Which should I get - Vista 32 or 64?

Hey everyone,
I need help some help choosing the right operating system for my new computer.
I understand that there have been previous threads, both here and in other websites, regarding Vista 32 vs 64 but they don't really solve my dilemma, mostly because they're outdated.

Now I intend to use my computer for a combination of 3D modeling/animation, creating movies, Photoshop stuff, and some gaming; so mainly multimedia.
What I would like to know is that which operating system would be ideal for these tasks.
From what I've read, people say that a lot of programs are not compatible with Vista 64, however, I'm not quite sure if it is more compatible nowadays or if it is still the same.

The programs I mainly use at the moment are:
- Daz Studio 3D 3.0
- Bryce 6.1
- Hexagon 2.2
- Carrara 7
- Adobe Photoshop CS3
- Milkshape 3D
- 3D Studio Max
And the games I usually play are:
- Team Fortress 2
- Guild Wars
- Granado Espada (aka Sword of the New World)
- Rainbow Six Vegas/2
- Call of Duty 4
- Velvet Assassin
- Tomb Raider Underworld

Are these programs compatible with Vista 64?
I hope everyone can help me choose which OS is best for me, as I would like to get my new computer up and running :D
Thank you for your time and consideration
- Cyn

OK, let's add a bit more confusion to this. Are you expecting to use Windows 7 when it comes out? (there's upgrade programs currently offering it for free with certain Vista purchases)

For compatibility's sake you should stick with 32 bit.
For moving up into the 64 bit world (where everything computer-wise is headed) - 64 bit wins every time.

So you've gotta choose what you want more - the compatibility of 32 bit or the abilities of 64 bit.

In particular I'm not sure if Photoshop CS3 is 64 bit compatible.
I've played COD4, Rainbow Six/Vegas2, and TombRaider Underworld on my 64 bit systems without any issues.

I doubt I'll be moving to Windows 7 any time soon so I guess that's out of the question for now.

As for compatibility, that's what I am worried about.
The safe option is to get Vista 32 because of its compatibility or I could get Vista 64 because it would perform better.

It would help if some people could test out some of the programs I listed but that's asking a bit much, and as for the games, I guess it isn't too much of a problem

I use Vista Ultimate x64 and would recommend it as the one to purchase. Out of your apps and games i dont know which ones will work, the three closest i have to what you've listed are Adobe Photoshop CS4, Call of Duty 5 and Team fortress 2. All three work fine.

Cyn said:

Hey everyone,
I need help some help choosing the right operating system for my new computer.
I understand that there have been previous threads, both here and in other websites, regarding Vista 32 vs 64 but they don't really solve my dilemma, mostly because they're outdated.

Click to expand...

I have a relatively new HP laptop (Pavilliion dv5t) which I didn't know, until I started reading on these boards, provides BOTH 32 and 64 bit. Is it possible that yours does too? I know this is a very long shot, but figured it was worth asking, just in case. . .