Windows 7 64bit or 32bit for a new pc ?

[hummer007]

Hello Guys,
I am building a new PC.
Following will be my configuration

Intel i5 2500K Sandy Bridge Processor
GA-P67A-UD3
4GB DDR3 1.5V
GTS 430 Graphic card
450W PSU Corsair
Antec Three Hundred case
23" 1080P monitor (ASUS, Samsung)

Should I go with Windows 7 64 bit or 32 bit ?

I will use PC for Internet,Office application, Photoshop (occasionally).

Does 64bit will give great performance compare with 32 bit ?

What is the main advantage of 64bit over 32bit ?

Any main disadvantage of windows 64bit ?

 

[oynaz]

Hello Guys,

Does 64bit will give great performance compare with 32 bit ?

What is the main advantage of 64bit over 32bit ?

Any main disadvantage of windows 64bit ?

The main advantage of 64 bit compared to 32 bit, is the ability to use more than 4 GB RAM. Your build will not require the 64 bit version, but if you ever add more RAM, you will need 64 bit.

The disadvantage is that some applications will have trouble runnning at 64 bit. These days, nearly all apps can run 64 bit natively or use compatibility mode. So, unless you use software that you know requires 32 bit, I recommend going with 64 bit.

 

[hummer007]

Thanks a lot for the information.

One more question;

is it true that 64bit is more secure in terms of virus & malware infection or it's just a myth.

 

[Zorander]

The only reason to stay with the 32-bit version is if you have any software or device (driver) that cannot run under 64-bit environment. If you have no such backward-compatibility issue, go for 64-bit.

Regards.

p.s. No idea about 64-bit being more malware-proof but I doubt it, seeing how majority of 32-bit apps can still run under 64-bit environment.

 

[corkyg]

Another big plus for 64 bit is a much better ability to multitask. With a wider hiway, you can have more lanes of traffic all moving at the same time.

 

[Leros]

Actually with 32-bit, you will not be able to access all 4GB of your RAM. Most likely, Windows will only be able to use 3.5GB.

 

[Zargon]

^^^

that.

go 64bit

 

[Rifter]

go 64

 

[power_hour]

64bit is the way to go because it handles memory better even with only 4GB.

If you worried about viruses and malware, you could install Windows 7 (x64) Professional or Ulitimate and run Virtual PC and surf with a VM. That way if it gets infected your main host is unaffected. Of course install Antivirus and Malware programs for any OS i.e. MSE and Malwarebytes are a good combo.

Cheers,

 

[airdata]

64bit, no question.

I've had no problems w\ 64 bit and have been using it since RTM.