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Windows 7: 32-bit vs 64-bit

Anonymous
2011-03-21T20:21:38+00:00

I recently upgraded my RAM from 2 GB to 4 GB. I have a 32-bit Windows 7 Ultimate. I know that this version of Windows can handle up to 4 GB of RAM, but I need to know a little more. I am trying to decide whether upgrading to a 64-bit version of Windows will offer greater performance and program compatibility. Specifically:

  • Will upgrading from 32-bit Windows 7 Ultimate to 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate cause any increase in performance at all? (eg: Will RAM be accessed and used faster, more data stored in the same amount of RAM, etc)
  • Will 32-bit applications and programs run slower on a 64-bit version of Windows? (I have mostly 32-bit programs, and I will likely have to use them if I upgrade)
  • I've heard some programs are not compatible with 64-bit OSs. Approximately what percent of programs have this issue? Is there any way to resolve this (eg: a 32-bit compatibility mode)?
  • If I have a program that will only work in a 32-bit version of Windows, can I use Windows Virtual PC with a 32-bit OS to run the program? Would that present any issues?
  • What is the actual difference between the two versions? (eg: how they access RAM, how they store information, etc)
  • Will a 64-bit version of Windows use other memory resources differently (eg: graphics card 'dedicated' RAM, USB flash devices, solid state drives, etc)?
  • Are there any compatibility issues with the actual RAM itself (eg: a certain type of RAM won't work in a 64-bit OS)?

Thanks for the clarifications - I hope they will help me make an educated choice.

Rifdhan

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-03-22T00:39:00+00:00

    The whole structure is different in the 64-bit OS, and it uses WoW64 (Windows on Windows) such that 32-bit stuff will run.

    Windows 32-bit versions could address more than 4gb, but the limit was set to preserve reliability and other issues that could crop up now and again.

    In use, there is hardly any difference. W0W64 runs seamlessly with any application/program that is Windows 7 compatible. There are few exceptions to the rule, Lotus Smartsuite Millenium and Lotus Organiser are two that will only run properly in 32-bit, and also some small utilities which need to be bit-specific.

     The only time where 64-bit hits a stop is hardware drivers which have to be 64-bit or else..

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-03-21T21:00:44+00:00

    Responses in line

     

    • Will upgrading from 32-bit Windows 7 Ultimate to 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate cause any increase in performance at all? (eg: Will RAM be accessed and used faster, more data stored in the same amount of RAM, etc)

    Depends to some extent on what programs you are running, ie if they are designed specifically for 64bit - In most cases you will see no difference

    • Will 32-bit applications and programs run slower on a 64-bit version of Windows? (I have mostly 32-bit programs, and I will likely have to use them if I upgrade)

     

    No

    • I've heard some programs are not compatible with 64-bit OSs. Approximately what percent of programs have this issue? Is there any way to resolve this (eg: a 32-bit compatibility mode)?

    No percentage available, there are very few programs, designed for win7 that will only run on a specific bit version. You would have to view the proram makers specs.

    There is no 32bit compatibility option

    • If I have a program that will only work in a 32-bit version of Windows, can I use Windows Virtual PC with a 32-bit OS to run the program? Would that present any issues?

    I dont use Virtual PC, but as far as I understand it provides a 32bit version of winxp

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/faq.aspx

    • What is the actual difference between the two versions? (eg: how they access RAM, how they store information, etc)
    • Will a 64-bit version of Windows use other memory resources differently (eg: graphics card 'dedicated' RAM, USB flash devices, solid state drives, etc)?

    64bit allows the use of up to 192gb ram

    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

    • Are there any compatibility issues with the actual RAM itself (eg: a certain type of RAM won't work in a 64-bit OS)?

    No, provided the ram is compatible with your hardware

    Thanks for the clarifications - I hope they will help me make an educated choice.

    Rifdhan

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-03-22T22:31:53+00:00

    Thanks everyone for your support. you've provided more than enough information to answer my questions.

    Rifdhan

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-03-21T22:53:09+00:00

    If this is the 5th point

    "What is the actual difference between the two versions? (eg: how they access RAM, how they store information, etc)"

    No difference other than the capability of utilising more ram under 64 bit

    Allthough the 64bit version creates two system Program Files groups ie

    Program Files (x86) for 32 bit programs and Program Files for 64bit versions, the win registry has different entries depending on the bit version of the program, and any installed program should, by default, install under the 'correct' group. Using custom install, and installing to the 'wrong' group will cause issues, allthough some 32bit programs will install to eg \Windows'program name', this will not cause any problem

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-03-21T22:37:58+00:00

    Thanks Palcouk for your answers. They provided most of the information I needed. If anyone can tell me the answer to the fifth point, then I'll be done! If not, I'll mark your post as the answer and move on ...

    Thanks again,

    Rifdhan

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