Windows Vista x64 vs x86

Is it me or is Windows Vista x64 (Ultimate in my case) better than it's x86 counterpart? It feels so faster. I can only imagine what SP1 would do!

Am I imagining it?

 

Im using x64 with 4gb ram.. and there is no way back for me 64bit all the way! runs smooth and stable like never before.

 

It's not that fast, but it feels faster. It's better for computers with more than 2GB of RAM.

 

It could be that a clean install also usually feels faster. I'm glad you were able to get 64bit Silas!

 

It was a cake walk, seriously! Although, I couldn't get hold of a WAU DVD, I got the retail version. It was a birthday gift (my birthday was on the 23rd just gone ), so it didn't cost me anything.

 

Same thing here. I am running Vista 64. I like it. I have not bothered to run xp on my machine. I do like vista. I have checked out a lot of threads that people are having problem with vista. For myself i have not encounter any problem with it.

 

I bought my notebook with Vista 64 in mind. I researched all of the drivers before I bought....I love it. Haven't tried SP1 yet, but thinking about it after reading about some of the benefits.

 

i just reformattd last night, so i suppose it feels faster because of that. but im not running into many problems, other than the fact i can't use the old AIM 5.5 and deadaim program but thats about it. it's tempting to upgrade to a full 4GB's now too.

 

It's definitely faster but it feels even faster than x86.

 

I've used it in Beta 2 & RC2, then when I got my C90S.

At first it felt more powerfull I don't really remember my X86 experiacne under Vista and it was with 1GB of RAM too so...

 

On the other hand, I heard that 32 bits drivers (like for my old camera or scanner) wont run on x64, neither drivers that are not "approved" by Microsoft (signed), which at least for Win XP used to be quite a few.
No issues so far with that?

Also, most current software is 32 bits (almost all), so do you see a boost in performance in other software than the OS?

 

Only kernel-related drivers won't install, and you can disable it with a special boot at worst.

 

Drivers do need to be signed, but they don't have to be signed by Microsoft. Anyone can get a signature for them from places like Verisign. It sucks though because it does cost money, so that puts a crimp on a lot of freeware developers.

 

No problems here. I dual-booted, and since I installed a few months ago, I've loaded up XP maybe 5 times.

 

OK you guys are really tempting me to install the 64 bit version.

Sigh... just finished 32bit clean install yesterday.

 

Patrick...in the end alot of this is a pride thing. You can't imagine the number of people who were surprised that I was running 64bit so smoothly on looking at my laptop (M1330 is an eyecatcher). Ive heard " I didn't think it was possible" and "I didn't know you could run normal progams in that mode" and just plain "Wow! and "Impressive" a hundred times....not to mention those asking how many incompatabilitiy issues I have experienced. (Big Zippo!)

I think everybody would agree that its a pride thing once your 64Bit system is running smoothly and there is nothing left to tweak.

 

I find Vista x64 smooter than x86 with stock configuration >-< but yes having the x64 is more of a pride or "I'm powerfull" thing than a need but hell, they don't make x64 cpus for nothing right?

 

Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but 64-bit editions of Windows aren't compatible with iTunes, which I use heavily and have a lot of music bought off it. So 64-bit editions are not an option for me.

 

lol thanks for the honest opinions.

Anyway I guess I will until support for 64bit os matures.

 

I think someone just mentioned it was fixed in the lastest version in another topic

 

"I think someone just mentioned it was fixed in the lastest version in another topic"

I can't find any info about that. I also did a search on these forums but I cannot find anyone who said that the new version of iTunes is now compatible with 64-but Windows.

Can you point me to the thread that says that?

 

Itunes 64 Bit Fix!!!!

Maybe I should make a post of this!

http://www.somelifeblog.com/2007/09/fixed-itunes-7412-install-problem-64.html

 

Cool thanks, I think you should make a post about it!

 

Meh i just got my free copy of Windows Vista Ultimate from Microsoft and along the 32bit there was the 64bit version but even they advice to stick with the 32 since driver/developer support is lacking :/

 

Check if yours are okay, my c90s' driver CD had everything.

 

You need to remember that many of the required drivers will not be on the Vista disk. Things such as bluetooth, webcam and so on need to be sought out elsewhere if not through your laptop manufacturer.

 

You can get many through Windows Update though. But yeah laptops often don't come with any X64 drivers

 

I currently am running x86 ultimate only but just today morning acquired a copy of Ultimate x64.... I have also downloaded most of the drivers and so I guess it will be a smooth transition for me hopefully....

 

actually, I believe the letter from Microsoft stated:

"If you have a computer that has a 64-bit processor inside, you can choose to install the 64-bit versin of Windows Vista. You will find there are fewer applications and more specifically, hardware drivers that work with the 64-bit version, but you will be making full use of your computer's speed. 64-bit consumer versions of Windows are relatively new and will become common place in the near future. Applications and drivers are being written by many manufacturers to take advantage of 64-bit Windows Vista and its increased capabilities"

so I think what they are trying to say, if you would rather not worry over driver incompabilities, just get 32-bit. Personally, I haven't run into any problems with 64-bit, other than Riva Tuner not working.

 

If you're desktop is fairly new (post 2004) you will have drivers for it.

If you're laptop is business class or barebone, you will have it. (You're Sager should have everything for Vista x64 on the drivers DVD)

 

I just want to chime in here too...

Vista Ultimate 64bit running like gold here...

I also have run into zero problems! Since my conversion in late September or late October.

Since everything runs and all the drivers work well I recommend everyone go 64bit...

Almost forgot, I have had one issue with Vista 64 driver wise My media card reader BSODs on XD cards, but not in 32 bit. Not important enough to keep me off 64bit though .

 

Another vote for Vista x64. Much more speedy and stable than any OS i've ever owned, including OS X and XP SP2.

They definitely did something right with this one. SP1 will just be gravy at this point.

Regards,
Paolo

 

I'll give Vista x64 Ultimate a vote as well, I haven't had any issues with it, stable as hell, haven't had a single "Won't respond..." issue, even if they are common in XP. Yes, I hate to say it, but M$ did good on this one.

 

Also if you work with 3d in any way, go 64bit! I have large scenes in 3ds max which crashes due to size in 32bit. But in 64bit I can actually render it, because the processes and use of ram is much better with x64.

 

NO MORE!!! You guys are seriously putting me on the verge of reinstalling my system- AGAIN!!!. NOOOOO!

 

Dude, I'm telling you. I've heard novels about how crappy Vista is/was...I decided to to x64 when I got my Ultimate in the mail...and I don't use XP anymore...I might if I buy CS:S...but we'll see.

 

I installed Vista x64 on my laptop and it is working pretty awesome though I dont notice any performance increase or anything....

 

the links Ash Hi Fi Zone provided did not work for me

but heres a link to the update: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931573

 

Ever since i installed x64 vista ult, it feels alot better performance and general wise, i made sure to have all latest drivers too before doing a clean install.

 

Hmmm... I decided to jump to x64 as well. However, I'm having trouble finding the right card reader driver. Help!!!

 

Cant answer for that lappy but, find out what type of reader it is. You may be able to use a Dell driver if it is a RICOH or similar.

 

Hey thanks for replying

Anyway I did try the Dell driver. However, I'm getting really weird stuff happening. For instance, sometimes it recognizes the SD card and sometimes it doesn't even though it's the same card. Furthermore, I think the driver is messing up my sleep (pun intended).

 

Did you try going right to the manufacturer?

 

Unfortunately I can't find an official x64 driver from Acer.

Oh well... this is a minor issue anyway. Hmmm... everything seems to run a bit faster than before after the upgrade to x64.

By the way Macromedia has extremely poor x64 support.