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I'm contemplating installing 64-bit Vista Business over my current 32-bit version, but from the different threads I've read it doesn't appear there is significant enough increase of OS speed or program operations.
Any opinions of staying with 32-b or going to 64-b?
TIA
Cole
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64-bit (probably) requires 64-bit drivers for all of your hardware.
There are some applications that have 64-bit versions.
I trialled 64-bit (Win XP), but there were limited driver resources for older hardware. I have not tried Vista 64-bit (my motherboard manufacturer does not offer Vista drivers at all, I am running drivers from the hardware controller's websites )
Since my Acer is a spanking new X64 processor with 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM, all the hardware is prepared for a 64-b OS. And even though I know it will require a complete fresh install, my engineer side is hurting to give it a try to see what I can get out of it.
Be that as it may, I'm still a bit hesitant to begin the process if I won't really learn anything out of it, hence my posting here for thoughts/ideas.
Thanks to both you Steve and mattman for your input. I'll let y'all know how things go when I finish the process should I get enough feedback to begin it.
I dont have the business version (home premium). It does
have a learning curve to it tho. I've had it a month or so and
I'm still exploring. Can't speak about whats behind the
screen but it kinda reminds me of XP with a new language
for the user to learn and a few whistles and bells added. Has
some strange things in it like the permissions and screens
not staying how you want them but these are just nits and
may be particular to me.
Then that decides it! I'm already salivating at the idea of installing the 64-b Vista.
Thanks, y'all!! I'll post here the outcome and let ya know if it really speeds up my system, and/or if there are any issues/solutions to help further installers.
May each of you and yours have a super happy new year loaded with lots of smiles and successes. Maybe a few beers, too. :P
I have 64 bit Vista Home Premium running on an AMD quad core w/ 4 gigs of memory. Machine works great. I also have Vista Ultimate, 32 bit edition, running on an older machine with only a gig of memory. PCPitstop rates the newer machine better, but frankly, I can't tell any difference in day-to-day use. Both systems are point and click. YMMV.
Johanna
Well, the install went flawlessly and it pretty much runs about the same speed as the 32-b. However, I do understand that many of my currently running programs are x86, therefore not utilizing the full potential of a 64-b OS.
But one thing that's different, and I do mean a BIG thing, is after I rated my system (got 4.0 overall), the interface changed to be this super-slick usage of the graphics. I'm still in awe of how cool it looks every time I open a window or program. This interface was never used in the 32-b.
Does anyone know if it is because of 64-b? For some reason I could never get the rating to work on my 32-b Vista, the option to use it was grayed out, and I'm curious if the reason this cool interface is because Vista rated my box.
I'm running Vista Ultimate 32 Bit on a Dell XPS M1710 Laptop Core 2 T7200 2.0Ghz with 4.0GB RAM. My "Rating" has been working since day 1. When I first got the box it only had 2.0GB RAM and my "Rating" was 4.4 and after upgrading the Laptop to 4.0GB RAM my "Rating" increased to 4.6.
The weird thing is that my RAM is the lowest rating...
Processor - 4.9 Memory - 4.6
Graphic - 5.9
Gaming Graphics - 5.8
Primary Hard Disk - 5.3
Your rating moved nicely after the upgrade. That makes me a bit curious about mine after looking at your numbers and system details. Here are mine as listed after the OS install:
The Windows Performance gives you the lowest "subscore", not an average of your scores. My uber-fast computer only rates a 3.7 because I do not have super-duper video card, but all the other numbers are 5.7 or 5.9.
Johanna
Johanna is correct...right on the "Rating" screen it tells you, right under "Base Score" column - "Determined by lowest subscore". Sounds like if your update your Graphics card you would have a "smoking" unit...although a 4.0 on the card is pretty dang good... . Not that I'm trying to tell you that you don't already have a smoking unit...LOLOLOL
Base score definitions
Each base score level defines an improved experience over lower levels. A PC will work well running scenarios of its level in addition to scenarios of lower levels.
The base score levels at a glance:
1.0 – 1.9
Basic performance. Productivity applications, IM, web, email, simple games - like Solitaire, educational games.
Minimum specification needed to run Windows Vista™.
2.0 – 2.9
Improved responsiveness. Same applications as a base score of 1.0 – 1.9.
PCs will run Windows Vista but in most cases will not be Aero capable.
3.0-3.9
Aero graphics, Media Center with standard definition TV, basic graphical games, basic performance while running high-end graphical games.
Minimum specification needed to run Windows Vista Premium features, including the new Aero user interface. 4.0 – 4.9 Snappy performance, high definition video, high resolution monitors, dual monitors. Very good performing PCs.
5.0 – 5.9
Fast moving games with amazingly rich graphics, 3D modeling, high-end multimedia and high performance applications. Top end of the PC market for the Vista time frame.
