Is it worth moving to 64bit yet

[slypie]

I'm about to update my PC and want to use 4GB RAM and so to get the full benefit it looks like I will have to move into the realms of 64bit OS.

I am thinking about buying Vista 64bit ultimate edition and had a few questions.

- Will all new applications and games work on 64bit.
- Will older apps and games work (If memory serves me right 64 bit OS's included a sort of 32bit emulator to run software).
- What is the situation like with new hardware and drivers working on 64bit
- Is it worth doing and if it doesn't work out does the Vista licence include reverting to 32bit?


Cheers for any help

[Anastie]

I am having a similar dilemma. I am sure others with direct 64 bit experience will be along. But from what I understand nowadays most recent hardware works ok and they release 64 bit drivers. Same with recent games. It appears from people I know that for example older scanners and printers do not have drivers that work on 64 bit available.

I think the problems now are smaller than they were on launch.

[slypie]

I'm just worried that I will fork out £100 on an oem 64bit version of Vista to find that all my stuff doesn't work anymore or there are problems with current/future software and games.

[directhex]

*current* stuff should be fine. anything with a vista logo on it should have 64-bit drivers, any current or future games should run fine. older stuff, not so much

[slypie]

am I right in thinking that Vista Ultimate comes with both 32 and 64bit versions on the DVD if I buy the retail or upgrade version?

[directhex]

yeah, but retail vista ultimate is... expensive

[gurpz1]

i think if you are going to use vista at home, home premium is good enough. You'll save £60 odd

[Nickg]

Ultimate OEM 64.... under £100 or so.. just make sure your happy with your rig before you install it

[directhex]

nobody needs ultimate. spend the extra money on fine cuban rum.

[bigbloke]

nobody needs ultimate. spend the extra money on fine cuban rum.

good advice

[Nickg]

nobody needs ultimate. spend the extra money on fine cuban rum.

Nobody "needs" Vista, or even a computer, go get a life...

[[GSV]Trig]

Nobody "needs" Vista, or even a computer, go get a life...

You dont need to be a ******, go take a pill.

[shaithis]

64bit (especially with Vista) is a 100% complete no-brainer.

Anyone installing 32bit Vista is either very short-sighted or has an extremely specific task for the PC to service over its entire lifespan.

[cougarslam]

is there any quick way of switching from a 32 bit installation to 64 bit without format?

[Splash]

is there any quick way of switching from a 32 bit installation to 64 bit without format?

Nope - it's a different kernel so you must backup and reinstall

[Splash]

nobody needs ultimate. spend the extra money on fine cuban rum.

I did - needed domain support and the difference in price between OEM Business and OEM Ultimate at the time made the choice a no brainer.