Is 32 bit better than 64 bit version of Windows 7

[Antonio1]

Hi,
I have a laptop running Windows 7 32 bit operating system. On the other part in my office I have a desktop machine which works on Windows 7 34 bit operating system. I have always noticed a major difference in the system. In my case my Laptop works with great speed. As everyone is familiar that Windows 7 uses high graphics so it needs more system resource. What you people thing on this topic. Is 32 bit of Windows 7 is better than the 64 bit version of Windows 7.

[Eric B]

I personally not sure about this. I still never used a 64 bit operating system on my desktop. The all thing I know in this matter that if your system has more than 4 GB of RAM, then 64 bit is recommended, as it recognizes the entire RAM can be adressed and run with it Memory-program faster. Other than this you can also use the same for higher work like programming and graphic designing.

[Glenny]

It depends on the basis of your hardware you are using in your system. If you have a lot of old hardware for which there is no 64bit drivers then Win32bit better. And if you want to use more than 4GB of RAM is 64 bit better for a better performance. In the case of old hardware 64bit drivers are not easily available. So you have a limitation in your use.

[JonathanD]

I will recommend you a 32-bit Windows 7. This is because most of the applications software and games are designed for 32-bit. A 32-bit system ranges from perfectly well for home users. 64 bit operating system are not built for home users. They are used to run on high hardware. Like multi core processor and so on. You can go with 32 bit as a best alternative. You office machine might be the primary computer or server which is running on the said version.

[Macarenas]

I have noticed that 32 bit Windows 7 is better than 64 bit in comparison of compatibility. But if comes to high end graphic programs or programming tools then 64 bit version is better. For example Crysis running in the slower 32-bit version on a 64-bit system than on a 32bit system.Software that was designed for 64-bit systems, running on the 64-bit systems, then of course, correspondingly faster.

[ThoMas321]

I guess if we now see no obvious advantage of a 64 bit version installed, you should still stick to the 32. A 64-bit OS halt only makes sense if there are 64 programs (from the larger memory you can use the exception).And there are hardly stop.In two to three years there will be more new operating system, and until then perhaps it makes more sense to take the 64 variants.

[ZeDaX]

The requirement varies as per the use. Like if you using any of below then you need the appropriate operating system. See this. For Database - For home users, not an issue. Especially not when the magnitude would represent a gain in speed as an advantage. For Games - Would make sense. But there are too few. For CAD - For normal home users, not an issue. For Spreadsheets - I guess the normal user at home does not have a spreadsheet where it makes a difference whether the runs with 32 or 64.

[BoxFreind]

I use 64-bit so that my Core i7 can unlock it's true 64-bit potential amd utilize all SIX gigabytes of DDR3 RAM. 32-bit has a 3 or 4 gigabyte limit (I cant remember exactly). I like being able to run any game I want on full settings and still run my downloads and anti-virus suite without any glitches or hiccups whatsoever.
But I must say, it seems that the software engineers have really fallen behind with the x64 software. NO 64-bit AVG. NO 64-bit uTorrent. Worst of all THERE IS NO OFFICIAL 64-BIT FIREFOX!!! And strangest of all, THERE IS NO 64-BIT EDITION OF OFFICE 2007 (marketing scam goin' on there, they want you to have to buy Office 2010, just like they tried to cram Vista down our throats with the whole HALO 3 DX10 thing)

[BoxFreind]

have had no real problems with new games so far on 64-bit. Th problems pop up with other programs, like ant-virus, browsers, office, etc...am thinking of setting up a 32-bit Windows 7 and/or XP system in the other room for every day use and making my Core i7 920/DDR3/HD5750/Windows 7 Pro x64 system a dedicated gaming machine...more reliable, more stable, more compatible with adventure games and Firefox browser......Why am I talking like Mordin from Mass Effect 2?

[Orlando]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit describes how the processor of a computer (also called central processing unit (CPU)), manages the information. A 64-bit computer can process twice more information than a 32-bit machine and have a memory (RAM) much more important. It is advisable to use a 64-bit if you work with video files, if you search in large databases or if you use games and other programs that require complex calculations and functions great memory capacities. However, a 32-bit is ideal for most programs. For example, spreadsheets, Web browsers and word processing programs have the same speed of execution on a 32-bit or 64 bit.

[BoxFreind]

You are mostly right, however many 32-bit programs run better on a 32-bit platform...they simply were not written for 64-bit and therefor are not always that compatible. Often I see 32-bit apps using MUCH more memory on 64-bit Windows 7 than they ever would on 32-bit. This is a memory leak? Or more likely a compatibility error. For instance i have had Firefox crash on me at least 10 times this week, and the nightmare continues, the only Flash Player out there is strictly 32-bit and therefor will not work on a 64-bit browser (x64 version of IE8 or unofficial x64 releases of FireFox).