Win 8 32bit or 64bit?
- Thread starter Saruman
- Start date
Abhirup Manna
Up-and-Coming Sensation
64bit basically optimizes performance for faster machines with more ram.
Windows operating systems always launch both 32 (x86) and 64-bit versions at the same time. 32-bit is rather obsolete these days though.
The main difference is the amount of RAM it can make use of. A 32-bit OS can only make use of 4GB, and that's not just system RAM, that takes into account shared memory for graphics etc, so you're often left with less than 4GB of available RAM no matter how much you have physically installed.
Most mid ranged computers these days make use of 6-8GB of ram, which means you're definitely going to be wanting to spring for a 64-bit OS, which will support more RAM than you could ever fit in your computer probably for at least the next decade.
Really what it comes down to is how much RAM you plan on being able to use in the future, and how much you have installed now.
The main difference is the amount of RAM it can make use of. A 32-bit OS can only make use of 4GB, and that's not just system RAM, that takes into account shared memory for graphics etc, so you're often left with less than 4GB of available RAM no matter how much you have physically installed.
Most mid ranged computers these days make use of 6-8GB of ram, which means you're definitely going to be wanting to spring for a 64-bit OS, which will support more RAM than you could ever fit in your computer probably for at least the next decade.
Really what it comes down to is how much RAM you plan on being able to use in the future, and how much you have installed now.
Tucker I couldn't have said it better myself, personally since it doesn't cost any more, just go out and buy a 64bit version of Windows 8 instead of 32 because if you buy 64 bit you do have that option to expand beyond 4GB's of Ram.
You can install more than 4GB's into your computer but the O.S. will not utilize it at all. It will only see 4GB's of RAM on a 32bit O.S.
Of course if you are buying windows from a retailer I don't know what the chances of being able to find a 32bit version in stores would be but nonetheless.
You can install more than 4GB's into your computer but the O.S. will not utilize it at all. It will only see 4GB's of RAM on a 32bit O.S.
Of course if you are buying windows from a retailer I don't know what the chances of being able to find a 32bit version in stores would be but nonetheless.
ArrangedDeath
Familiar Face
The question should be do you have a touch screen. Windows 8 is optimized for touch screen. You can change it to classic desktop. If i were you i would stick with windows 7
32 bit and 64 bit machines are two different technologies. 64 bit is the latest technology that using nowadays. Therefore definitely there will be 64 bit version for Windows 8.
You should ask it like this way "Will there be a 32 bit version for windows 8 ?" bcoz it is the old technology.
You should ask it like this way "Will there be a 32 bit version for windows 8 ?" bcoz it is the old technology.
I agree with what is said above but a fairer point I should mention is that before going for a 64 bit version make usre all your devices are supported in 64 bit operating system.
For example I have a old but still perfectly working canon scanner however the catch is that canon doesn't make drivers of it's old devices for 64 bit so for that singular reason I have to keep a secondary OS all the time.
For example I have a old but still perfectly working canon scanner however the catch is that canon doesn't make drivers of it's old devices for 64 bit so for that singular reason I have to keep a secondary OS all the time.
froggyboy604
Seasoned Veteran
I think some older games, software, and hardware drivers don't work well or at all in Windows 64bit.
But, 64bit is the way to go if you plan on using more then 4GB of RAM on your PC.
But, 64bit is the way to go if you plan on using more then 4GB of RAM on your PC.
64-bit Windows OS' have both x86 (32-bit) and 64-bit program directories by default. It isn't possible for compatibility issues as both kinds of programs are directly supported. Only about 20% of programs out there are 64-bit anyway.
I believe the problem is more with it not working with vista/7 at all, as 64 bit systems can run 32 bit programs too like tucker said. When Vista came out many old pieces of hardware would not work as their drivers were not verified, which has continued onto 7. They have no reason to update them as they'd rather people buy new equipment.Ashish92 said:
Gimgak said:
that's what I am trying to say it's not the products fault or the fault of OS but for certain devices (however small their percentage could be) you will find them incompatible on 64 bit so it's best to check the old devices you need before choosing the OS. (In case you don't want to replace your old devices)
Affiliates
