Windows Vista 32-bit vs Windows Vista 64-bit (or XP?)

I'm looking into a new laptop, but I'm not certain on which OS to go with. I'm going to be using it as a college laptop, but with high gaming capability. Current config is as follows:

Intel® T9550 45nm "Montevina" 2.66GHz w/6MB L2 on die cache
15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
3.0GB DDR3 1066MHz Memory (2 SODIMMS)
250GB 7200RPM HDD
nVidia GeForce GTX 260M

I know that 64-bit OS's can run more RAM, but I've also read that they aren't nearly as compatible with software or hardware as the 32-bit OS's are. Thoughts? I've also heard revently that XP is better for gaming? Don't have any idea on that one.

Thanks,
Tyler

 

I personally love Vista 64 bit over anything else, except for Windows 7 x64.

 

You won't run into a single software that won't run on an x64 OS.

That's not necessarily true. Even if it is in a few cases, it's 20 to Windows Vista's 19, no noticeable difference AFAIS.

Also, search around, there are many topics on the very same questions you posted. I'd recommend Windows Vista x64 too, I've been running it for 2 years, and I have not come across a single problem.

 

If you're into gaming XP is still the way to go. I'm running Vista Premium SP2 and I still have a handful of XP games that won't run at all on Vista and there are a few others than don't run as good under Vista. I'm a PC gamer and if I thought Vista was as good as XP it would be on my gaming rig and it's not.

 

Which games Rodknee?

 

64bit is needed for when you have 4GB+ Memory. Since you have 3GB, 32bit (x86) is fine for you. Which is also more compatible with all programs. A few programs dont work with 64bit.

 

Why do people keep saying this?
Name one that isn't a driver.
My challenge to you.

 

Well, that's not the point, though. If a GPS driver, for example, doesn't run on a 64-bit OS, then even if the software technically comes up and doesn't crash, it's worthless. Granted, most people are probably using newer technology that will have 64-bit drivers. However, it is something to keep in mind.

Regards,

z.

 

XP, alot easier to deal with.

 

Nascar Racing Season 2003, Rally Championship Xtreme, Network Q Rally, Xpand Rally, Xpand Rally Xtreme, Race '07. Those are just a few off the top of my head. Some won't run at all and others are just a stuttering mess.

I've tried the latest and greatest Vista drivers, compatibility mode etc and still no go. I'm not saying Vista is a bad OS for gaming in a lump sum because that's a broad brush.

But a serious gamer who's into Flight and Racing sims needs top performance and XP still delivers the most. Lets hope W7 plays nicer with games.

 

I will keep it simple: Win 7 64-bit !

 

The world is going 64 bit - last year sales were up to 25% of all new systems, and it keeps going up. Most new notebooks are being offered with 8gb RAM upgrades; the newer HP 64 bit desktops can be upgraded to 16gb.

In the past, with XP 64, the biggest problem was program compatibility. With the advent of Vista's 64 bit Editions, plus 64 bit engineered systems, and the lower overall price of RAM in general, software manufacturers have realized that the more people have started to take notice of the overall advantages of a 64 bit system, and have responded in kind. All of the security program manufacturers have made their programs 64 bit certified; Starting with Acrobat 8 Pro, Adobe began to make their programs 64 bit certified; now all of their new programs are being released as 64 bit certified, with some (Photoshop & Lightroom) having their own 64 bit versions.

Having a Vista Ultimate 64 bit engineered system with 8gb of DDR2 RAM, I can tell you honestly that I will never own another new system that isn't 64 bit - there are just too many advantages. Windows 7 makes it clear that MS is leaning toward 64 bit as well.

If you really want to find out more about 64 bit, the best resource on the 'net is Start64.com - pretty much anything you want to know about 64 bit is there.

One other thing I'd say - if you don't get a 64 bit system now, I guarantee you'll be beating your head against a wall in school when you see the capabilities that those WITH 64 bit systems have and you don't.

Make sure you get a system that is built and designed as 64 bit also, and preferably with VU 64 and not VHP 64. A 32 bit system that just has Vista 64 installed isn't a 64 bit system.

 

yikes another one of these threads...

Check my sig for more information...

Software - its generally specialist applications - one would be the (horrible) statistical tool called SAS it doesn't work on 64Bit