32 bit vs. 64 bit

**bdj** · August 24th, 2012, 02:43 PM

I am thinking of build another system at home. This time i am considering a 64 bit system. If I build a 64 bit system, can I install a 32 bit OS, currently I still only have XP. If I install windows 7 64 bit, can I run 32 bit applications?

Thanks.

bdj

**RicheemxX** · August 24th, 2012, 02:49 PM

To make this easy on you

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

**SoloCamo** · August 24th, 2012, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by bdj

I am thinking of build another system at home. This time i am considering a 64 bit system. If I build a 64 bit system, can I install a 32 bit OS, currently I still only have XP. If I install windows 7 64 bit, can I run 32 bit applications?

Thanks.

bdj

Yes and yes.

You'd be all set - Win 7 64bit has been rock solid, even with some pretty old 32bit software I've installed.

**ShyguyXPC** · August 24th, 2012, 06:27 PM

to add to that, its nigh impossible to build a solely 32-bit system these days, aside from running a solely 32-bit OS.

Just about ALL CPU/Motherboards are 64-bit capable these days.

**PoonDoggy** · August 25th, 2012, 08:24 AM

I dont think software has kept up with the 64-bit trend as much as it should...just thinking, does hardware really benefit from 64-bit?

**ShyguyXPC** · August 25th, 2012, 02:15 PM

most software, no. Software that does use 64-bit, yes. I have several 64-bit native programs, mainly 3D rendering stuff, and there is a noticeable speed difference in rendering capabilities, not necessarily a difference like a snails pace vs Warp 8, but it is there, and for stuff like rendering, anything that can drop times down significantly is a big help. Multiple CPU cores, Access to more RAM so less HDD Swapping of data, Decreased Render times, etc. Same can be said for Video and Audio editing apps, Photo Editing, etc.

and there are several other types of situations where it can be advantageous.

Gaming, some games could benefit from it, if they were actually optimized for it. there are games that have a 64-bit executable version, but I don't think their really truly optimized beyond having access to the beyond 4GB RAM barrier.

**bdj** · August 28th, 2012, 03:18 PM

I'm not doing graphic rendering, and I'm not into gaming. I was just wanting to upgrade my system at home. I do mostly e-mail, check on-line banking, write a couple of letters, etc. etc.

bdj