Ordered wrong version of Windows 7 32 bit, how much of a performance hit is it?

[miri]

Ordered parts from newegg and ordered the 32 bit version of windows 7 instead of the 64 bit version. My computer will have 4 gigs of ram.

I read neweggs return policy

# Return OEM Software for refund within: non-refundable
# Return Defective (Retail or OEM) Software for replacement within: 30 days

Would it be worth it to spend another $100+tax for windows 7 or just stick with the 32 bit version if the performance hit is not so great?

Thanks!

 

[RebateMonger]

The x32 Key can be used with an x64 disk if you can acquire one.

If you aren't going to use x64-specific programs and are only going to have 4 GB of memory, I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference between x32 and x64.

 

[Modelworks]

I actually prefer 32 bit for daily use, gaming, etc because some of the hardware I use doesn't have signed x64 drivers. x32 is more lenient in that area. I still have 3.45GB of memory I can use. Each program is limited to 2GB total usage under 32 bit, but that is fine for most people.

 

[Cogman]

the speed of 32 vs 64 is a non-issue. They are basically the same. The real difference comes with addressable memory.

 

[Billb2]

Would it be worth it to spend another $100+tax for windows 7 x64 (sic)...
Thanks!

No.

 

[Fox5]

Just get a windows 7 64 bit iso of the same version (or borrow a disk from somebody) and use the same cd key. Microsoft might even mail you a 64 bit disk for a small charge.

 

[corkyg]

The main difference would be in RAM access and multitasking. Aside from that, you won't notice a difference.

 

[Cogman]

The main difference would be in RAM access and multitasking. Aside from that, you won't notice a difference.

There shouldn't be any difference in multitasking (unless you have more then 32 processors in your system.)

 

[hanspeter]

There shouldn't be any difference in multitasking (unless you have more then 32 processors in your system.)

Well, if you install plenty of ram and multitask a lot of applications ...

 

[tibandit]

if you have or want to have more then 4GB ram then get 64bit. if not dont worry.

 

[notposting]

I would suggest finding the 64 bit version and using your key mainly for long term upgrade purposes. IE when Windows 8 comes out you might want to do an in-place upgrade and I think it might be 64 bit only.

 

[Fox5]

There are some applications (games primarily) that will run out of addressable space and crash on a 32 bit system. They aren't 64 bit, but under 64 bit they get 4GB of address space instead of 2GB.
Also, if you ever think you'll upgrade your ram, it's easier to go 64 bit from the start.

 

[nk215]

There's no speed differences between the 32 and 64. I actually had 6 gig of memory on a 32 bit system. I used ramdrive plus (can't look up the exact name at the moment) that can see all my memory. I created a ramdrive out of the extra 3 gigs and moved swap file and IE temp files/ temp folder there.

Later on, I moved to SSD and get a 64bit disk using the same old key. No issue.

Ordered parts from newegg and ordered the 32 bit version of windows 7 instead of the 64 bit version. My computer will have 4 gigs of ram.

I read neweggs return policy

# Return OEM Software for refund within: non-refundable
# Return Defective (Retail or OEM) Software for replacement within: 30 days

Would it be worth it to spend another $100+tax for windows 7 or just stick with the 32 bit version if the performance hit is not so great?

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

Quote: "Ordered wrong version of Windows 7 32 bit, how much of a performance hit is it"?

Functionally the difference is nothing to very little.

Psychologically for an enthusiast it is a lot, sometime unbearable. :hmm:

 

[tcsenter]

For the OS itself, none. For most applications, none. For some applications, a little. For a tiny percentage of applications, a lot.

As mentioned, the key is not bit-specific. You can use the key for 32-bit or 64-bit installs. Just get yourself a copy of the 64-bit install bits from somewhere.

You could try contacting Newegg.com and begging. I've heard of them waiving the restocking fee for people who didn't deserve it and allowed them to exchange for different item, as long as the product was unopened.

 

[Raduque]

Windows 7 ISO direct download link
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso


Edit: Source
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/...links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/

 

[NoQuarter]

Digital river handles the direct download distribution of the Win7 ISO the links Raduque post are 100% legit and your 64-bit key will work for it.

 

[Ms. DICKINSON]

The last review I've read, there's a 10% boost in 64bit version.

 

[KeypoX]

The last review I've read, there's a 10% boost in 64bit version.

I have always seen the opposite. not a huge value like 10% though. Maybe 1 or a 1/2 %

You have that review handy?

 

[Cogman]

I have always seen the opposite. not a huge value like 10% though. Maybe 1 or a 1/2 %

You have that review handy?

I agree. If the application hasn't been tuned for 64bit operation (IE just compiled with a 64bit compiler) there is a good chance it will run slower and use more memory then its 32bit counter-part.

32bit apps generally run about the same speed in a 64bit environment.

 

[miri]

newegg was cool about it and let me return it so i bought the 64 bit version.

 

[thescreensavers]

^ I cool, I was about to send you a PM. Good you got it sorted. I don't get why newegg wont allow return of unopened Windows disc :O

 

[tcsenter]

Cool beans. I told you begging might get you somewhere. haha

Remember that with 64-bit Windows, you have to install BOTH 32-bit and 64-bit versions of some things. e.g.

- Visual C++ Run Time, 32-bit AND 64-bit
- Sun Java, 32-bit AND 64-bit

I think there may be a couple others, but that's all I can think of ATM.

 

[Emulex]

yeah without 8gb of ram i'd skip 64 bit man.

Those $19 2gb sticks finally getting a workout

 

[Fox5]

yeah without 8gb of ram i'd skip 64 bit man.

Those $19 2gb sticks finally getting a workout

I wouldn't, there's already been games that crash on their highest settings on a 32 bit system, and this goes back years.