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Active: 1621 users

Operating Systems (x86 vs x64)

Blogs > TossStyle
Post a Reply
TossStyle
Profile Blog Joined December 2011
Canada11 Posts
January 01 2012 22:44 GMT
#1
hi TL!

So recently my computer has contracted a virus that somehow limits my download/upload speed, as well as make my pc lag outside of running games, so i've decided to reinstall my OS since i also have a shit-ton of useless files/programs lying around on my hdd (and its easier than downloading software and stuff. im lazy)

I have the option of reinstalling Win7 x64 or win7 x86, and I don't know which one to choose. I was searching it up and apparently x86 runs faster but limits your RAM usage to 3.25 Gb. Is this true?

Here are my computer specs:

System Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard
System Model HP Pavilion tx2500 Notebook PC
System Type x64-based PC
Processor AMD Athlon(tm) X2 Dual-Core QL-62, 2000 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)

Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 3.75 GB
Available Physical Memory 2.03 GB
Total Virtual Memory 7.49 GB
Available Virtual Memory 5.56 GB

as you can see I don't have a lot of RAM anyways, so the limit wouldn't really affect me

any help is appreciated! i hate lagging in sc

thanks in advance ^_^

2WeaK
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
Canada550 Posts
January 01 2012 22:50 GMT
#2
On January 02 2012 07:44 TossStyle wrote:
System Type x64-based PC


Logic would lead me to believe you should got for x64.

Also, AFAIK, x86 is windows 7 32 bit and x64 would be 64 bit? (Going by the Program Files x86 on my computer hosting all my 32bit program)
udgnim
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States8024 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-01 22:51:18
January 01 2012 22:50 GMT
#3
edit: above is correct
E-Sports is competitive video gaming with a spectator fan base. Do not take the word "Sports" literally.
obesechicken13
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States10467 Posts
January 01 2012 22:52 GMT
#4
x86 means 32 bit processor
x64 means 64 bit processor

Don't ask me why :/

32 bit is not any way faster.
64 bit is much faster for certain graphics intense software like autocad.
64 bit is more advanced and is backwards compatible with 32 bit.


There are a few programs developed for 32 bit that have reported problems running on a 64 bit processor. Not important.
I think you should be installing the x64 OS if you have the choice.
I think in our modern age technology has evolved to become more addictive. The things that don't give us pleasure aren't used as much. Work was never meant to be fun, but doing it makes us happier in the long run.
Coriolis
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United States1152 Posts
January 01 2012 23:04 GMT
#5
If you have over 3.25 gb of ram just go with 64 bit.
Descolada in everything not TL/Starcraft
Assault_1
Profile Joined April 2009
Canada1950 Posts
January 01 2012 23:08 GMT
#6
basically only difference is 64bit lets u have moar ram
wdge
Profile Joined February 2010
60 Posts
January 01 2012 23:10 GMT
#7
Both would be fine really. The disadvantage by going for x64 would be that it actually requires more memory to run a 32-bit application (most of the programs you use are 32-bit) then a x86 OS would, though not a large amount.

Still, I would go with x64, remember that the RAM-limit also includes the RAM on your graphic card.
InternalSync
Profile Joined December 2011
176 Posts
January 01 2012 23:56 GMT
#8
You have a 64 bit processor there (all duals and quad cores are 64 bit) so you should get a 64 bit OS as well. Even though StarCraft is a 32 bit application it can run on a 64 bit OS without any problems. I'm running it without any problems on max settings.In fact all 32 bit applications I've installed so far work flawlessly.

But I don't think the OS is your main problem. Those ton of small useless programs could be slowing down your computer, in fact they most probably are doing just that. Format and instal your OS, I'd advise you to go for 64 bit because it will allow you to use an additional 1GB ram and thats like 20% more (if you count the GPU ram too) of what you are using right now. Considering that SC2 requires at least 2 gb of ram and that Win 7 by itself requires approximately 1 GB ram (so thats 3 in total when you're running sc2), then the 20% increase will be good for you. Go to HP's official website and download the most recent drivers for 64 bit OS. Another thing to know: if you have partitions on your HDD, dont ever make your system partition C very small so it has like 20% free space after you've installed all your programs and games. Low free disc space is the number one performance killer.

Whats your graphic card btw?
Grobyc
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
Canada18410 Posts
January 02 2012 00:50 GMT
#9
On January 02 2012 08:08 Assault_1 wrote:
basically only difference is 64bit lets u have moar ram

Not true, what obesechicken13 said above is correct.

There's virtually no downside to putting a 64-bit OS on instead of it's 32-bit counterpart while there are many advantages to 64-bit. Definitely install 64-bit.
If you watch Godzilla backwards it's about a benevolent lizard who helps rebuild a city and then moonwalks into the ocean.
TossStyle
Profile Blog Joined December 2011
Canada11 Posts
January 02 2012 00:51 GMT
#10
my graphics is ATI radeon, so its pretty bad... :s
i dont think it will ever go over 3.25 gb of graphic RAM hahaha
fuzzy_panda
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
New Zealand1681 Posts
January 02 2012 01:00 GMT
#11
you might as well go with 64 bit since that's gonna be the standard in the future. It's backwards compatible with 32 bit programs mostly. More and more programs will be designed to take advantage of x64 anyway so just get that
CecilSunkure
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States2829 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-02 01:16:27
January 02 2012 01:16 GMT
#12
No reason to stick with 32 bit. You'd only stick with 32 if you just don't have the RAM to use 64 as it does require a bit more to start with than 32 bit.
igotmyown
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States4291 Posts
January 02 2012 02:00 GMT
#13
On January 02 2012 07:52 obesechicken13 wrote:
x86 means 32 bit processor
x64 means 64 bit processor

Don't ask me why :/

32 bit is not any way faster.
64 bit is much faster for certain graphics intense software like autocad.
64 bit is more advanced and is backwards compatible with 32 bit.


There are a few programs developed for 32 bit that have reported problems running on a 64 bit processor. Not important.
I think you should be installing the x64 OS if you have the choice.


pc's have historically run on __86 cpu's:
there was the 8088 and 8086
then
80286
80386
80486
pentium=80586
and i assume the trend kept going, although they broke with the naming system with pentium 2's and so on

I'm guessing this is why x86 is synonymous with 32 bit processors.
Fontong
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
United States6454 Posts
January 02 2012 03:01 GMT
#14
On January 02 2012 11:00 igotmyown wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 02 2012 07:52 obesechicken13 wrote:
x86 means 32 bit processor
x64 means 64 bit processor

Don't ask me why :/

32 bit is not any way faster.
64 bit is much faster for certain graphics intense software like autocad.
64 bit is more advanced and is backwards compatible with 32 bit.


There are a few programs developed for 32 bit that have reported problems running on a 64 bit processor. Not important.
I think you should be installing the x64 OS if you have the choice.


pc's have historically run on __86 cpu's:
there was the 8088 and 8086
then
80286
80386
80486
pentium=80586
and i assume the trend kept going, although they broke with the naming system with pentium 2's and so on

I'm guessing this is why x86 is synonymous with 32 bit processors.

I got curious about this as well.

Apparently x64 is just an abbreviation for x86-64 haha
[SECRET FONT] "Dragoon bunker"
T3tra
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States406 Posts
January 02 2012 03:15 GMT
#15
If you have the choice between x86 (32 bit) and x64 (64 bit), go 64 bit.
I need this place like I need a shotgun blast to the face.
FragKrag
Profile Blog Joined September 2007
United States11552 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-02 03:19:12
January 02 2012 03:16 GMT
#16
x86 is the name of an instruction set by Intel that most Intel/AMD current mainstream processors use.

x86-64 (x64) is an extension of the x86 instruction set by AMD which most notably includes a 64 bit registers as opposed to the original x86 which only includes 32 bit registers.

All modern CPUs use x64, and there really isn't any reason to go for 32bit OS anymore.
*TL CJ Entusman #40* "like scissors does anything to paper except MAKE IT MORE NUMEROUS" -paper
mrafaeldie12
Profile Joined July 2011
Brazil537 Posts
January 02 2012 03:52 GMT
#17
Well since your notebook supports 64 bits Ref go for it.You might run into some incompatibilities but mostly it will only result on you having to download a different software version.

Be aware sometimes notebooks tend to flip out when installing new systems and BSOD,but it varies a lot.Good luck

Happy new year.
"..it all comes thumbling down thumbling down thumblin down"
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