[^mO]

Hi guys, I wanted to know which type of vista i should upgrade to, the x86 or x64? I have read on other forums that if you willing to wait for drivers then go for the x64 but if you can't then x86. I am getting a express upgrade to vista home premium. Since I have a 64-bit processor, which one should I upgrade to? I mostly use the computer for entertainment, homework, and the occasional games. here are my system specs:

- AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+
- NForce 430 chipset - AM2 socket
- GeForce 6150 LE (256mb)
- Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
- 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 - 533MHz - 2DIMMs
- 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive 7200RPM

So which one do you guys recommend and why!
Thanks.

 

[JohnWill]

Unless you have a specific reason to go for the 64 bit version, I'd just load the 32 bit one. The driver support is more widespread.

 

[bigk]

Wait, whats this x86? I know there 32 bit processors, 64 bit processors, NOW there x86 bit processors? Or am I way off on this subject?

Bigk

 

[JohnWill]

x86 is a generic term for Intel compatible 32 bit processors.

 

[jmwills]

as in 286, 386, 486. Heck I even had an 8086 processor.

 

[LitomoSilver]

I agree with John. 32 bit Vista'd be the best bet to go with...(Still have a x86 RC2 Vista .iso on my PC...I know the thing'll expire some time in June or July...haven't bought a DVD-burner yet.) And x64 Vista still has some kinks to work out, such as the AVs and firewalls and most of the major hardware out there.

 

[mrbreeeeze00]

I also just submitted for my Vista upgrade. When I received my confirmation email it indicated that I'd be receiving the 32 bit version. I don't recall being given the choice online and I'm trying to decide what to do next.

What I would like to know is what it would take to upgrade to x64 later on when drivers are caught up? Is it a complete reinstall of the OS or is it just an update? Will one have to cough up more money to do it? Even then, what kind of improvement can one expect moving up to x64 from x86? Would it even be noticable to the average user?

 

[jmwills]

To chnage to the 64 but version would mean a complete wipe of the hard drive and clean installation. In a few years when most of your programs are 64 bit, I can see migrating, but not know.

 

[mrbreeeeze00]

Yes, thank you. I did some poking around and ran into this that helped me to decide. I think this will satisfy others who are looking for this info.

http://winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.asp

 

[JohnWill]

That pretty much mirrors my feelings. I'd love to be running the 64 bit version, and it was my initial install, but I was forced to drop back to the 32 bit version due to lack of drivers and application support.

 

[mrbreeeeze00]

Hmmm, I thought it was this article that pointed this out but from what I read somewhere, Vista retail will come with both 32 and 64 and you can choose which one you want to install which also allows you the ability to update to 64 down the road if you wish. On the other hand, the express upgrade will not give you the ability to do this, or so I think. I think I'm only being sent the 32 bit upgrade.

There's also talk about the Anytime Upgrade where you can upgrade your edition anytime you want for a "nominal fee" yet to be released.http://winsupersite.com/images/showcase/vista_homeb_5308_04.jpg
Its supposed to unlock the other extra features which already exist on the version you purchased. In other words, all copies are Ultimate but some have locked doors.

I was wonder if at that time I can go from 32 to 64. Is that possible even though I wont have a retail copy of the OS? Can I upgrade from 32 to 64 on a preloaded machine that is express upgraded to 32 bit Vista without having the 64 bit disk?

Just trying to build for the future here. The upgrade cost me $20.00 shipping and taxes for my laptop. Building my friends machine will be that plus $145.00 for Media edition, thats Canadian dollars. So thats $165 bucks. A full version of Vista Premium Home will retail for about $250. So for less than a $100 you can enjoy the benefits of a clean, full install, multiple times if needed, and the ease of upgrading to 64 bit when all things catch up.

Does this make sense or am I missing something?

 

[jmwills]

How is everyone going to be able to read a Double Layer Image? The two together will be just over 6.1 gigs.

 

[LitomoSilver]

Not sure. Get a DL DVD-burner drive? They're almost a dime a dozen these days...what with the two new ways of storing stuff on disc coming out...though not picked yet.

 

[JohnWill]

How is everyone going to be able to read a Double Layer Image? The two together will be just over 6.1 gigs.

Well, any DVD reader manages to read a 9gig video DVD just fine, so I don't see the distribution DVD to be an issue here.

 

[jmwills]

I thought about that right after I posted it. Wasn't sure if a "normal" DVD drive could read a DL disc. It cuts down on the number of discs that have to be burned.

 

[JohnWill]

I thought about that right after I posted it. Wasn't sure if a "normal" DVD drive could read a DL disc. It cuts down on the number of discs that have to be burned.

Yep, no problem.

Different topic, are you going to the MVP Summit in Seattle?

 

[jmwills]

Can't make it. We are getting ready for Deployment. I hate it too because when I attended in 04, it was a very good time and great to meet some people and start a new "network".
Two more years overseas and then its time to come home.

 

[TechB]

I will be there. It would be nice to put some faces to the names I see on here.

 

[LitomoSilver]

Summit?! Too bad I can't go.

Hey! Will you be taking pics?

 

[JohnWill]

I will be there. It would be nice to put some faces to the names I see on here.

Most of us have registered at the Westin FYI, in case you want to join us at the hotel bar.