Vista 32bit or Vista 64bit

[brasco2006]

Hi All,

Planning on getting a new PC soon with an Intel Core Duo 2 CPU. Just wanted to know if getting Vista 64bit would be a better choice than going with the 32bit version? Any advice or information appreciated.

Regards
Brasco

[GeorgeTuk]

There are many more drivers for the 32-bit version because of the legacy of XP. I think that would be the best option for early adopters.

[brasco2006]

Thanks for the info. Is there a massive performance difference between the 32 and 64bit versions of Vista?

[charleski]

Do you want to use more than 4Gb of RAM?
- only 64bit can do this

Otherwise: are the apps you'll be using available in 64bit versions?
- if not, there's little point in running a 64bit OS
- if they are, then you will see some speed increase

Will the hardware you're using be supported with 64bit Vista drivers?
- 64bit Vista requires signed drivers, so old or poorly-supported hardware won't run properly, if at all.

[kalniel]

This has been covered by some recent threads already.

32bit Vista is more compatible with current devices due to the prevalence of 32bit drivers for XP.

However 64bit Vista can address more memory and can enable your 64bit processor to utilise additional instructions that when taken advantage of can speed up certain tasks.

64bit vista also only allows use of properly signed drivers, meaning that it should be far more stable - 3rd parties won't be able to run buggy drivers that affect stability. The cost of this stability is increased development time for drivers.

[brasco2006]

Will probably go with the standard 2GB when I get VISTA so will get the 32bit VISTA. Thanks for the advice guys.