64 bit

[JDArt]

Does it make sense at this time to go with a 64 bit operating system? If so, for what types of applications? And what would be the drawbacks?

What think the gurus here?

[brian.austin]

Depends on what you want to do.

For the average consumer pushing Internet links and checking e-mail, no, there is no advantage in 64-bit computing. The additional memory and performance advantages simply don't come into play that much, if at all.

If you're moving large amounts of RAM (ie transactional processing to/from processor) and working with CAD, 3D, big files, etc., yes, there is an advantage. The "pipes" are bigger.

It's kind of like running high speeds in a car. Both a 4-cylinder and a 8-cylinder can hit higher speeds. The 8-cylinder is going to work less and have more room to move into a higher performance envelope than the 4, however.

While it's older, there is a good article here: PC World - Are You Ready for a 64-Bit PC?

[nyschulte]

Stating the obvious. Only if the application you use can profit from the 64bit OS.

At work i have a couple of servers running 64bit Windows 2003 server used as oracle databse server. Nice and quick (and expensive).

The other day i tried 64bit Vista Enterprise on a decent machine, a HP workstation xw4300: first time i could see the 4 GB of memory installed, but so many problems with standard applications like iso mounter, burning software. Afaik there will ne no 64bit version of Photoshop...

Unless you know for sure for the drivers of your hardware, vista 64bit is a nightmare.

Only my 2€cents

Nicolas

[JDArt]

Thanks much to both of you for these observations. That's exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to get.

One reason for my question is that I'm buying gear for a new build (machine), and I'm wondering whether it makes more sense to buy four 1-gig RAM modules (maxing out the available RAM slots) or buy 2 2-gig modules (using only two of the four RAM slots).

A move to 64 bit would probably make me want 8 gigs of RAM.

[Worm324]

I would by 2x 2 gig ram sticks so you can upgrade to 8 gig in the future if need be. I'm in the situation of working with Lightroom and PS using 16-bit 100mg files on average. My ram gets eaten up really quick and then I'm running on the Hard drive. Totally sux, but is it really worth upgrading to 4 gig of ram if windows 32 bit can only utilize 3.2 gig??

My Laptop only has 2 gig and it is clearly not enough. 3 gig may be enough, but its a $250.00 upgrade to get 4 gig in it. It's hard to justify IMO.

The ram in my desktop is much cheaper though, so it does make sense to upgrade that 2 4 gig and try out windows 62-bit.

Right now I'm at 2.11 gig of memory used


Let me know how you make out if you don't mind

Best,
Jay