Is a 64-bit Windows 7 quicker than 32-bit in itself, as an OS?

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tufffta

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Oct 5, 2012
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1) Would Windows 7 64-bit work faster, slower or exactly the same compared to 32-bit version on a computer with AMD Quad-Core A6-3420 64-bit CPU and 4 GB RAM (1333 MHz DDR3). I am mostly interested in its performance as an operating system, like opening My Computer, opening folders, staring the Windows, and using just "light" software like internet browsers, audio players? I mean, not playing any games, not using any Photoshops.

I ask this because with only 4 GBs of RAM there is theoretically no need for a 64-bit OS (if not using any 64-bit software), and, in addition, a 64-bit OS uses a little more computer resourses, so less resourses left for other software -- but does that mean that those used up resource are in this case "wasted" (used only to make Windows work), or is it that the resourses 64-bit OS uses are used more efficiently, so that the OS functions more quickly?

In other words, I'll use this analogy: 64-bit Windows 7 is a more powerful engine, which uses up more fuel than 32-bit - but do I get any benefit of that when not having more than 4 GB RAM and not using any specific "heavy" 64-bit software --- like does it load an internet browser faster, does it open My Computer faster?
Why I ask this is because I noticed that as good as WinXP might be, it just never was as quick as Win98 in just using the computer back in the days. I have always been disappointed by WinXP not holding up to my expectations in performance - but that's understandable, because WinXP is much more complicated OS than Win98. And I noticed WinXP is quicker before you install all the drivers. So regarding Windows 7, I wish to know which version with given hardware limitations would be quicker.


2) Also, a little "off-topic" question: is there a difference in efficiency between Win7 Home Premium and Ultimate? I mean, which one would be quicker? In regards to Windows XP, I noticed XP Professional was faster than Home, but of course that could have just been my wrong impression or I could have missed some important factors (like software installed).
 
My issue it appears is my Nvidia GT-640 performs MUCH worse under 64 bit than 32bit. Drivers are all up to date too.
64Bit=Graphics-5.3 gaming graphics-6.6
32bit=Graphics-7.1 gaming graphics-7.1
This is just doing the Win7 Assessment
 
how much ram does your system have. I do know that 64 bit OS does need at least 4gb of ram to run smooth. I know that drivers are different also for 64 bit OS. you might try a driver that was released earlier than the one you are using now. sometimes the latest driver release can have quirks. also make sure it is WHQL certified. hope this helps. ok I see that you said you are running 16 gb ram that should be more than enough.

poorguy
 
the video card you have could also be the problem. I bought an asus ati 5450 and thought that it would suit my needs and found it to be not as good as the video card that it was to replace. did better research and bought a better video card and it worked well for what I was using it for. entry level budget cards aren't really that good of a deal for intense use as I have found out by buying one. they sound better than they turn out being. just my opinion.

poorguy
 


This is a very common and faulty statement. It's correct that x86 will only be able to access 3.25GB of RAM, but the x64 version of Vista or 7 will, even with another 768MB of accessible RAM, be much, much slower. This is because the x86 version will use ~700MB when idle, while x64 is a RAM-sucker and will consume 1.9-2.2GB without any programs running at all. I discovered this when my lil' brother got an Asus laptop with 4GB for Christmas, which de-bloated would take about 15 minutes in total to start. Reformat and reinstallation of Windows didn't help at all. Threw in W7 x86 and then it booted in less than 40 seconds.
 
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