Running 32 bit OS on 64 bit

[bluewaker]

Hi,

I was wondering if any issues will arise if I run 32 bit OS on a 64 bit core. Also, will my computer run slower than it would if it were in 64 bit? By how much?

I'm almost done building my core i7 and have been told that there are many 64 bit compatibility issues with regards to drivers and apps...so this is why I'm asking.

[movieman]

I was wondering if any issues will arise if I run 32 bit OS on a 64 bit core.

Not unless you have >3GB of RAM.

Also, will my computer run slower than it would if it were in 64 bit? By how much?

Not if you're running 32-bit applications; for CPU-intensive applications recompiled to 64-bit I believe you'd typically see about a 10-30% speedup depending on exactly what it's doing.

I'm almost done building my core i7 and have been told that there are many 64 bit compatibility issues with regards to drivers and apps...so this is why I'm asking.

64-bit Linux works fine, no idea about Windows.

[insomnioe]

Nowadays there are almost no issues regarding drivers not working, unless you have really old printers maybe.

[loybond]

Hi,

I was wondering if any issues will arise if I run 32 bit OS on a 64 bit core. Also, will my computer run slower than it would if it were in 64 bit? By how much?

I'm almost done building my core i7 and have been told that there are many 64 bit compatibility issues with regards to drivers and apps...so this is why I'm asking.

No issues, not slower. Compatibility issues were essentially linked to 64-bit XP, Vista, I doubt you'll find a lot of issues. Anything certified for Vista has to be certified for 64-bit as well, so the only thing that might not work is old stuff. For me, what doesn't work is an older webcam, FFDshow and related programs, and some other random stuff. Nothing that important (apart from FFDshow, but it's getting better).

[Chrispy]

Nowadays there are almost no issues regarding drivers not working, unless you have really old printers maybe.

+1; just finished building an i7 rig, and zero compatibility problems.

Vista has a decent and extensive driver database now; and most manufacturers have drivers that will work; so you should be fine.

[Kasakato]

Im using XP x64, no driver problems at all. Even my 5+ year old Brother printer had drivers.

[Composter]

Nowadays there are almost no issues regarding drivers not working, unless you have really old printers maybe.

as a matter of fact I have a lexmark T610 laser and at first windows 7 64bit would not find/use any drivers. So I tried and different model lexmark driver and low and behold the printer works like a charm

[mp328]

i also just built a new dual core system for a friend and installed XP x64 and also no issues with drivers.

only one program i couldnt get working was winavi 9.0,it would start but it just wouldnt convert anything. other then that all the games and programs i installed worked fine

[JAC]

As I see it, aside from a need for >4GB total memory, there is currently no practical advantage for the average user in a 64-bit OS.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

[Riffer]

As I see it, aside from a need for >4GB total memory, there is currently no practical advantage for the average user in a 64-bit OS.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm with you.

My Brother in Law uses XP 64 bit, but he uses Autocad and he reports the speed advantage is significant.

[mp328]

I'm with you.

My Brother in Law uses XP 64 bit, but he uses Autocad and he reports the speed advantage is significant.

all our CAD department computers running Tebis use also XP 64 dell workstations. so i guess there is something to it


but there doesnt seem to be any real life benefits to it for the average user i guess

[loybond]

As I see it, aside from a need for >4GB total memory, there is currently no practical advantage for the average user in a 64-bit OS.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

64-bit programs can take advantage, but more importantly... 2GB isn't really enough for Vista & a bunch of apps anymore.