Vista - Which Version To Buy?

[GabrielNow]

I'm currently building a new system
see
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2230105&enterthread=y

And here's the dilemma.

I know that 64 bit windows will support all 4gigs of my ram versus only 3 for 32 bit. Since I will be using my computer for tasks including such demanding tasks as general gaming and graphic design, does this 1gig make that much of a difference?

Are there other advantages/disadvantages to 64 bit?

As a student I have the option of getting 32bit windows vista ultimate for a astounding 18$!!

but the 64 bit version is currently not available at my school IT depatment so I would pay full retail at 170$ approx.

The question is, is that 1 gig worth that extra cost? Or should I just stick with 3 gigs out of my 4 and will that handle everything I need to do?

Thanks
-G

 

[13Gigatons]

Get the 32bit version and then use that key to order the 64 bit version for $10 from M$: http://www.microsoft.com/windo...rdermedia/default.mspx

 

[Scotteq]

That offer applies to retail versions of the OS. Given that MSFT don't make the same offer for OEM versions, I tend to doubt they'd extend the same to the even more steeply discounted academic/student versions.

For the OP - The larger of a beast of a machine you intend on building, the more sense it makes to go to 64 rather than 32. I'm talking 4+GB of Ram and a large (gigabyte~ish or more) GPU setup. If you don't intend on going that far with your build, or upgrading to such a setup at a later time, then you may as well stay 32 bit.

But if you *do* intend on building a beast (SLI/Crossfire and a bucket 'o RAM), or getting to that point in the near~ish future, then IMHO you would be best served biting the bullet now and buying 64.

 

[Tempered81]

Get the one that comes with XP installed & the option to use vista later on if you want. Heheh.

 

[Griffinhart]

If you can borrow a copy of the 64bit disk from a friend, your 32bit key will work with the 64 bit install.

Alternatively:

You can go to www.theultimatesteal.com and buy a retail copy of Ultimate upgrade for $65. Assuming you have an existing copy of windows somewhere that meets the EULA. That copy will have both 32 and 64bit disks included.

 

[Wuzup101]

^^^ Go 64 bit... ram is cheep... and 1gb will make a difference when it comes to working with graphics (assuming you are doing something serious with photoshop and such). Games are using more and more ram, and ram is cheep (did I mention that already?).

Seriously though... you can get 8gb of DDR2 800 for $100 after rebates (my OCZ reaper was less than $30 from newegg with a combo deal + MIR).

On another note, as the guys above pointed out, you only really need a valid key/license. MS doesn't care if it was from a 32bit or a 64bit copy. I know students that have requested the 64bit version of vista from MS (before our computer store started carrying it). You don't need a retail copy, paying $170 is stupid when you could get it for $20.