32bit vs. 64bit Vista

[Mars999]

I am going to order Vista. I need to know which version to order? Games is a must, so with 64bit Vista can you run 32bit games in Vista 64bit? I am just wondering if everyone moves to 64bit games in like 3years will MS offer 32bit users a patch to 64bit then?

 

[Shawn]

If you get retail I think it comes with both versions.

 

[RebateMonger]

At this point, I'd advise waiting for seven more days if you want to know for sure answers to Vista questions. At that time, we'll know all the details of the Microsoft Retail and OEM products.

But, as Shawn notes, both 64-bit and 32-bit should be in a Retail box, possibly even on the same DVD.

 

[MADNZ]

From http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/54A5F4AB297AB781CC2572670071E34A:

"... Microsoft has said it will put all of the versions of Vista on one DVD in packaged form, or on a PC if the OS comes pre-installed. Users will get a product activation key that can activate whatever edition of Vista they purchase, and then can use that to install the OS.

However, if a user decides he or she wants to upgrade to a more feature-rich version of Vista than the one originally purchased ? such as from Home Basic to Home Premium ? Microsoft will allow a customer to pay US$79 for a product activation key for that upgrade rather than requiring that customer to go out and purchase the edition at full price, which for Home Premium would be US$159, says Mannion. "

 

[Cardio]

I have an OEM Vista Premium and it does not contain 64 and 32 bit versions, or at least it will not offer to install 32 bit, if it is there somewhere. It was bought as 64 bit and that is all the installer program shows. I do not understand why the 64 Bit version cost $96 and the 32 Bit version was $123 !! $27 difference, guess they think no one will want the 64 bit. Just got it last night, but it does seem to have more drivers than the RTM version did. It installed a driver that worked with my 8800 video card. Nvidia still does not show any Vista drivers for the 8800 on their site.

 

[postmortemIA]

I have RTM Vista Business through MSDN, and it contains only 32-bit version.

 

[Mem]

OEM versions you have to choose which one you want before order (ie 32 bit or 64bit) , my OEM 64 bit Vista HP arrived today. Upgrade and Retail contain both versions.

 

[josh609]

Hey Mem are the OEM versions of Vista Full versions or Upgrades?

 

[Mem]

Hey Mem are the OEM versions of Vista Full versions or Upgrades?

Full version.