32 vs 64 bit

[Sigarz]

When I was building my computer last summer I chose all the components specifically so that it would be easy to upgrade the the vitals. anyway when I was picking my OS I opted for XP pro 32 bit because I had been told there were still many compatibility issues with software working on the 64. I am fully aware of the advantages a 64 bit system can have and would love to be using my system at 64 bits but do you guys think the compatibility issues are still a problem since most computers sold today are 64 bit?

[Bigtotoro]

There seem to pretty much be 64 bit drivers for most everything (within reason) now. For an enterprise system, you might want to hold off as 32 bit licenses often have to be upgraded (AKA: you pay more) to 64 bit licenses.

[Sigarz]

Originally Posted by Bigtotoro

There seem to pretty much be 64 bit drivers for most everything (within reason) now. For an enterprise system, you might want to hold off as 32 bit licenses often have to be upgraded (AKA: you pay more) to 64 bit licenses.

Thats a good point. I think Ill wait another year or two. thanks!

[rajuabju]

For any NEW stuff (printers, mouse, keyboards, graphics cards, sound cards, web cams, etc etc), there are now 64-bit drivers. By new, I mean 2007 or newer. Also, all new software, whether its optimized for 64-bit or not (and most software isnt yet) works with 64bit OS, whereas REALLY old software (ie stuff for Windows 3.1 or something) wont.

If you use older printers or whatever, then stick with 32-bit.

Otherwise, I recommend 64bit. Its generally much faster, more stable. And the fact that pretty soon all computers are going to be coming with 4GB of RAM or more, 32bit will become obsolete.

Even though Windows 7 comes in both 32 and 64 bit varieties... I really think it will be the last OS to do so, and all future versions will be 64bit only.

[Sigarz]

Originally Posted by rajuabju

Even though Windows 7 comes in both 32 and 64 bit varieties... I really think it will be the last OS to do so, and all future versions will be 64bit only.

Yeah I agree

[Rev2010]

Forget about the availability of drivers, that's not the main issue. You did right by choosing 32bit XP simply because in most cases it's faster. There are plenty of benchmarks you can find online. In a few cases the 64bit OS will be quicker, but in the large majority the 32bit will be the fastest. It's not just Windows that this applies to, other OS's seem to show the same.

I'm not sure if it's because 64bit computing is still somewhat new in a sense - not new in age but let's face it... it simply has not taken off dramatically since it's introduction many years back. Or maybe there is something else to it like cross compatible architecture. I really don't know, but as of this moment the benchmarks speak for themselves.


Rev.

[baba]

I built my game machine 64 bit and, I could not get 64 bit burning program. The windows program sucks. I have had not difficulities with games. The only firewall that I could find was Kaperskys. Real tough getting programs for 64 bit OS.