Vista 32 and 64

[JK949]

I'm currently using Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit and LOVE it. So much so I am going to buy it as soon as it comes out. Problem is it's beta and now I need to install Vista.
How much faster will Vista 64 bit with 8 gig of ram run versus 32 bit Vista on 4 gig.

Here's what I have:
Q9450
Asus P5N-D
EVGA GTX 260 CORE 216 ( Super clocked version )
8 gig ( 4 x 2 ) OCZ DDR2 800 GOLD

And also, could someone tell me how to change my system specs in my profile. They are out of date.


ps. I use FireFox and haven't had any problems with WMP 12 in case anyone wanted to know.

Thanks.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

It's not going to speed it up anyu significant amount, it's going to let you have more windows /apps open before it starts slowing down.

 

[dguy6789]

The main advantage to using lots of ram in Vista or 7 is Superfetch. The OS loads as much of the programs you use into memory as it can upon boot up. Whenever you actually decide to use said programs, they load up extremely fast because they are already in memory and don't have to wait for the really slow hard drive to load the data. In general, the more memory you have, the more responsive and quick your general OS usage will be with 64 bit versions of Vista and 7.

 

[JK949]

Makes sense to me. There is no price difference so I guess I'll go with 64 since I have the ram anyway. Thanks for the reply's.

One other question. Any of the 4 versions of Vista faster than the others ?

 

[dguy6789]

I'd imagine they all are about the same. I've used Home Premium and Ultimate and noticed no performance differences.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Originally posted by: dguy6789
I'd imagine they all are about the same. I've used Home Premium and Ultimate and noticed no performance differences.

Ditto. They're all designed with the same kernel.

On the issue of 4 vs 8GB, I'd think there is a point of diminishing returns to extra memory, although the Big Lebowski is correct in principle. But how many applications and games are you going to keep open at the same time? To me, there is a practical limit to the amount of multi-tasking a human being will do at any given point in time. Maybe the trade-off is that of multi-tasking versus the extra speed you get with any given game or application for running tighter latencies or lower-volted higher speeds on half as much memory. Certainly, you can find all this out for yourself, and if you're using DDR2 memory (which I see you are . . . ) -- memory kits are cheaper than KOOL cigarettes -- almost -- and not nearly as hazardous to your health.

 

[Texun]

You may already have enough information to make your move but since I'm here I'll add mine...

To me, the 32 and 64 bit versions feel the same. I had the 32 bit HP version on mine about a year ago and for some strange reason it was horribly unstable. I wiped the drive and tried two fresh installs with all the updates and it was still unstable. Using the same hardware, I did a fresh install with Home Premium 64 and it has been exceptionally solid now for months. I initially had 3 gigs of RAM but upped it to 8 a few months ago only because RAM was and still is cheap. Maybe I've gotten used to it, but I can't say that I've noticed any difference in speed so it looks like I may have jumped the shark by adding the extra memory, but it's there and it's working fine. I have the 32 bit version on my HTPC with 2 gigs and it's very stable and smooth. I am also running 32 bit W7 on an older S754 rig with 1.5 gigs and it's fine as well, although understandably slower than either of my X2's.

For the price I agree that 64 would be a good move for you since you have the memory, or in case you want to add more later.