Please educate me on the right Vista for me

For 64 bit or 32? Help me decide

from JoeUser Forums

I'm looking to upgrade my Windows Media Center 2005 box to Vista.  Specifically to Vista Home Premium (the package that includes the MCE functions).  But which one?  32 bit or 64 bit?

Here's why I ask -- I have an AMD Athlon 64 x2 3800 chip in my box.  With that CPU am I capable of running 64 bit?  Should I?

I would think that longer term that 64 bit is the right choice, but will I find some things work and some things don't with 64 bit versus 32 bit OS?

In my case my concerns are running the MCE applications.  Outside of those, and having drivers for the video card, ATI HDTV Wonder Tuner and other similar items,  I'm really not concerned with running a bunch of older applications.  In fact, it appears from simple research that if I buy the 64 bit of the OS I'm gonna be getting an OEM copy and will not have any "upgrade" path available.  I'm not sure that I wouldn't be able to upgrade, just don't see any pricing path.  Not that it really matters as the price seems to be the same, or close to it, either way.

But please, help educate me and help me make the right decision.

30,634 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Again thanks in advance for the tech tips and education on the various flavors of Vista!
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
How much memory is on your computer?
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

How much memory is on your computer?

Currently 1 gig of RAM, but expecting to double that to 2 GB (the 1 gig is one stick, 3 slots remain open).

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Windows Vista Ultimate would be an ideal choice for you then if you upgrade the memory..
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I actually ran the Vista capability test last night on my oldest comp, which is a bastardised Compaq Presario.

Admittedly, over the years I've had it ..I've upgraded it's memory, Graphics card and various other parts. It still has it's original mobo and processor [Athlon XP 1800+]

I was VERY surprised last night to find that it's capable of not only running Vista, ~but Vista Ultimate. [Though I'm pretty sure it'll turn into more of a slug than it already is.]

Only issues it said I would have were a few driver issues, and ONE other issue with a relatively disposable program that wasn't compatible...

My other box, I already know is compatible with Ultimate.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why not grab the MS Vista Upgrade Advisor?  Click me!
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Why not grab the MS Vista Upgrade Advisor? Click me!

I did, but of course it doesn't make it obvious what CPU version (32bit or 64bit) would be recommended.  If it did note it, it wasn't where it was big, bold, and unmissable.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Both 32- and 64-bit flavors of Vista come on the same DVD I thought?
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I’ve been researching which version to get myself. There are numerous discussions on this to help you make up your mind just google Vista 32 bit or 64 bit.

I decided on the 64bit version because benchmarks show it to be around 10% faster than 32bit and most of the next gen features of vista will only be available in the 64bit version. Such as no kernel patch protection witch makes Vista32 much less secure, and it’s to easy to hack Microsoft won’t let it play HD or Blue ray content.

Having to install only signed drivers is a pain, especially if you like running the latest beta drivers for graphics and what not but a necessary evil to stop unwanted programs from messing with the kernel. My AV of choice Nod32 supports Vista64 but it will be a while IMOH before you even need as AV with Vista64.

I’ll dual boot with XP32 for a while because my Epson scanner has no Vista drivers yet, but there coming.
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
Yes they do,

"All editions of Windows Vista will ship on the same DVD. It is the license key purchased that determines which version will be installed. After the product key is entered, the user will choose whether to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of that edition (except for Starter edition). The features of the Home Premium and Ultimate editions may be "unlocked" at any time by purchasing a one-time upgrade license through a Control Panel tool called Windows Anytime Upgrade. The Business edition will also be upgradable to Ultimate. Such licenses will be sold by Microsoft's partners and OEMs, but not directly by Microsoft".

You still have to make a decision but at least it doesn't involve money.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why not grab the MS Vista Upgrade Advisor? Click me!


I tried that one a couple weeks ago...and for some reason it recommended Vista Home Basic! I ran it after I had upgraded my RAM and graphics card. It might be my CPU that is not up to par.

AMD Athlon 64 3000+
3 GB RAM
nVidia GeForce 7800 GS (256 mb)
120 GB Hard drive (with a new 300 GB one waiting to be installed)

I got quite a few dings on existing peripherals (scanner, printer, etc) and on drivers. But, I plan to upgrade to Vista Ultimate within a few months after release.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm gonna recommend Ultimate because I think everyone should have Ultimate. It is an amazing OS...thanks microsoft (gasp! did those words just leave MY keyboard?)

As for 64 bit, yes, your proc should be capable of running it. There is, of course, the question of drivers for your components to consider when choosing it, but yes, your machine should be able to handle it.

Wanna trade? lol
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You should run 32-bit because not all drivers and apps are 64-bit yet.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
You should run 32-bit because not all drivers and apps are 64-bit yet.


Ouch! But not unexpected. Maybe load 32 now and 64 later?