64-bit: More than just the RAM

I been using XP x64 and Vista x64 for years. I have had dual CPUs (single core, dual cores, and quad cores) for years. 64-bit programming has been a promise for years. Most companies are not doing 64-bit because they don't find a need for it. I would never want to see Microsoft Office 2007 64-bit. It is like multi-core or SMP progamming. Most applications still hit one processor or core only. This would be more helpful than 64-bit. Photoshop CS4 and some of my other A/V and CAD apps are 64-bit and multi-core capable. They need it for the post processing and rendering procedures. I find giving 2GB per core is best formula for performance. I have 8 Xeon cores and 16GB of RAM. I would like to see more highend games in 64-bit. My favorite game Stronghold 2 would benefit with 64-bit. It maxs out at 2GB of RAM. 64-bit would allow it to grow beyond 4GB. It is also single processor only. More RAM and CPUs would make it an extreme game. They won't recompile it.

Great article link. That is very true regarding the memory, most people strictly refer to the ability to see more memory which don't get me wrong is wonderful but that's not it.

Vista Enterprise x64

Some people might not agree with me, but I've found 64bit Vista to be more stable than 32bit Vista or 32bit XP in my expirence. I also like that I've found 64bit drivers for all my hardware.

Funny, i found that mine was more stable too!

Overall i find that the ppl i know who dont like x64, dont like it coz they're favourite game/software wont work or something. i was too impulsive not to try it, especially when id bought a processor that was capabale of running x64.

My advice is if your pc is fairly modern, try the x64 version of vista before the x86. You're going to have to move to 64 bit at some point!!!

This is very informative, thanks! I recently received my new computer loaded with Vista Home Premium x64 and just like many others I was very apprehensive and concerned after reading all the blogs online. But I went for it and couldn't be more pleased! I really like the interface and speed. I think the folks that have a bad experience simply ignore doing a little research to make sure x64 will work within their hardware/software environment.

WildEagle, I'll agree with you, and will even wager that most other *users* of Vista x64 will find that it is a lot more stable than Vista 32bit.

johngalt, you got that right. Only thing I haven't done yet, is turn on hardware virtualization, in the bios of my motherboard. I haven't found a definitive answer on the net if it should be turned on, or left off, where virtualization and stability is concerned.

Let me put it this way:

Look at my specs, click on my CPUID banner (er, I mean click here - http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=375727) and read my overclock specs - and then realize that I run *both* HPET and Hardware virtualization in the BIOS.

Of course, I don't have to tell you that YMMV.

As for HPET, I tried it, and wound up getting a lockups. Other people on various websites, have reported lockups and other problems when HPET is enabled, so I have it disabled.

From what I found out, recently there are fewer problems having hardware virtualization enabled in the bios, but I haven't gotten around to enabling it, until I can find me a definitive answer, as to whether or not it should be enabled or left on disabled.

When this PC I am using was being built the toughest decision was which OS to use....I must admit that I was a bit worried about choosing the 64 bit Vista. December last year I knew very little about 64 bit and spent a lot of time reading horror story after horror story about Vista let alone potential issues with 64 bit. The Vista articles I read I noticed were pretty old.

I felt happy that all new drivers for Vista must also be written for 64 bit....so I was told.

I think it won;t be long before 64 bit software is in the majority. I'm very happy with my 64 bit OS and really haven;t had any problems driver wise.

I'm just ready for the future!