 

Make sure your favorite programs have a 64 bit version or work in a 64 bit environment (Threatfire for example doesn't work unless you use their 64 bit beta). But I'd get 4+ gigs of ram and go for 64 bit.

 

And another one of these threads...

THe kind of answer "get 64Bit and get over it" or "get 32Bit to be on the safe side" are the kinds of answers that don't help by the way.

What you really have to look at is how and for what you are going to use the laptop.
If its a new machine drivers should be OK - especially if the manufacturer provides them.

What you should consider is that while a 64Bit OS will generally run a 32Bit application, some specialist 32Bit applications won'T run under a 64Bit OS and aren't available in 64Bit.

Genrally, I'd say if your chipset supports more than 4GB of RAM, you plan to upgrade in the future, and providing none of your applications are - let me say - "32Bit locked" - then 64Bit may be an idea - also for increased performance.

If your laptop only supports up to 4GB the benefits are debatable - and while it was faster for some, some noticed no difference - in that case a 32Bit OS may be better as its easier to "maintain" overal at the moment.

The heavy gaming could benefit from a 64Bit OS - only if the game is a 64Bit game.
If the game is designed primarily for 32Bit then you may be better off with a 32Bit OS.

I recommend specifics.

 

They helped me a lot.

 

Up to you, if you have lots of apps that still run under 32bits, then get that first. If not, 64bits is the way to go, as more and more games and apps catching up in updating their core to support the 64bits structure.

Take some times researching the availability of the 64bits drivers of your current peripheral devices - and apps, then make a buisness decision on the OS. You might need to replace them, or use 32bits drivers, or just stick with 32bits OS.

Good lucks!

cheers ...

 

I say go with 64-bit... unless you have some old program or hardware that will not work under 64-bit AND you're unwilling to use a substitute.

 

You guys are awesome with the variety of responses - TY... As for more specifics, I surf the net with Firefox, I use the Microsoft Office 2007 Suite, I use Microsoft Visio for work, I will be playing Assasin's Creed, FEAR2, CRYSIS, Far Cry2, Fallout 3.. Also this machine is maxed @ 4mb RAM.

I guess the biggest question is that I have heard it is extremely difficult to upgrade to 64bit later, Is that true????

Thank You all very much!

 

It is not true; not sure about paying for some upgrade licence though.

cheers ...

 

The 4GB chipset limit makes 64Bit a bit less attrative I'd say.

Does anybody have any information on the games?
(I'm not a gamer myself, so...)

 

^^ Playing WoW on Asus G50/Vista Home Prenium 64bits! Not a single issue.

cheers ...

 

There are three issues to be aware of there.

1. You need access to a 64-bit Vista installation disc.
2. You cannot do an in-place upgrade; you need to reinstall the OS from scratch.
3. You will need to find 64-bit drivers for all of your hardware. (Your manufacturer may have these on its website.)

Then of course you'll need to install your programs on the 64-bit OS.

That's pretty much the process of moving from 32-bit to 64-bit.

 

it's not hard to "update" to 64-bit later (fresh install), but save yourself the trouble and get the benefits of 64 bit now.

 

Best answer actually.

I boot a variety of 64 and 32 bit OSes as the VPN program I use will not install in 64 bit OS. I've dual boot 32/64 bit Vista Ultimate, 32 bit XP Home and XP Pro. Since I like to be connected to the Internet, I would up almost exclusively using my 32 bit OS.

As mentioned, it really depends on the specific programs you're running. If you need programs that won't run in 64 bit, then the question is moot. If not, you're probably fine with 64 bit. Outside of my VPN problem, I haven't had issues with 64 bit.