Help, 64bit or 32bit vista!

[coolxboxgamer]

Hello, I am building a new system. I will be running vista, with these specs

samsung spinpoint 500gb hd
q6600
2gigs ddr2 800
8800gts 640mb
asus p5k wifi

I was just wondering, if 32bit or 64bit windows is better. I will also be getting the OEM version for system builders, is there any difference between that version and say the retail version?. I will also probably might be upgrading to 4gb of ram in the future if games need it. I just want to have the best OS with the best stability and features.

[Maxx]

For 4GB of RAM, you'll want x64. Vista x64 also has some extra security features, and I suppose one could say its demanding of signed drivers does lead to better stability. As for OEM, I believe it can only be used on one machine, while retail can be transferred but only used on one machine at a time.

[SmokeRngs]

Buy the retail Ultimate and you'll have both. If you find you don't want to use one or the other, then install the other version. :p

http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/207/1/1.png (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&tnum=33&id=207)

[MajorDomo]

You can buy any of the retail upgrades or full versions (32 bit) and get the 64 bit version for an addtional $10 bucks or like previously said, but the Ultimate retail and get both. FYI, the OEM versions do not qualify for the 64 bit upgrade from Microsoft.

[Glow]

I see it like this. XP was for 32bit Vista for 64bit, Why get something from the past thats going to get phased out? I'm loven 64bit Vista so far.

[digital_exhaust]

There is absolutely no reason, with that machine, that you should not go with 64bit....

at least, not in my opinion anyhow..... go for it, you won't regret it...

[coolxboxgamer]

if i go for the OEM, will i have to rebuy the OS if i say, change harddrives?

[LstOfTheBrunnenG]

if i go for the OEM, will i have to rebuy the OS if i say, change harddrives?Usually it's tied to the motherboard.

[thedarklord]

The problem with 64 bit is that you need 64 bit drivers AND they have to be digitally signed by microsoft...

So you're better off checking your peripherals (if any) for drivers and Vista compatibility (and availability of 64 bit versions of them).

If you dont have much peripherals or at least some that require drivers and you cant live without, then 64 bit I'd say, should be your choice.

[Catweazle]

You can buy any of the retail upgrades or full versions (32 bit) and get the 64 bit version for an addtional $10 bucks or like previously said, but the Ultimate retail and get both. FYI, the OEM versions do not qualify for the 64 bit upgrade from Microsoft.

To be quite accurate the alternate install disk itself is provided free of charge. The small cost involved is a postage and handling fee. Also, the 64-bit install is not an "upgrade" and can't be used as such, unless the user is upgrading from a 64-bit XP install. A 32-bit install cannot have an 'upgrade' to 64-bit performed on it - the 64-bit install needs to be wipe/clean install in that scenario.


if i go for the OEM, will i have to rebuy the OS if i say, change harddrives?
Effectively you can change just about anything except the motherboard and still remain legal. A motherboard upgrade effectively makes it a 'new system'. That said, MS will be a bit tolerant toward owner/builders, within reason.

For a discussion about the licensing issues, see this thread (http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=590484) at Overclockers Australia (free rego required for viewing) where myself and others have discussed the issues. The 'OEM' thread mentioned in the FAQ sticky at top of forum is also useful, although it wrongly suggests that a faulty motherboard cannot be changed under an OEM license. In actual fact it legally can be.

You'll also find heaps of stuff if you search this forum section for 'Vista OEM license'.

[djnes]

if i go for the OEM, will i have to rebuy the OS if i say, change harddrives?
No, but you may have to do the phone activation process instead of the quick, online one.