Worth going to Win7 64 bit if I already have 32 bit installed?

[KatanaBob]

Hi! I recently bought extra RAM so that the total is now 4 gb. Is it worth going 64 bit for the extra 0,5 gb it will provide, or will any gain disappear into the "heavier" 64 bit OS? Oh, and we're talking WIN7 ultimate on both 32 bit and 64 bit.

By the way, does 64 bit Office 2010 have ANY problem working with other 32 bit office 2007 machines?

I mostly game, write and browse.

Thanks in advance!

Specs:
Athlon II X2 240 @3,6 GHZ
9800gt
4gb ram

 

[gsaldivar]

Stick with 32-bit Office 2010, it works just fine with 64-bit Windows.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/197415/beware_of_office_2010s_64bit_shortcomings.html

 

[KatanaBob]

Stick with 32-bit Office 2010, it works just fine with 64-bit Windows.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/197415/beware_of_office_2010s_64bit_shortcomings.html

Thanks great link! What do you think about windows though? should i stay with32 bit? And yes, ive googled. =)

 

[lxskllr]

For only 4gb installed, I wouldn't bother. It really only allows you to use more memory. If you're running low on memory, a larger ram upgrade, and 64bit would be worth it. Not for 512mb imo. If you do a reinstall for other purposes, go ahead and use 64bit, but don't do a special install for that reason alone.

 

[corkyg]

If you want or need more RAM, and do a lot of multitasking, it might be worth it. Based on the info presented, I would leave it alone.

 

[Anteaus]

In this particular case, moving to 64-bit will not necessarily buy you any performance. However, if you plan on putting in a newer GPU with alot more onboard ram, then I would consider it. As it is now you're likely sitting at around 3.25 to 3.5 usable ram, and more GPU ram would reduce that further.

If your using one or two applications at a time with your current setup, then again it's a non issue because your limited to 2GB of ram per 32-bit application (OS design). Moving to Win7-64 will increase that limitation to 3GB.

The catch is, are you going to see any sort of noticeable performance increase? Probably not.