Vista 32? 64? xp 64?

[slayer202]

Edit: just realized this should probably be in the OS forum, sorry fellas

My computer is running XP 32 bit right now. I am in the process of building a new machine. Specs will be

Q6600
gigabtye ds3l or w/e it is
msi 8800 GT
not sure about the ram


I was planning on going vista 64 bit with 4 gigs of ram, but I just got a vista disc from my school and it is only the 32 bit version. Is it correct that xp and vista 32 bit only can handle up to 3 gigs?

the computer is mainly for gaming, I don't do any kind of editing etc, but I do like having the ability to have a bunch of things open at once.

what are the main differences between 32 and 64 in terms of gaming? Can both run DX10 to full capacity?

My CD I have is Vista 32 ultimate. I would consider selling it and buying 64 bit, even if it cost a few bucks extra, but I know that isn't "allowed." This cd only cost me $20(+ tuition lol) but would it be worth it to buy a 64 bit cd?

 

[postmortemIA]

how about you read other 1001 post about this?

For example Text

 

[slayer202]

oh man, I have a headache reading through that lol.

I am just looking for a few answers and maybe suggestions/opinions about what I should do. There are no plans to allow 32 bit to handle 4 gigs are there?

eh, maybe i'll just stay with xp lol

 

[Schadenfroh]

There are no plans to allow 32 bit to handle 4 gigs are there?

They cant......

 

[pallejr]

"Can't" I've seen that a lot. PAE is still a part of 32-bit systems, so they actually can. But Microsoft keep talking about bad drivers, so they won't support >4G

 

[ZappDogg]

Buy the 32 version from your school. You can torrent the x64 disc and use your purchased 32bit key with it, and it'll activate just fine.

 

[Bradtechonline]

Get the 64bit, Vista loves memory, and you may need to eventually go over 4 GB during Vista's lifetime. Going from 2 GB just to 3 GB made a worlds difference for me, and 3 GB to 4 GB a little bit of a difference..

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Originally posted by: ZappDogg
Buy the 32 version from your school. You can torrent the x64 disc and use your purchased 32bit key with it, and it'll activate just fine.

Or I believe you can actually get the WinV64 CD straight from Microsoft for a couple of bucks so long as you already own a legit copy of WinV32

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer

Originally posted by: ZappDogg
Buy the 32 version from your school. You can torrent the x64 disc and use your purchased 32bit key with it, and it'll activate just fine.

Or I believe you can actually get the WinV64 CD straight from Microsoft for a couple of bucks so long as you already own a legit copy of WinV32

Hmm, I will definitely look into this. If I can't get the CD from them, not too sure if the cd-key would work with 64. The normal versions I believe can do this, but not sure about the student/faculty one. I'll check and post

 

[ZappDogg]

I used a student copy of Vista x32 to activate a torrented copy of x64, but sure, be hardheaded and don't listen.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Bradtechonline
Get the 64bit, Vista loves memory, and you may need to eventually go over 4 GB during Vista's lifetime. Going from 2 GB just to 3 GB made a worlds difference for me, and 3 GB to 4 GB a little bit of a difference..

:thumbsup:

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: ZappDogg
I used a student copy of Vista x32 to activate a torrented copy of x64, but sure, be hardheaded and don't listen.

or you could have told me you did it in the first place lol. sorry for thinking microsoft might not allow that

 

[ZappDogg]

lol, yeah, i actually didn't expect it to work.

 

[postmortemIA]

student copy is not entitled for 32 to 64 swap but key itself should work, it is regular key, nothing special.

 

[slayer202]

bah, well I just called microsoft and said they only provide both versions to the retail versions, but she said my school might be able to help.

I guess I'll check on that, and if all else fails, I'll try just finding a copy elsewhere and using my product code, but not sure how much luck i'll have

 

[ZappDogg]

You are making this far too difficult.

Step 1: Go buy your school's 32 bit disk.
Step 2: Download this 64 bid DVD: I am not encouraging pirating!
Step 3: Burn the downloaded image to DVD, run the install process, use the CD-Key off of your school's disk.
Step 4: Activate Vista.

 

[slayer202]

first, I wouldn't be surprised if you got banned for posting that lol.

second, i much prefer not to have to get a pirated copy.

third, I know you said it worked for you, but that doesn't neccessarily mean it will work for me

 

[ZappDogg]

I can tell you that your school won't have a 64 bit disk and microsoft will not send you one. the above method is pretty much your only option, take it or leave it.

/shrug

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: ZappDogg
I can tell you that your school won't have a 64 bit disk and microsoft will not send you one. the above method is pretty much your only option, take it or leave it.

/shrug

but i don't understand why neither would provide the disc, even at a cost, if the cd-key will work. i will obviously try if it is my only option, but i don't want to rely on that in case it fails

 

[XBoxLPU]

Originally posted by: ZappDogg
Buy the 32 version from your school. You can torrent the x64 disc and use your purchased 32bit key with it, and it'll activate just fine.

So what you saying is I can get the Visa Business copy from my school, use that key on a x64 install?

 

[ZappDogg]

Do they make a 64 bit business version? If so, I don't see why it would be a problem.

 

[slayer202]

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=34&threadid=2074719

 

[bigstrickler]

I'm a little confused about the 64 bit thing...if a software doesnt use 64 bit than your 64 bit processor wont help right? And 64 bit from 32 bit increases speed of the computer? Also if your running something like a game, which isnt 64 bit, how would this improve if at all...thanks

 

[Gerbil333]

Vista 64 if you have, or plan to have 4GB+ RAM.

 

[ZappDogg]

bigstrickler, you're a little right and a little wrong. programs written in 64 bit will sometimes show slight performance gains, but really, the main advantage is that they can address more than 4gb of memory.