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| Thread ID: 88507 | 2008-03-30 05:16:00 | Should I upgrade to Vista Ultimate 64Bit? | ephesus (2509) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 654161 | 2008-03-30 05:16:00 | I have just built a new desktop and have installed Vista 32bit OS. My 4Gb of RAM shows only 3.3GB. In order to fully utilise 4GB or more RAM (and I have ordered another 4GB to make it 8GB) I read that I need to upgrade to the 64bit version. No problem as I have the 64bit dvd. My questions are 1. Are there any compatibilty issues with hardware or software and if it is worth the effort. 2. Is upgrading from 32 bit to 64 bit fairly easy process. ie: I don't need to reinstall all the files and settings? The components on my new computer is: Intel core 2 duo E8400 3Ghz. Intel DP35DPM Mobo (supports up to 8 GB RAM) 2 x 2 GB Corsair XMS2 DHX TWIN2X DDR2 800 RAM Gigabyte GV-NX86T512h Video Card Hauppage PVR 500MCE TV Tuner Lite on DVDRW 20A1S Seagate 300GB HDD Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. |
ephesus (2509) | ||
| 654162 | 2008-03-30 05:23:00 | If you do upgrade, I would MAKE SURE whatever you've got has drivers for the 64 bit version of Vista. The mobo is 64 bit as well isnt it? And you may have to reinstall the 64 bit version may not like 32 bit drivers |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 654163 | 2008-03-30 05:31:00 | Forgive my ignorance but what in God's name do you need 8GB of RAM for....is this a server? pretty OTT for s desktop unit even if you're a hard core gamer/multimedia freak. |
chiefnz (545) | ||
| 654164 | 2008-03-30 05:32:00 | Yes the mobo is 64 bit but will check. Wouldn't the OS check for the most appropriate drivers or do I need to download the 64bit drivers to a DVD for various hardware component first? |
ephesus (2509) | ||
| 654165 | 2008-03-30 05:34:00 | I wouldnt have a clue whether the OS checks or not, I've never used Vista I would check, and see if there are 64 bit drivers first. From the manufacturer's site (for whatever you've got) Before you decide to upgrade to 64 bit Vista. |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 654166 | 2008-03-30 05:35:00 | Forgive my ignorance but what in God's name do you need 8GB of RAM for....is this a server? Double ordered my RAM so must as well put it in instead of wasting it. Do usually have few programs turned on at once but they are not memory guzzlers. Thought it might give it a bit of oil:p |
ephesus (2509) | ||
| 654167 | 2008-03-30 05:38:00 | I would check, and see if there are 64 bit drivers first. From the manufacturer's site (for whatever you've got) Yes, only not sure about the Hauppage Card. |
ephesus (2509) | ||
| 654168 | 2008-03-30 07:02:00 | What you may find is that, not many software or games are optimised for 64bit or even more than 3 or 4GB of memory. With my interest in photography, even if you use Photoshop CS3, it is not a 64bit software version, it does not use more than 2 or 3GB before it dumps it into the HDD for its (virtual) scratch disk. For those who are going to Vista even IMO or 64bit is get 8GB of RAM. Because 64bit windows uses more RAM for itself and while it gives you the full 4GB (if you have 4GB) the net gain is not that huge. XP at 32bit is not bad. Vista 32bit is worst off since 64bit windows consumes more. But on the other hand, if you get a motherboard with 8GB of RAM and it only supports that - you have maxmised it. You cannot upgrade down the road if you happen to hold onto it for more than 2 years. I would prefer to get a motherboard that supports 16GB - Gigabyte has some of those from as little as $250. If you are going to use it for games and normal stuff, it might be a waste with 8GB and 64bit. Unless if you do photography and deal with image sizes of excess of 200MB or into video work or desktop publishing, data modelling - what's the point.... 8GB of RAM cost around $900. Adobe should be coming out with newer CS4 versions soon, some of the other companies now support 64bit .... For normal people 2GB is probably enough unless you deal with big sizes. |
Nomad (952) | ||
| 654169 | 2008-03-30 08:09:00 | Thanks Nomad. Very clear advice. The problem is that I have ordered 8GB of RAM but have installed 32bit Vista, so I need to upgrade to 64bit to utilise all the RAM or ditch the extra 4GB RAM. As I am not confident 64bit will run smoothly with all the softwares and your advice on the necessity of extra RAM, I will see if I can return the RAM and just leave the OS as Vista 32bit. Thanks again. |
ephesus (2509) | ||
| 654170 | 2008-03-30 08:18:00 | well 64 bit is more secure, and it is the future, so I would actually just use 64 bit. nVidia has always been good with 64bit drivers, just other companies aren't that great. Do some research, then decide if you want 32 bit, or 64 bit. | SPARTAN 860 (2618) | ||
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