32 bit Vista on 64 bit machine

[3putt in coastal SC]

I've just purchased a new computer and the system is telling me that Vista
OS is the 32 bit version on a MD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core 4400+. Was the
manufacturer cutting corners by not installing the 64 bit Vista? And does
this present any problems on system performance?

 

[philo]

I've just purchased a new computer and the system is telling me that Vista
OS is the 32 bit version on a MD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core 4400+. Was the
manufacturer cutting corners by not installing the 64 bit Vista? And does
this present any problems on system performance?

The driver base for the 32bit version of Vista is better
so the mfg was probably doing you a favor.

Unless you use applications that require over 4 gigs of RAM...
it's not likely to hurt your performance by any significant amount.

 

[Dustin Harper]

No, it does nothing as far as performance. Yes, you have a 64 bit capable
CPU, but it makes little difference on whether or not you put the 32 or 64
bit version of Windows on it. One thing that 64 bit does do, is allow you to
install and use more than ~3.2 GB of physical RAM. If you have more than
that, then you may want to jump on 64 bit. There are other issues with 64
bit, as well (drivers, software compatiblities, etc.), that may hamper some
users from upgrading to 64 bit. But, it isn't really a performance upgrade
at this time.

--

Dustin Harper
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.vistarip.com | Vista Resource & Information Page

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[Mick Murphy]

All OEM computer manufacturers sell 32bit as default, unless you ask for 64bit