x86 or x64?

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by YMCA, Aug 4, 2012.

  1. YMCA

    YMCA MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #1 YMCA, Aug 4, 2012
    Hello all,
    Until now I know that when you have more then 2GB of RAM than you need to use x64 version.
    Now, I read an article not long time ago that contradict this claim (I cant find the source, I think it was Wikipedia).

    On my rig (Dell laptop, Vostro 3450) I have this CPU: core i5-2410M 2.30Ghz and a 4GB of RAM.
    Also I have an Intel "on bored" graphic card and a "ATI 6600M" graphic card.

    which version I need? x64 or x86?
    Thank you
     
  2. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    #2 sebus, Aug 4, 2012
    Whichever, you will see no difference really

    sebus
     
  3. ʙᴌὕ ƌŕâʛȯᵰ

    ʙᴌὕ ƌŕâʛȯᵰ MDL Novice

    Jul 6, 2012
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    #3 ʙᴌὕ ƌŕâʛȯᵰ, Aug 4, 2012
    The correct statement would be that x64 is needed for computers running more than 4gb. Otherwise it doesn't matter.
     
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  4. YMCA

    YMCA MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #4 YMCA, Aug 4, 2012 (OP)
    Thank you for your answers!
    Now I'm running x64 version. from your answers I'm understand that I'm not supposed to see any difference, and its o.k if i will install the x86 version.
    Right?
     
  5. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

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    #5 sebus, Aug 4, 2012
  6. urie

    urie retired mod

    May 21, 2007
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    #6 urie, Aug 4, 2012
    I would advise you to stay with x64 installation.
     
  7. YMCA

    YMCA MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #7 YMCA, Aug 4, 2012 (OP)
    If you can give me a detailed answer why, I will appreciate it. :)
     
  8. steven4554

    steven4554 MDL Expert

    Jul 12, 2009
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    #8 steven4554, Aug 5, 2012
    Better Security, able to handle more than 4GB of ram (i've got 12GB in my desktop, so i've no choice but to use x64!)
    Memory management is improved, and finally, CPU is able to execute x64 instructions.
     
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  9. SOCRATE_MMXII

    SOCRATE_MMXII MDL Expert

    Jan 25, 2012
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    #9 SOCRATE_MMXII, Aug 5, 2012
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2012
    I said it before, I'll say it again. MS limited the usage 4GB RAM for commercial purposes only.
    Windows Server 2003 Enterprise & Datacenter 32bit can handle up to 64 GB RAM.
    There's a patch called 4GBReady which enables WinXP Pro/Vista Ultimate/Win7 Ultimate to use more than 4GB RAM, but there's a catch: if you have an Intel onboard graphic card (like I do on my HP Pavilion dm4 laptop), you CAN'T use the patch, so you have to use WinXP/Vista/7 x64.

    Note: the x86 limitation referrers to the fact that one x86 program CAN'T access more than 2GB RAM.
     
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  10. YMCA

    YMCA MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2012
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    #10 YMCA, Aug 5, 2012 (OP)
    Thank you for this information. I didn't know this before.