Should i change to 64 bit?

[kreepa]

hey. just wanna say that im not sure if this is the right section to ask this...

my specs:

-Core i5-760 @2.8ghz w/arctic freezer pro 7 rev.2
-Asus p7p55d-e pro
-2x2gb G.Skill 1600 DDR3
-EVGA GTX 460 768mb
-WD 500GB 7200
-Sony CD/DVD combo
-XFX 650W bronze certified
-NZXT M59 w/ 4 LED case fans
-Acer 21.5" LCD 1920x1080
-HP 17" LCD 1440x900

so uhh do you think i should upgrade to 64 bit or stay with 32 bit...thanks

 

[treefrog07]

XP or W7? Depends on what software you are running. If you are using XPx86 and have several older models of scanners, printers, other peripherals, you may be better-off with XPx86 because very few of the older components ever got XPx64 drivers.
If you are using Vista or W7 successfully, then changing to a 64-bit OS would allow you to use all 4 GB RAM (AND NOT ~3.5GB, as with x86-based OSes).
If your current system works well for you, keep your OS, and save the money for your next build.

 

[tecmo34]

^+1...

I agree with treefrog07. With that said, I see no real reason with the use of VM to not make the jump to Win7 64-bit. It allows you to utilize you full RAM amount and add more, if needed.

 

[kreepa]

take money out of the equation ......also im using windows 7 32 bit atm...what would you say now?

 

[tecmo34]

I would still say "yes" make the switch to 64-bit. There is really no reason not to get 64-bit Win7... IMO. Even most of all of the concerns treefrog07 mentioned can be address through VM in Win7 or if a must a dual boot system.

 

[jaquith]

Good link - http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-64-bit-vs-32-bit-t484.html
Good link - http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/pros_and_cons_64bit_windows_7

Just get ready to start from scratch, and unless you have Apps that are optimized for 64-bit and you need more than ~3.5 GB of RAM I would not update.

Personally, I use large databases so there's an advantage for my needs. 

Clearly, if you are looking for some magical speed gain with x64 you'll be disappointed. I know this seems odd coming from a geeky guy, but read the links and do whatever you feel is best for your needs. Having excess RAM also doesn't make your PC run any faster either, just too little makes it run slower. 

Good Luck!

Microsoft test http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15

 

[treefrog07]

take money out of the equation ......also im using windows 7 32 bit atm...what would you say now?

I have tripled booted XPx86, XPx64, and W7ultimatex64, just to benchmark the differences on the exact same system (the DFI-UT in my "more information." Gaming benchmarks were higher with XPx86 than either x64 OS. x64 OSes use windows on windows to run 32-bit apps, that's why they create Program Files x86. The cycles to run the 32-bit apps resulted in slower performance. I still dual boot that system to use XPx86 for the apps that run best on that OS, and W7x64 as my primary gaming system - to get DX10/11, and use all 4 GBs of RAM.

tecmo34: I would still say "yes" make the switch to 64-bit. There is really no reason not to get 64-bit Win7... IMO.

I don't disagree with "...There is really no reason not to get 64-bit Win7...", but if you aren't going to see an appreciable difference in your system, then why go through the headache of re-installing all your apps. and resetting all your preferences, etc.?

It will come down to what you want to do!

 

[tecmo34]

@treefrog: Good point...

 

[kreepa]

allright cool well i recently redid my os and i have almost nothing on my computer atm...im willing to change to 64 bit and i have the disk to do so immediately....but i dont know what im supposed to do cause when i try to run it from desktop it wont let me since im using 32 bit and its a 64 bit program.....i also cant seem to boot the disk at startup, it just loads my current 32 bit system....i think im supposed to format my hdd but i dont know how to do that....can someone send me a link on a guide or just write it here if its not too long of a process? cool thanks, youve been really helpful

 

[jaquith]

^ Guide - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

Good Luck - Let us know how it goes!

I am assuming this is where you're getting stuck:
Turn on your computer, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then restart your computer.

Newer computers often display a startup (or boot) menu. On the startup menu, choose "BIOS setup," or "BIOS settings," or something similar.

Procedures vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer. Usually, you must press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, Esc) or a key combination immediately after you turn on your computer but before Windows starts. If the Windows logo appears, you need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer again.

The BIOS setup screen appears. On the BIOS setup screen, choose the option called "Boot order," or something similar. Boot order settings might also be listed under "Advanced settings" or something similar.

Select your DVD drive or USB flash drive as the first startup device. (The USB flash drive might be listed under "Removable devices" or something similar.)

Save the setting changes, and then exit the BIOS.

Restart your computer, and then start Windows 7 from the installation disc or USB flash drive as previously described.

 

[kreepa]

ive dont all this but it doesnt load the dvd i put in it just goes straight to starting windows and then the login screen...maybe if i formatted my hard drive it would be forced to work? i dont mind losin what files i have but i have no idea how to format my hdd without being in the instal screen for windows 7....any ideas? thanks

 

[jaquith]

CBL Data Shredder http://www.cbltech.ca/data-shredder.html ; create an ISO & boot very good free software.

Keep in mind that you need to change the boot priority to "CD/DVD drive" before HDD, save & exit then boot to the CBL Data Shredder disk.

 

[kreepa]

ok so i burn the cbl file to a disk then run it....then my hdd is formatted? and then i should be able to install windows...right?

 

[jaquith]

Yep!

After you install you can then change the BIOS back to booting to the {primary} HDD first - saves a little boot-up time or leave it as CD/DVD first.

Again Good Luck!

 

[kreepa]

allright cool man thanks for all the help

 

[kreepa]

Best answer selected by kreepa.