Vista: 32bit or 64bit

I recently bought an Asus A8Jn notebook (which I am very happy with ), and it came with a "Free Vista Upgrade". As the laptop came with XP MCE, it means I get Vista Home Premium Edition, but only the 32bit version. My laptop has Intel T5500 (Core 2 Duo 1.66GHz), which supports 64bit processing, so would it be worth attempting to upgrade to the 64bit version? My main (potentially demanding) interests are gaming (although not too intense), and possibly some CAD etc design. Is there anyway to get the 64bit version, rather than the 32bit version, without buying the product seperately?

 

I don't think there is any other way to upgrade to a 64-bit version, without buying a new copy of Windows Vista. However, 64-bit will not help at the moment, because no 64-bit programs exist in the consumer market. I would save any money you have, and buy a new copy of Windows Vista, when 64-bit programs, that aid you in your work, are in abundance on the consumer market. This will take quite a while, probably more than a year or two.

 

Does Windows Vista Home Premium have both 32/64bit versions in the same box?

 

I would think that it would be both, as its the premium product, which suggests its got both.

 

So basically if I get Home Premium now and install it with my 32bit CPU, and later on I get a 64bit CPU and reinstall, would it be 64 bit Vista?

 

Um no as far as it seems the 32 and 64bit versions dont come in the one DVD. when u get ur vista u will be able to choose from the several 32bit home versions the one u have purchased. in other words all the 32bit home versions will be on the DVD from basic to ultimate (not sure about business), you have to choose which one your product key is for. the 64bit vista comes in a different dvd and is alot bigger in size (on the dvd). plus in some other thread they said u cant upgrade from 32bit to 64 later, you can only do a clean reinstall.

 

From what I have read (although I am no expert, as I am asking the question!), it seems that Premium only comes with the 32-bit media software, but Ultimate comes with both. But it seems you can order the 64-bit media software here (and it gives information to confirm what I have said). So is it just media software that will change between the 32bit and 64bit versions?

 

Does anyone know how much it costs to order "64-bit software media"?

 

Ah, yes done a bit of research, and you guys are right. I have to read up a bit more Windows Vista.

If the extra stuff costs a sunstantial amount, I wouldn't buy it. I would just go ahead and buy the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. Apparently, a Home Premium Edition of 64-bit Vista can be bought, but I'm not too sure of the price.

 

. I guess you mean 32-bit? So do you think there is more to the 64-bit version, than just the '64-bit software media'?

 

According to Wikipedia, there will be a 64-bit version of Home Premium. I have linked it below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista

You need to scroll down, to about half way down, and read under where it says "Editions and Pricing", and then under "Windows Vista Home Premium".

 

I thought the "extra stuff" (64-bit software media) is all that is needed to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit. Or do you think there are more differences between the two versions, not just the 'software media'?

 

no there is no 64-bit dvd in the home premium package. if u need it see the below image I've attached

 

That is what I thought. However I'm not sure whether the "64-bit software media" (what would be on the DVD that can be ordered) includes everything that makes the difference between the 32-bit and, 64-bit versions. And can anyone see any differences between this page and this page?

 

both the pages somewhat same....just do what is instructed on the page.......

 

What do you mean by that? If they say it is a 64bit OS then its going to have evrything it needs to be a 64bit OS. The only thing you will have to look out for are drivers which may/may not be included in the DVD.

 

Mozza -- not entirely sure what you are asking, but let me try to explain:

For standard retail and oem packaging: there are two Vista DVDs (one 32-bit and one 64-bit) available. All the discs that ship are one of those two discs (or, in the case of retail ultimate copies, both discs are included). The key you enter determines the actual version of Windows installed. The disc you use determines whether you get 32-bit Vista or 64-bit Vista. The Vista Express Upgrade discs (for most systems) and retail copies except for ultimate, ship with the 32-bit disc only. If you buy a retail copy, you can follow the links above to get the 64-bit disc. If you get an Express upgrade or a 32-bit OEM copy, that's all you get.

The 64-bit disc (or media as they call it) most definitely contains all the difference between the two, as it is an entire different OS install disc. You will need to perform an entirely separate installation to install the 64-bit OS, and you cannot "upgrade" a 32-bit OS to a 64-bit one.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks everyone, particularly jadedraverla . I understand now! I didn't expect that you would be allowed to 'upgrade' from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version with no extra cost (excluding tax and p&p). That is why I was somewhat dubious as to whether the media disc would really contain the full 64-bit version. So thanks for clarification!