Questions about x64

[Daniel]

Hi

what are the benefits of running x64?

Do you have to have a 64 CPU or will a 64 compatible CPU be satisfactory

Does x64 manage RAM better, (4Gig)

Do x32 programs run under x64.

All the above asked in ignorance

thanks

Daniel

 

[Dustin Harper]

The benefits are that you can address more than 4 GB of RAM. Some programs
do run better with 64 bit versions, although that can be hard to measure on
daily tasks.

64 bit CPU is required. Core 2 Duo, Athlon 64, some Semperon, some Celerons,
some P4's.

Most 32 bit programs run under 64 bit Vista, and there are some 64 bit
versions of popular 32 bit programs.

Before you make the plunge, make sure that there are drivers for your
hardware and your software is compatible.

 

[Daniel]

Thanks for your help

regards

Daniel

The benefits are that you can address more than 4 GB of RAM. Some programs
do run better with 64 bit versions, although that can be hard to measure
on daily tasks.

64 bit CPU is required. Core 2 Duo, Athlon 64, some Semperon, some
Celerons, some P4's.

Most 32 bit programs run under 64 bit Vista, and there are some 64 bit
versions of popular 32 bit programs.

Before you make the plunge, make sure that there are drivers for your
hardware and your software is compatible.

 

[Tim Slattery]

what are the benefits of running x64?

The ability to use more than 4GB of RAM.

Do you have to have a 64 CPU or will a 64 compatible CPU be satisfactory

I don't know what "64 compatible" means. The CPU has to be able to run
64-bit code, of course, to me that's the definition of a 64-bit CPU.

Does x64 manage RAM better, (4Gig)

As I said above, it allows you to use more RAM than you can use with a
32-bit system. The current implementation of 64-bit Vista allows
access to 128GB of RAM.

Do x32 programs run under x64.

Yes, but very old real-mode, 16-bit programs (otherwise known as DOS
programs) won't run.

There are not a whole lot of 64-bit programs at the moment. MS Office,
for example, exists only as 32-bit programs. And you may find out that
the printer or scanner that you bought has no 64-bit driver. And that
means that you won't be able to use it with 64-bit Vista.

 

[Daniel]

Thanks Tim, now I have a clearer picture.

regards

Daniel

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

what are the benefits of running x64?

For most people, there are hardly any advantages yet. If you run
64-bit applications, you should expect a performance improvement, but
there are very few 64-bit applications. That will change soon, but for
now, there's little reason to run 64-bit Windows, and a potential
severe disadvantage: there are often not 64-drivers available for all
your hardware, so, for example, you might have to buy a new printer or
scanner if you do this.

Do you have to have a 64 CPU or will a 64 compatible CPU be satisfactory

I have no idea what you mean by "a 64 compatible CPU." You need a
64-bit CPU.

Does x64 manage RAM better, (4Gig)

Unlike 32-bit Windows, 64-bit Windows can use more than 4GB. If you
are one of the very few people who can make effective use of so much
RAM, that *could* be an advantage to you.

Do x32 programs run under x64.

No guarantees, but most do.