Any disadvantages to 64 bit?

[Strommer]

When installing Win7, there is the option of 32 or 64 bit. It is my understanding that 64 bit enables faster processing (if the cpu allows 64), but are there any disadvantages? For example does 64 require more RAM?

What is the software situation these days - is there plenty of 64 bit software? I am mainly concerned with video encoding / editing.

If software is not written for 64 bit and therefore runs at 32, will it perform any better on a 64 bit system?

[wainuitech]

Only "real Disadvantage" of 64 bit is some software wont run (but not to often, most do) and some manufactures dont make drivers for hardware.

Classic example was yesterday, installed a new W7 64, and their printer wouldn't install, no drivers for it, looked on HP's site, they said use W7's inbuilt, updated the latest drivers through MS -- W7 had other ideas

Tried the 32bit, still no go, tried Vista 64 bit, no go.

Didn't matter what I did, what drivers I tried - it simply wouldn't install.

As she said -- its an older printer -- good excuse to get a new MFC.

As for the RAM usage, generally NO, but 64 does allow you to use more RAM.

[Nomad]

i am not sure if 64 is faster but it allows more RAM alloc. so indirectly that makes it faster.

for video / imaging software more RAM would be apprec. and the fact is that many PCs and laptops even in the appliance stores have 4GB RAM anyway ...

i have had no problems with software even some older 32bit software like my Garmin handheld software and my Nokia software, even a v old version of "Mailwasher". But all the main software will be certified for 64 - for me Adobe, MS Office etc..

The only problem I have run into is that my printer has only 32 bit driver so I need to copy the file (thru wireless) to the other 32bit computer that is connected to the printer and use the other computer to print. Or I could use my laptop which runs 32bit OS and that can print thru a shared printer.

32bit on 64 - it works but better - dunno .. I see 64 more of the future, fact is 3 or 4GB is max on 32 and if you want to go forward it's 64 only.

[Speedy Gonzales]

No 64 bit doesnt require more ram, but it can use more ram that 32 bit. Just make sure whatever devices you've got have 64 bit drivers. Or it wont work

And no if you install 32 bit programs on 64 bit, it'll run as if you were running the program/s on 32 bit windows. To make use of 64 bit instructions, the program/s should be 64 bit native (like ccleaner)

[pcuser42]

One caveat is that you can't run 16-bit programs, however anyone who still uses or writes them should be shot.

[Erayd]

No 64 bit doesnt require more ram...

*ahem*

Yes it does - not much more, but enough to notice if you're looking for it. Don't state guesses as fact please.

[The Error Guy]

One caveat is that you can't run 16-bit programs, however anyone who still uses or writes them should be shot.

what about 8-bit programming?

16/8 bit aside unless you actually need to make use of anything in 64x i'd stay with 32x untill the world moved over 64x and we are all asking about whether or not we need 128x

I have thought about putting a 64 bit install on but for what its worth, its only PS that would benefit, what with the hassle of finding the 64x drivers as well.

after you make the move you are always coming across little things that you will need to go find 64x drivers for

Stay with 32x really. its more hassle than its worth (from my experience) still, no harm in putting it on for a bit of a feel around, see how it handles.

[Erayd]

Stay with 32x really. its more hassle than its worth (from my experience) still, no harm in putting it on for a bit of a feel around, see how it handles.

Slight caveat - the OP specifically mentions video editing / encoding etc, which is one of the tasks where there is plenty of 64bit software available, and it makes a huge performance difference. In this case, the benefits outweigh the downsides in a big way.

I have thought about putting a 64 bit install on but for what its worth, its only PS that would benefit...

It's much more than just Photoshop these days .

...what with the hassle of finding the 64x drivers as well.

after you make the move you are always coming across little things that you will need to go find 64x drivers for

Much less so these days though - that definitely used to be the case with XP & Vista, but Windows 7 has 64bit drivers available for most things that matter, it's pretty rare for drivers to be a show-stopper (although that said, I do advise making sure your hardware has drivers available before choosing to run 64bit Windows).

[Billy T]

One caveat is that you can't run 16-bit programs, however anyone who still uses or writes them should be shot.

That's a pretty arrogant assertion PCWV, I use several 16bit programs of necessity (see my recent post re instrument software) and not everybody has the luxury of a computer as a plaything, to some of us it is an essential business tool and I can't tell/don't care whether the software that earns me my income and feeds my family is 8, 16 or 32 bit.

Yours is a 2 bit opinion, based on ignorance and prejudice.

Billy 8-{)

[Speedy Gonzales]

*ahem*

Yes it does - not much more, but enough to notice if you're looking for it. Don't state guesses as fact please.

No it doesnt. You should change your name to