Windows 7 x86 vs x64

Wouldn't the 32 bit version still have its place in things like Netbooks and older notebooks/PC's? I have installed the 32 bit version on an oldish Dell D620 and it runs really well, certainly a huge improvement over the bloated XP it had on.

I have used Vista Ultimate 64 bit for quite some time, and can agree that it is certainly a stable OS for high-end gaming rigs. I actually bought it, used it for a few months and then upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit RC1. There is a significant improvement in startup time and performance.

I am probably preaching to the converted here... :)
 
I would say gooi 64 bit anyway so you can upgrade your ram and use it all.

Only reason not to use 64bit is if you're using an abacus.
 
Got this from http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-64-bit-vs-32-bit-t484.html

Pros and Cons of a 64 bit system:
You can address much more than 4GB of memory, which is ideal for avid gamers, CAD, video editors and heavy multi-taskers. However, any 32 bit software you use will still be restricted to 4GB memory – you need a 64 bit CPU, OS and applications to take full advantage of the extra RAM.
16 bit applications will no longer run. Although this is unlikely to be a problem, if you use very old software (from the Windows 3.1 days!) then it will not work under a 64 bit OS.
Existing 32 bit drivers no longer work.If you have older or poorly supported hardware you may find that it can no longer be used. Got a 7 year old scanner that just about works in Vista? You may not be able to get it working in 64 bit Windows 7.
Unsigned kernel-mode drivers no longer work. Along with the issue above, the inability to run unsigned kernel mode drivers will cause problems for old hardware. (There is reportedly a way to bypass this check).
Running some 32 bit applications on a 64 bit OS could actually be slower. The additional overheads in running 32 bit software in 64 bit mode could cause a slight degradation in performance. It will take some time for 64 bit software to become the norm.
Click to expand...
 
64 is the way of the future... only 3 odd Gigs of RAM on 32 bit ?? crazy talk :D

I have Dual Quad Core XEON systems running with between 16 and 32 GB of RAM and they are doing stuff you could never dream of on a 32 bit OS.

Dont see why anybody would consider going 32 bit anymore if they have they choice.
 
If you have 4GB or more RAM you might as well use the 64 bit version and make full use of all the available RAM. If you have less than 4GB there shouldn't be a noticable difference between the 2 version in most conditions.
 
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