if you have a x64 bit CPU and you where going to put vista onto your system, you would put vist HP x64 or abv (ulimate or bussiness) right?

So then why are compaies like dell putting the 32 bit version on to PC with e6300 and above all.

This seem stupid to me, is this so they can get away with putting cheaper RAM as 32bit version dont benfit too much from 2Gb+ abv 677?

oh and two thing before i forget, pls dont say why would you buy a dell, i am a system builder not a buyer, this si just an inquery.

and pls no 'Why would you get Vista'

because:
1) There is no advantage of 64bit OS unless you have more than 4GB of RAM and software which can utilize it.
2) There is no difference in performance
3) 95% of the software is still 32bit
4) There are missing a lot of drivers for the 64bit OS-es

The industry isn't done milking 32bit applications yet.

Word, Playa.

A little off - my list would be:

1) Lack of drivers, not for the system itself but for the functionality of all those peripherals consumers like to plug in/upgrade and then call tech support over.
2) Unproven performance benefits. There definitely are applications (like chess?) that run faster compiled in 64-bit, but most consumer applications are either legacy 32-bit or wouldn't benefit from 64-bit anyway.
3) Memory efficiency. An inevitable side effect of using 64-bit everything is that you'll need more memory to accomplish the same task. This is analogous to HD slack space with larger cluster sizes.

While (2) is not a disadvantage because programs don't slow down, and (3) may hardly be a problem with copious cheap RAM, (1) is a definite turn-off in the consumer market.

Yeh. Can't wait till the day they stop...o well were getting there slowly.

yeh, x64 uses more proc and ram, BUT you do gain the advantage of a ENOURMOUS drop in virus's. but yeah 32bit is still a big pool, and x64 is still small. drivers for 32bit vista are only just coming in, let alone x64.

Because some people are still naive and think there are problems with Vista 64 compared to 32 bit when in actual fact its every bit as good as 32 in my opinion. Manufacturers are just catering for this and in some cases are naive themselves when it comes to 64 bit.

Compatability is generally just as good. There's no real disadvantage.

Its true there aren't many true 64 bit apps out there but that makes no difference as 32 bit apps run just as well as they do on 32!

Advantages of 64 bit are:

1. Ability to address 4GB of RAM (32 bit can only address 2.5-3Gb approx)

2. Immune to 90% of viruses / spyware as most are 16 bit apps and Vista 64 doesn't support 16 bit, it simply won't run them

3. Kernal protection system and improved security

4. Future proofed as a lot of the next games are coming out with 64 bit versions eg Crysis

5. Future proofed as 64 bit is going to grow rapidly as MS has just announced no more 32 bit OS's.

So basically, there are not really many if any disadvantages to 64 bit but loads of advantages.

Most gamers if you look around the web are waking up to this and now installing 64 bit in preference to 32 bit simply because of the memory advantage and the requirements of the next generation games.

hmmm

some apps dont run on x64

drivers arent compatible

esp USB wireless LOL! take it from me!

but yes security is generally better

as better as windows can be

lurk more

Windows XP x64 turned many people off to 64 bit Windows in general. Yes, driver support was abysmal for XP x64, but Vista is a completely different animal. I don't remember the details exactly, but I remember reading somewhere that in an effort to speed up 64 bit driver support for Vista, Microsoft required both 32 bit and 64 bit drivers from a vendor to receive WHQL certification for Vista. Thus, 64 bit driver support for Vista is much better than support for XP x64. A blanket statement that "there are not many drivers for Vista x64" is not accurate. Research your hardware and see for yourself. If you use popular hardware, chances are the manufacturer provides 64 bit drivers. Lack of drivers is not an excuse for most people.

Application support is going to be the sticking point most people considering Vista x64. Most 32 bit apps will run fine. The exception will be apps that have filter drivers such as firewalls and antivirus software. Again most large companies already have x64 versions for Vista, but check with your specific software vendor. Someone mentioned here already in relation to virus protection that MS x64 OSes don't support 16 apps. Most people don't use 16 bit apps anymore, but it's best to double check before making the switch.

Last and probably the easiest to determine is whether you actually need to address 4GB or more. This you will have to determine based on the apps you run. Even if your apps are 32 bit, but you run a couple of apps simultaneously that can consume 2GB of RAM, a 64 bit OS can make a difference. If your machine doesn't even have 4GB of RAM and won't for a while, you can probably pass on Vista x64 for a while.

System builders are not using it yet because the majority of their customers don't get more than 2GB of RAM so they would not benefit from it anytime soon. They also don't want to field support calls when Joe consumer runs into an app or driver that doesn't work correctly in Vista x64.

When you buy Vista, your license is good for the 32 bit or the 64 bit version. Only Ultimate includes the media to install it. Home and Home Premium require to contact M$ for the 64 bit installation media for the cost of shipping. Do some testing of your own with your hardware and your apps. Creating a dual-boot machine is easy if you still want a 32 bit install for non-testing purposes. People should test with their uses in mind rather than listen to blanket statements that it doesn't work well. Many people are using Vista x64 already with great success.

Ryan

Big OEMs don't care about hardware drivers since the hardware doesn't change much. It's all about the chance that a customer might have an app that won't run on x64.

To clarify, there is no such thing as x32. 32-bit is called x86 AFAIK.

WTF have you been?! 8O
I am missing you and Joset more than my ex girl friend!

The transition from 16-bit to 32-bit took a decade, and that switch was needed far more than the transition to 64-bit. As another poster has commented, precious few machines ship with more than 4GB RAM today.