14 replies to this topic

[EyeDie I]

im running win7 32bit on an older system is there any reason i should up it to 64bit? i have a quadcore with 4gig of ddr2 memory,i thought i had read MWO has problems with 64 bit (i think)

[Catamount]

MWO has no problems with 64-bit, whatsoever. The only difference you'll see if that you'll be able to use all 4GB of that RAM, instead of 4GB minus your GPU memory and other reserved address space (in practice you should have 2-3GB of useable system RAM).

Grab a 64-bit disk and reinstall Windows.

[EyeDie I]

yeah i just found my windows disks that have both 32bit version and 64 bit, but when i built my system i only had 2 gigs of ram.will i get a noticeable improvement?i like the idea of cleaning up my system of programs and remnants of stuff i dont use anymore, and thanks for the fast reply.

[WardenWolf]

You should be fine to do it, and it ought to result in a little more usable RAM for you... but the 64-bit version also uses more RAM to just run the OS, so it may not be a big net gain. It would open up the option for you to add more RAM in the future though, if your motherboard supports it, and it would let you run actual 64-bit applications and games as well. For example, the upcoming game Star Citizen is only 64-bit.

[VikingN1nja]

EyeDie I, on 01 October 2013 - 07:52 AM, said:

im running win7 32bit on an older system is there any reason i should up it to 64bit? i have a quadcore with 4gig of ddr2 memory,i thought i had read MWO has problems with 64 bit (i think)

Go with 64 and try get another 4gb in 8gb in total, games and overall system will thank you.

[Farix]

If you have a 64 bit processes, you should use the 64-bit OS. You are simply gimping yourself by using a 32-bit OS.

[Ocilfa]

I apologize if I am hijacking this thread, but I think the question is relevant. With Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium, I have a cap of 16GB of ram. Currently I have 8, but if I go to 16, does the ram of my gpu(2GB) conflict with that ram limit?

[1Sascha]

Farix, on 01 October 2013 - 06:38 PM, said:

If you have a 64 bit processes, you should use the 64-bit OS. You are simply gimping yourself by using a 32-bit OS.

That.

S.

[Qurin]

Win7 64-bit Home Premium uses max of 16 GB memory, if you add another 8 GB to your system you will have 16 GB of memory and it will not conflict with GPU memory. They have different purposes although some card uses RAM if they have less memory than is required.

[9erRed]

Greetings all,

Go with the 64bit system.

Now that being said, any programs or games you had installed in 32bit versions will now have to be converted to the 64bit version. Or they will just be installed into a new "Programs Files(x86)" to complement the other 64bit items and programs you will install.

All the peripherals (keyboard, mice, monitors, etc) you have attached to your computer will need to be upgraded to 64bit also. Although win7 64bit does a reasonable job at default drivers some will need updating. [video card specifically]

Additionally get as much Ram as your motherboard can take, 16Gb is a nice round amount and should be more than enough. (think I paid about $60 for 16Gb of Kingston years ago and the price drops every month)- check your Mother board's spec's for specific type and speed requirements.

So, recapping. Older programs that do not have 64bit drivers will still install and work. Better to look for updated copies of these items though, And I find the 64bit system just works better. There are more options available within the 64bit system that would ever be found on the 32bit edition. Graphics for one, just have more options.

If you have the choice try to install the "Ultimate" version of Win7, full install and all the options turned on. The best of all the win7 versions.

I also have a dual boot system, I left the older 32bit system on one Hd and installed the 64bit onto one of 3 larger drives, rest for storage. So that solved the problem with really old but good working programs that were not upgradable to the 64bit system. (truth be said though I have not booted into that older 32 systems in over a year now, but it's nice to still have all the info there if I do need it.)

Good luck on the upgrade.
9erRed

[Javenri]

I had no idea that Windows Home limited the useable size of RAM, but it is true. MWO forums are not only fun but educational as well!

[Farix]

Don't let what 9erRed says scare you. You don't have to replace your 32-bit programs with 64-bit versions. 32-bit programs will run just fine on a 64-bit OS. The only thing is that they are installed in a separate folder from your 64-bit programs. In fact, most programs and games you buy or download are still 32-bit.

If you are worried about drivers, so long as your peripherals are newer than 2007, you should have no problems. Support of most keyboards and mice is standard and goes back even further. You only need a driver to use any "enhanced" features of these input devices. Any peripheral sold in the last 6-7 years will come with 32 and 64-bit drivers. But it is always better to download the latest drivers. If you are that worried about drivers, I would recommend using something like Driver Booster by IOBit.

As far as memory is concerned. 8GB is enough. 16GB is still considered overkill and you won't even use 1/3 of it. No point in throwing money in memory you won't be use for another 3~4 years. Also the price of memory has been skyrocketing lately.

And with that, you only NEED Windows 7 Home Premium. While you are limited to just 16GB of addressable memory, as I said before, that is already far more than you need. Don't go with Professional or Ultimate unless you actually need the features in those editions. Or you could just go with Windows 8. Again, pick the edition you need. There is no point in overbuying for features you aren't going to use.

Edited by Farix, 02 October 2013 - 04:25 AM.

[Catamount]

As far as peripherals, even my MS Sidewinder FF2 from 1999 has an available driver. Its full software suite is no linger available, but again, it was bought fourteen years ago. I promise you, OP, no matter what you have it'll work, usually without input from you (Windows Update will grab the driver). 32-bit software is also fine. Install 64-bit copies where available when reinstalling software, but don't stress over it.

As for RAM, OP I have an i5-3570k@4.3GHZ and a Radeon HD 7970 (soon to be two), and I have 4GB of RAM, not 8, not 16, not 32, 4. I just recycled the RAM kit from the last build. I am only now just begrudgingly upgrading to 8GB for Star Citizen. The reqs call for 8, and while it runs on 4, it's not ideal, but the point is 8 is only just starting to become genuinely desirable, as opposed to being mere future-proofing. 16 is not even on the horizon for right now, not for gaming. Our systems simply do not approach the power needed to run a game that would seriously approach consuming 8GB on its own, let alone 12 or 16.

[P5YCO]

64 bit is absolutely fine, only way my computer can access the full 8Gb ram. The MWO client runs with no issues whatsoever, never had a crash I can put down to 32Bit incompatability.

[v4skunk]

Always use a 64bit OS.
You'd be suprised at the amount of people who use a 32bit and have well over 4gig of RAM.
I've seen people with 16gig on 32bit....