Vista 32bit vs 64bit

[lobstah24]

So I'm building a new system and am wondering about Vista 64bit...

Will it be able to run all my 32 bit apps and just not take advantage of the 64 bit processor? Or do all the apps I run now have to be specially written for the 64 bit version? Basically just wondering so I know which version I should buy...which will also determine how much RAM I will put in the new MONSTER!!

[shadowpr]

I have found that all the programs I use run without problem on vista 64. Some programs have a 64 version which is nice.

If it runs on vista to begin with, then there should really be no problem running on vista 64.

[brianb]

The biggest drawback is drivers for older peripherals. If you don't need over 3GB of RAM, 32 bit is a safer bet for now, but 64bit is really quite forgiving now. (XP64 was not that way...)

[lobstah24]

OK...sounds like I'm going to go with Vista 64bit. Next question...6 Gig of RAM or 12? The board I'm looking at will accept upto 24. I know 12 seems like overkill now but I really think Photoshop CS4 will use it nicely although the system requirements only say 1G required.

Comments?

[mjkovis]

Photoshop will only use as much as you want it to. Really, I do just fine with 3-4GB of RAM for CS3. It runs flawlessly. So if you want to save a little money, I would say stick with 6GB, you can always upgrade in the future. BUT, if you have the money and don't necessarily need it for anything else on the comp then by all means go ahead.

I think right now I have my memory usage on CS3 for PS set at like 80% and I can still run Bridge, Fireworks, Dreamweaver and have 2-3 browsers open for testing, all at the same time, WITHOUT a problem.

[lobstah24]

Originally Posted by mjkovis Photoshop will only use as much as you want it to. Really, I do just fine with 3-4GB of RAM for CS3. It runs flawlessly. So if you want to save a little money, I would say stick with 6GB, you can always upgrade in the future. BUT, if you have the money and don't necessarily need it for anything else on the comp then by all means go ahead. I think right now I have my memory usage on CS3 for PS set at like 80% and I can still run Bridge, Fireworks, Dreamweaver and have 2-3 browsers open for testing, all at the same time, WITHOUT a problem.

That's a good point...I do have the $$ but don't necessarily need to spend it on more RAM. RAM is relatively cheap for the performance boost that you get though. Hmmmmmm...we'll see.

[patrickt]

I recently switched to Windows7 64-bit beta. I had one program that wouldn't install or run. The one that wouldn't run wasn't essential. I was worried about my oldest program, an unabridged dictionary, but it loaded and ran without a problem. Other that that, even with a beta, I had two easily solved driver installation problems and it's running great.

My computer is running fine with 6Gb of RAM but I'm in the process of going to 8Gb because it is relatively inexpensive and I want to and because I've read that the current Congress in the U.S. is planning a 150% tax on RAM.

What's the date today?

[lobstah24]

That's funny...tax on RAM? You didn't get me...It's April 1st.

Good try though.