I installed Windows 8 x32 on my laptop. It has 3 GB RAM and the processor is x64-based. I don't use my laptop for much other than e-mail, Facebook, YouTube. Here are my questions: Is there any point to switch from x32 to x64? Is there any down side? I read somewhere that I won't be able to run 16-bit applications (I don't even know if they still exist)? Do I need to do a clean install, or can I use the Upgrade install option rather than the Custom (advanced) install option?
Well,there's no pressing need to upgrade to x64 - in a nutshell its biggest selling point is that it allows a computer to use more than 3.5 gigabytes of RAM,so unless you decide to upgrade your hardware (and with your usage scenario that seems unlikely),I don't see a point in doing so. Yes,16-bit applications don't work(afair),but unless you use legacy software (and you'd be surprised,but not that old 32-bit apps actually used 16-bit installers) it's not really going to be an issue. If you ever decide to upgrade,you'll have to do a clean install as there's no upgrade path from 32 to 64bit.
Hrrm,I've always thought the video card RAM wasn't factored in when it comes to deciding to go for x64 or not Then again,I've did the switch to x64 with Vista RTM back in the dark age of me having to use an on-board GeForce6150,so I didn't need to worry about the GPU's RAM at all
Only if he use 64bit Apps! But it would be recommend to move with 4GB or more Memory to 64bit OS! 32bit is limited to really max 3.25GB minus the Graphic card memory if used internal Graphic Card or on Laptop.
3.5/3.75(Real-world observation with 32bit installs of Vista/7) as far as I've seen on friends/family computers.. This brings us back to my original answer,though