windows 64 bit

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Avenue

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I'm looking at buying windows, but want to get the 64bit version because I do a lot of 3d rendering and need the extra ram. Do you just buy windows pro and then install either a 32 bit or 64 bit version, or are they 2 different products that you buy separately? in other words do I need to search for a windows pro 64 bit retail version?
 
ave said:
I'm looking at buying windows, but want to get the 64bit version because I do a lot of 3d rendering and need the extra ram. Do you just buy windows pro and then install either a 32 bit or 64 bit version, or are they 2 different products that you buy separately? in other words do I need to search for a windows pro 64 bit retail version?
Click to expand...

There are a lot of Windows OS (Operating System) versions. Have a look here --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Microsoft_Windows_versions

But when it comes to 32bit vs 64bit architecture, the license key is interchangeable as far as I know as long as you stick to the same Windows version (Home Basic, Home Premium, Pro etc...). And you can only use either or, not both.

So if your PC has an OEM sticker on it with a license key then this is usually valid for both 32 and 64bit version of that particular Windows OS (Just confirm this if you're using Windows XP as I'm under the impression XP 64bit was a separate release - but XP and 3D rendering won't go well together for the latest software anyway...). So then just download the 64bit version of that particular OS if you can't find your discs. Remember to backup everything before you install the new OS over the old.

If you have to buy a new MS license and DVD's ensure one of the discs say 64bit on it to save you the hassle.

http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/273553-windows-8-32bit-key-will-work-on-the-64bit-version

As for choosing a particular OS type if you're buying new, well that's another debate :) I'd go with Windows 8.1 (Standard, not Pro) if it were me, because I'm one of the few who aren't bothered by lack of a start menu as I'm not pathetic that way :p
 
Last edited:
ave said:
I'm looking at buying windows, but want to get the 64bit version because I do a lot of 3d rendering and need the extra ram. Do you just buy windows pro and then install either a 32 bit or 64 bit version, or are they 2 different products that you buy separately? in other words do I need to search for a windows pro 64 bit retail version?
Click to expand...
Its best to specifically check/enquire. Personally I'd just buy something listed as 64 and call it a day.
 
Thanks everyone. That helps.

Rickster said:
Give these guys some business, unless the prices are too high compared to other online shops.
Click to expand...

Those aren't bad prices at all.

Bobbin said:
There are a lot of Windows OS (Operating System) versions. Have a look here --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Microsoft_Windows_versions

But when it comes to 32bit vs 64bit architecture, the license key is interchangeable as far as I know as long as you stick to the same Windows version (Home Basic, Home Premium, Pro etc...). And you can only use either or, not both.

So if your PC has an OEM sticker on it with a license key then this is usually valid for both 32 and 64bit version of that particular Windows OS (Just confirm this if you're using Windows XP as I'm under the impression XP 64bit was a separate release - but XP and 3D rendering won't go well together for the latest software anyway...). So then just download the 64bit version of that particular OS if you can't find your discs. Remember to backup everything before you install the new OS over the old.

If you have to buy a new MS license and DVD's ensure one of the discs say 64bit on it to save you the hassle.

http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/273553-windows-8-32bit-key-will-work-on-the-64bit-version

As for choosing a particular OS type if you're buying new, well that's another debate :) I'd go with Windows 8.1 (Standard, not Pro) if it were me, because I'm one of the few who aren't bothered by lack of a start menu as I'm not pathetic that way :p
Click to expand...

yes I have XP. I didn't know they were interchangeable- that's interesting.... thanks for all the info.

Yeah I don't think I need all the advanced features of pro. I just use it to render and play games, so as long as I can do that with standard I'm happy.
 
ave said:
Thanks everyone. That helps.
yes I have XP. I didn't know they were interchangeable- that's interesting.... thanks for all the info.
Yeah I don't think I need all the advanced features of pro. I just use it to render and play games, so as long as I can do that with standard I'm happy.
Click to expand...

XP is not interchangeable, only from W7 onwards can one use the 32 bit key to install 64bit.
You should also be considering upgrading your OS, Microsoft has stopped security patches, lots of programs are dropping support for XP as well.
You could wait for W10 to be released.
 
Depending on the software you use now, OP, you could also consider switching to Linux, or just giving that a try before you move to Windows 8.1. Some 3D rendering workloads handle a lot better under Linux than they do in Windows, especially when it comes to Blender, for example.
 
ave said:
I'm looking at buying windows, but want to get the 64bit version because I do a lot of 3d rendering and need the extra ram. Do you just buy windows pro and then install either a 32 bit or 64 bit version, or are they 2 different products that you buy separately? in other words do I need to search for a windows pro 64 bit retail version?
Click to expand...

Now isn't exactly the best time to spend a lot on an OS. Windows 10 is around the corner and it's a free upgrade to all Windows users. Just get the cheapest 64bit Windows 7 or 8 you can find.
 
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