currently have vista 32-bit, is my machine good for 64?

[Mstenger404]

My current computer has been upgraded to vista ultimate 32 bit. The box also came with the 64-bit cd.

what I want to know is:

what advantages are there for 64-bit?

whats 1 way to tell if my rig is ready for 64-bit without having to look up all my parts?

[IcIshoot]

you have to have a 64bit processor to run a 64bit operating system.

One of the biggest (if not primary) advantage of 64bit is that it supports larger amounts of ram.

[Mstenger404]

supports larger amounts of ram as in I can have up to 8 gb in or something like that or it uses up less ram?

my cpu is 64 bit compatible but is that the only thing that has to be compatible?

[IcIshoot]

it can handle more ram...

32bit processors can only handle up to 4Gb of ram.


64bit processors can handle up to 17.2 Billion gigabytes ( or 16.8 million terabytes or 16 exabytes).

Though most 64bit processors have an artificial limit to the amount of ram you can handle, as the chances of some one running 16.8 million terabytes of ram are next to none

[Steve]

Originally posted by Mstenger404
supports larger amounts of ram as in I can have up to 8 gb in or something like that or it uses up less ram?

my cpu is 64 bit compatible but is that the only thing that has to be compatible?

The emergence of the 64-bit architecture effectively increases the memory ceiling to 264 addresses, equivalent to approximately 17.2 billion gigabytes, 16.8 million terabytes, or 16 exabytes of RAM

yeah you just need a 64 cpu to run a 64bit OS.

the main issues is getting 64bit drivers. if you have some old hardware like a scanner or something then it will probably never have any drivers to run it.



i think 64bit is struggling to take off big time, MS has a big problem because most ppl didn't have the hardware to fully run 64bit and most hardware has no drivers. i bet MS would love to release a 64bit ONLY OS next time. but they have the constant issue of trying to accommodate the majority of the world dragging it's ass in the past. (inc users, hardware and software companies).



/edit bah beaten by shoot