Windows 7 64 Bit
We are in the process of reviewing the 64 Bit version of Windows 7.
64-bit systems offer direct access to more virtual and physical
memory than 32-bit systems and process more data per clock cycle,
enabling more scalable, higher performing computing solutions.
There are two 64-bit Windows platforms: x64-based and Itanium-based.
Today, 64-bit processors have become the standard for systems ranging from the most scalable servers to desktop PCs. The way to take full advantage of these systems is with 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows products.
x64 solutions are the direct descendants of x86 32-bit products, and
are the natural choice for most server application deployments - small or
large.
Itanium-based systems offer alternative system designs and a processor architecture best suited to extremely large database and custom application solutions.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista also come in both 32 and 64 bit versions..
There was speculation that Windows 7 would only be 64 bit but based on the release of the Beta, that is not the case. More to come later..
New! interesting article about Windows 7 64bit from PCWorld
Interesting article from w7forums.com.
Not only are there going to be several Windows 7 editions, but you will also need to decide if you are going to run a 32 bit or 64 bit version of the operating system. If your CPU is more than a few years old there is a good chance that you can only run the 32 bit version of Windows 7, however if you have a modern processor you may have to decide between each version.
The 32 or 64 bit architecture refers to the memory address length that can be referenced by the processor. This also has an impact on the maximum amount of memory that can be utilised, which is 4GB for a 32 bit CPU (but in reality the maximum accessible ram is closer to 3.4 GB due to other hardware allocations).
Having a 64 bit OS doesn't automatically make all applications faster because much of today's software is written and
optimized for a 32 bit era. You'll need software specifically optimised for 64 bit processing to take advantage of any speed improvements. Fortunately, many games are already including such enhancements.
From W7forums.com
You may think that using a 64 bit OS for a 64 bit processer is an obvious decision, but it is not so straightforward. Introducing a new architecture will cause new compatibility and driver problems that wouldn’t exist under the old 32 bit version.
Pros and Cons of a 64 bit system:The conclusion? Well, it depends on what you use your system for. If you have a 64 bit capable CPU but use older hardware, it would be safe to stay with a 32 bit version for the time being to ensure that you don’t need extra upgrades.
- You can address much more than 4GB of memory, which is ideal for avid gamers, CAD, video editors and heavy multi-taskers. However, any 32 bit software you use will still be restricted to 4GB memory – you need a 64 bit CPU, OS and applications to take full advantage of the extra RAM.
- 16 bit applications will no longer run. Although this is unlikely to be a problem, if you use very old software (from the Windows 3.1 days!) then it will not work under a 64 bit OS.
- Existing 32 bit drivers no longer work. If you have older or poorly supported hardware you may find that it can no longer be used. Got a 7 year old scanner that just about works in Vista? You may not be able to get it working in 64 bit Windows 7.
- Unsigned kernel-mode drivers no longer work. Along with the issue above, the inability to run unsigned kernel mode drivers will cause problems for old hardware. (There is reportedly a way to bypass this check).
- Running some 32 bit applications on a 64 bit OS could actually be slower. The additional overheads in running 32 bit software in 64 bit mode could cause a slight degradation in performance. It will take some time for 64 bit software to become the norm.
If you’ve got the latest hardware and drivers are available, then it may be worth while taking the step up to a 64 bit OS. If you regularly work with resource hungry applications that are 64 bit optimized (such as video editing, CAD and image packages) then it would be especially beneficial to be able to work with over 4GB of RAM amongst the other improvements.
Tell us what do you think about Windows 7 64 Bit?
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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Win 7 x64 ROCKS
Im using a Asus Crosshair3 Formula republic of Gamers motherboard with a AMD Phenom2 965 3,4Gig Quad core cpu with 8 Gig ddr3 1800 ram and the Asus ENGTX275 ...
I bought widows 7 64 bit and installed it on my 27 imac now says not genuine
Microsoft sucks ass.
What was I thinking. Everything was relatively fine until today.
It now says that I needed to reactivate. Once I tried, it ...
software problem - Windows 7 64 bit and Oracle software
i m currently running window 7 home premium 64 bit on my vaio laptop and i need oracle software compatible with it
64-bit or Mac!
I need a new PC but use research software that will not run on 64-bit software.
Nowhere am I able to by a laptop that is customized with 32 bit windows ...
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits ram bug
I use Windows 7 64 bits and have 4GB ram (board read that, bios two, on system property has 4GB (3GB usable))!
I still waiting a real solution.
Acer ...
Windows 7 64bit is just pretty
got a win7 ultimate 64 bit 1 week ago and still i can't install any programs.
The help section says most 32 bit programs will work on a 64 bit O.S....
I need a wireless adapter for Windows 7 64 bit
I bought a new computer and want to run 64 bit OS for windows 7 but I am unable to find a wireless adapter that will work with the system.
Any advise ...
Neon
I have been beta trialing for a while now.
And i must say that the 32bit version of Windows 7 appear to be a bit better than Vista in terms of performance ...
I think it sucks
I bought a bunch of new hardware to build a Win 7 64 setup.
I installed Win 7 and it sucks. How many ways to tell you how much? It is unstable. Driver ...
Windows 7 64 bit sucks ass
It sucks.
Another way of making the window users spend extra money?
None of my old 32-Bit games are working on it. In any compatibilty mode.
Windows 7 ethernet drivers
I can't get online anymore because my ETHERNET card (of all things) has to have a driver installed! Who ever heard of such a thing?
I can't get online,...
W7dissatisfied
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You made a big mistake.
Go to the previous system. Sorry.
software problem
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i m currently running window 7 home premium 64 bit on my vaio laptop and i need oracle software compatible with it
video software editing
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Hi , I wonder if I get some advantage to install my Pinnacle Studio14 on Windows7 64bit or is safe to stay on win7 32bit ?
I`m runing on HP descktop ...
People, Please Use Your Heads...
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Windows 7 64 Bit is not just an Operating System it is an investment in experience.
If you plan on changing your operating system then you should also ...
Home User
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Just bought a Asus Laptop with win 7 64-Bit. Love it so far.
No crashes and is fast with 4 gigs of ram and Intel Centrino chip inside.
Only major ...
More security with 64-bit
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Thanks for sharing your review of the 64-bit version of Windows 7.
I’ve found the 64-bit version is more secure since it comes with Kernel Patch Protection-...
Windows Vista 32 vs 64 bit performance
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I got a free upgrade for vista for 32 bit windows 7.
The PC was very fast (formerly running on XP Pro) but I wanted more.
So I went and spend some ...
Avitas
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So far I am not liking Windows 7 64 bit. I got the Windows 7 Home Premium edition and did a custom install on my Windows XP 32 bit... no problem.
I ...
Windows 7 seems really fast
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I am running Win7 64 bit and if no one told me, I would not even know it.
I found one surprise.
Adobe Flash Player needs a tweak to run IE8 in ...
it comes naturally, it's essential
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There are people who have a 64 bits system and running a 32 bits OS on it, somewhere they have a rocket in their pockets and don't know about it...
so ...
i love the 64 bit Cpu
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I prefere the 64 bit operation OS because i like the speed then i have 8 gb of Ram because i want to go faster when i execute my application and the 32 ...
Windows 7 64 Bit experience so far :D
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This is my first ever beta/RC OS, so I took the chickens route and installed Windows 7, 32 and 64 on a separate drives,
I went this route as I expected ...
Improve battery live
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I have an 2.0Ghz AMD TURION 64X2 ULTRA Notebook with 4GB of RAM memory and it works great in windows vista 64bit but i decide to give it a try to W7 64bit ...
Very happy tester
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I gotta say W7 is rockin my pc's.
I installed the 32 bit version on my older laptop with the bare minimum required to run it.
It literally brought ...
problems
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i have terratec aureon sky 5.1 but i dont have driver for windows 7.
With driver for vista 64 all ok. but something wrong on windows 7
hoff
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installed the 32bit version on my macbook pro and it worked pretty good then did a preformance test to see how fast it was my processor was like a 5.8....
64 or 32 version..which one?
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which version do I have.I downloaded 32 and 64 bit but I tried installing one and It would not install.
What is the correct # of the dl is 32bit?.is ...
mb23
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I have been playing with vista 64 bit since it came out and liked it --been using windows 7 64 bit when it was offered and like it better then vista 64....