Why choose 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Vista?

Question

I know you need 64 if you want more than 3 gig of RAM, but what are the other factors?

Answer 1

if your CPU can handle 64 bits, are there 64 bit versions of the hardware drivers for your computer. If you have an older PC, if may not be able to support a 64 bit OS as all the hardware drivers must be 64 bit. you can run regular 32 bit programs on a 64 bit OS though.  

Answer 2

The version is also dependent on your processor.  To run the 64 bit version, you need a 64 bit processor.  You should also check with your software vendors to make sure they have a version that will work on the 64 bit version of Vista.  My friend has 64 bit XP and runs into compatibility issues all the time.

Answer 3

There are a few differences between the two types. x64 can run twice as many colours than x32, giving a much better looking image than you would be used to. Also, performance-wise, x64 is much faster than x32, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Besides that, on an x32 system, the max amount of RAM that can be installed is 4GB, whereas on Vista Ultimate x64, you can have 128GB.

The main disadvantage of x64 (on XP mainly though) was that alot of programs still aren't compatible, deciding to stay with x32 for a little while longer. But seeing as Vista is primarily an x64 system, that problem won't be around much longer.

Hope that helps=]