Quick question on fresh Windows 7 install

[desertexplore]

Hello- I recently had a fresh Windows 7 install on my older Sony 64 bit desktop computer. the MS pack came with a 32 bit and 64 bit DVD. I had a vendor do the install job and I think he used the 32 bit DVD.

The PC runs fine, but I am wondering if the 32 bit install really makes a difference of a low end user like myself? Should I reinstall the 64 bit as I am not a gamer or do any major high end computing.

Thanks for the feedback and help.

[bigbearbear]

Check first if the vendor really did install the 32-bit version, it is rare to install that version these days and many vendors don't even sell 32-bit Windows PC anymore. Click Windows Start and then right-click Computer and select Properties. You'll be able to see the version of Windows 7 installed.

The main difference between the 2 versions if the memory address, the 32-bit version will limit your computer to only 4GB of RAM (bear in mind this includes ALL memory types, including those in your video card if you have a discrete video card).

I'll go for the 64-bit myself but if you don't have more than 4GB of memory on your computer and don't plan to upgrade the old PC, leaving it in 32-bit is ok. One potential hassle you might run into if you install the 64-bit version is drivers. Some older PC parts might not have 64-bit drivers, you might want to check Sony's driver download web site to be sure. The critical ones will be your network card (for internet access) and your video card.


Regards,

Lay Boon.

[Ryououki]

Being that it's an older computer, it may actually only be a 32-bit CPU. 64-bit Windows will not install on that. Also, if you have less than 4GB of RAM, it's not going to make a difference either.

More details on the computer would help. Model number and how much memory the system has.

[montereytony]

Click on Start, right click on the my computer icon, select properties. That will tell you your current version. Unless you need to add more than 4Gigs of RAM or need to run 64 bit apps, there really should not be a noticeable difference.

[Peter.Steele]

Being that it's an older computer, it may actually only be a 32-bit CPU. 64-bit Windows will not install on that. Also, if you have less than 4GB of RAM, it's not going to make a difference either.

More details on the computer would help. Model number and how much memory the system has.

When you say "older" and "32-bit" ... jeez, I had a 64-bit CPU back in 2003!

[high_revs]

you don't need it. i use the 64-bit version and you'd have to be using a lot of 64-bit programs to capitalize on it. even for just kicks, i don't notice much between ie 64-bit vs. ie 32-bit.

The PC runs fine, but I am wondering if the 32 bit install really makes a difference of a low end user like myself? Should I reinstall the 64 bit as I am not a gamer or do any major high end computing. .

[desertexplore]

Ok, thank you for the answers. Looks like the 64 bit version is installed. I should be good to go.

[superbarnie]

x64 if you have more than 4gb RAM.