Vista 64 Bit Version for Core 2 Duo?

[Barefootpanda]

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo laptop currently running XP Pro. I want to
upgrade to Vista, but do I need the 64-bit version?

 

[GBK]

you don't *need* it. you can stay with 32 bit version the Core 2 processor
works with both 32 & 64bit. It's up you based on various factors which
edition of Vista you choose.

 

[Barefootpanda]

Would I see an improvement in speed with the 64 bit on the Core 2 Duo?

 

[pete]

its not a matter of speed..........its a matter of finding 64bit drivers for
your hardware.
And then of course there is the shortage of 64bit programs ..so most of them
will still be 32bit
peter

 

[Dale M. White]

Some people have claimed that things run better under Vista64 (or XP64 for
that matter), but there currently is a lack of anything to really suppoirt
the runs better other than someone say "it feels faster"

Of the only 2 64bit apps I have to fun Far Cry64 and Half-Life2:Lost Coast
64. It's currently a little against, 64bit computing. HL2 runs about 40 fps
slower than the 32bit verision and FarCry 64 runs almost the same (within
5fps). when I posted my finding in the Steam forums, one user reported that
pure 64bit is expected to run substantionally slower than 32.

A google search only muddied the water for me, as there is no clear answer
for windows, but some interesting benchmark for theApple when comparing
their 64bit PowerPC cpu and the Intel Core 2 Duo. Some things had 64bit much
slower, others had it a little faster. Obviously alot depends on what you're
doing and whether you need great than 4GB support on your system

Personally, I think the safe and currently best answer is that stick with
32bit a while longer, unless you like being on the cutting edge and willign
to fight through some things. I predict it will really be another 2 years
and maybe the release of Vienna, before 64bit computing is ready (ready
meaning having some actual value) for mainsteam.