Running a 64bit system but games are in x86 program files (BF4)

[Solidsnake07]

Hi to all readers

Im currently running a 64bit version of windows 7. Something has come to mind thats bothering me. All my games are in the X drive of program files (x86). I recently purchased battlefield 4 and had the option to run it in 32bit or 64bit. As ive read online it runs better in 64bit, i presume i am running it in 64bit as the free beta version only allowed 64bit systems. Running the game with 64bit exe seems to work.

X:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 4
X:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 4 Beta (deleted)

I have a few concerns and questions.
Can you run 64bit programs from the x86 (32bit) folder in program files?
Am i somehow messing around with my system stability (or losing performance) if running 64bit programs from 32bit folder?
All my games in are in this file-path, does it mean most games will by default use 32bit even though im running a 64bit system?
If performance and stability is affected, will a reformat be the best way to fix the issue?

System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
xxxxx
Total amount of system memory 16.0 GB RAM
Windows 7 Home premium
System type 64-bit operating system

Display adapter type AMD Radeon HD 7900 Series (7970)
Total available graphics memory 10987 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 3072 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 7915 MB
Display adapter driver version 13.152.0.0
DirectX 10&11
TOSHIBA-TV 40inch (1920x1080@60Hz)

 

[getochkn]

foldedr doesn't matter. You can install your games to e:\my stuff\games then it has nothing to do with a (x86) folder or not.

 

[Solidsnake07]

Thank you for easing my concern.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

In a 64-bit environment, "Program Files (x86)" is where Windows places 32-bit applications, "Program Files" is for 64-bit. This separation is required so the system can know which library/s to reference when the app is launched. Do not try to mix them.

 

[getochkn]

In a 64-bit environment, "Program Files (x86)" is where Windows places 32-bit applications, "Program Files" is for 64-bit. This separation is required so the system can know which library/s to reference when the app is launched. Do not try to mix them.

so then if you install to a different folder, what happens? nothing that I've seen so far.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

If you pay close attention you'll see that even though you've installed in a different location, Windows still places things in those two directories.

 

[Solidsnake07]

ex_bubblehead so your saying windows and the game developers will by default place the x64 files in the other file path and not mix things up?

I think i see what you mean
X:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 4
X:\Program Files\Origin\x64

However
X:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 4\bf4.exe
X:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 4\bf4_x86.exe

in the same folder both exe's run fine im confused

 

[ex_bubblehead]

....in the same folder both exe's run fine im confused....

No confusion necessary. Just let the installer, and Windows manage the locations of important files. There's no way you can do a better job manually.

 

[Solidsnake07]

Your right should be common sense lol Thanks for your time guys

 

[onejo578]

Hi guys, think I've got the same issue - by default it's in the x86, and it runs kinda slowly (not much slower, but annoyingly so). Should I uninstall and reinstall inside Program Files?
If so, what's the go with CD keys when I do that?
Thanks for any replies i advance.

 

[gamerk316]

No. Install location has no effect on performance.

Windows automatically puts 32-bit applications in the Program Files (x86) directory. The Program Files directory is reserved for 64-bit applications only.

 

[GOLD75]

I have similar concerns with this Battlefield 4 folder setup too on my win7-64bit system.
Just why have they put the 64bit Battlefield 4 in the x86 program folder? Its just not right, right!?

 

[gamerk316]

I have similar concerns with this Battlefield 4 folder setup too on my win7-64bit system.
Just why have they put the 64bit Battlefield 4 in the x86 program folder? Its just not right, right!?

They *shouldn't*, but I'd reason EA probably never got around to updating the installer to use the right folder. As long as the game is running as x64, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[ch0mpa]

foldedr doesn't matter. You can install your games to e:\my stuff\games then it has nothing to do with a (x86) folder or not.

oh thank god - so glad to hear this. t'was causing me much grief past few games i've been dealing with - always wondering if it could possibly be running better if i had installed it to "program files" rather than "program files (x86)"

tanks for the info!