Confusion about 32 vs 64-bit Vista

I'm a little confused about the 32 and 64-bit versions of Vista. Can anyone answer these questions for me:

1) When I upgrade from my current XP MCE 2005 will I have a choice between both versions?
2) If so and I choose 64-bit I assume there will be benefits when I upgrade my apps to 64-bit versions; but will my current 32-bit version performance deteriorate?
3) Does my hardware dictate which version I can use? Will I have to upgrade components if I want to benefit from 64-bit?
4) I assume I currently have 32-bit; where can I see this? Its not in System Info. Does the folder \System32 indicate this?
5) If I stay with 32 can I change to 64 in the future?

Thanks guys...will be upgrading to Vista soon and would like to inform myself about this before jumping in.

 

1) Yes, you will have a choice. Microsoft should sell both versions for a while.
2) I haven't heard anything about 32-bit performance taking a hit on 64-bit Vista.
3) Yes, your hardware will determine which version you can use--particularly your processor. Depending on your individual situation, it may be better to wait for your next system to move to Vista 64, otherwise using Vista 32 may be the more financially viable option available to you.
4) Yes, you have 32-bit.
5) You can always switch later.

 

1) Not if you are getting it through the Vista upgrade program for your notebook. They are only offering 32bit AFAIK.
2) You can only go 64bit if you have a Core 2/Turion64/Turion X2. 32bit apps will not degrade in performance because of the processor, but 64bit apps will have more potential for higher performance (number crunching mostly). Other advantages are dependent of programmers taking advantage of processor features like SSE.
3) Yes. If you have Core2/Turion64/TurionX2 you can get 64bit. Otherwise you must get 32bit.
4) Right Click on My Computer->Properties. Find the OS listed. Unless you have XP x64 you are running a 32bit OS. AFAIK, no notebook is sold with that 64bit OS.
5) Yes, but you'll probably have to purchase the upgrade.

 

Chris beat me to it

 

I thought the upgrade was strictly 32-bit as well, but apparently there are some exceptions (I want to say Asus) where they are offering both 32-bit and 64-bit versions through the Express Upgrade Program.

 

I was under the impression that most c2d notebook come with xp 64-bit. I know an acer I'm looking at comes with xp 64-bit.

 

night_2004 was referring to XP MCE x64. Actually XP 64 has been a bit of a flop though, so I believe most of the newer systems have been shipping with 32-bit XP unless otherwise specified.

 

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.

My Acer 5680 is about 3 weeks old now and it came with XP MCE 2005 32-bit version if I read the posts correctly.

It does have a Core 2 Duo with 128mb dedicated Nvidia GPU and 160 gb HDD. So I guess its able to handle the 64-bit version. Any other factors I should be aware of? Will I be able to run ALL software that I currently run?

I will be doing the upgrade tonight so I'll report back on whether we have the choice or not.

Thanks again...

 

Asus is offering Vista Business in 32 or 64 bit flavors for machines with XP Pro. I am leaning toward 64 bit as it would allow me to take advantage of more in the future without another upgrade cost. I am in absolutely no rush to upgrade, just to order the upgrade before the program deadline. Does this idea make sense to anyone else?

 

So if I have a Dell Core2 Duo with MCE I can only get the 32 bit version of Vista via the free upgrade?

 

That makes perfect sense to me. I'd get the upgrade and sit on it until SP1 is released to hopefully let Vista mature a bit before jumping into that pool.

I believe so, but you may want to check on the specifics of the deal your manufacturer is offering. Until I'd heard about Asus offering the 64-bit version, it was believed that it was universally 32-bit Vista being offered.

 

It does not specify whether it's 32 bit or 64 bit but if they send a cd it should have the 32 and 64 bit version but it will probably be a download.

Future Operating Systems Windows Vista™ Capable
[465-4663]

 

So if I got it right, all 32-bit aplications run on 64-bit Vista also? With XP 64-bit this wasn´t the case at all if I remeber correctly?

 

What about battery life on vista on your guys laptops?anyone with a toshiba that runs vista 64bit? is everything working like touchpad,sound,toshiba express player ect?

 

I'm curious! I have the T7200 Core 2 Duo processor, but according to this page at MS it is still only 32 bit. (IOW x86 NOT x64)

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=396&tabid=1

Is there some way to unlock the Dual cores? Is there a Bios Upgrade?

I have a Dell Latitude D520.

Will Vista 64 be problematic?

Is there Driver support?

I'm in no hurry....please advise!

 

Yeah, installing a 64-bit OS.

That page is dumb. It's talking about software, not OS but makes you feel that it's talking about OS. The Core 2 Duo chip is 64-bit!!!

The reason it shows you x86, is because you have a 32-bit OS installed. (Like most people right now)

http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2duo/specifications.htm

A lot of Microsoft wording is rubbish.

As for problems, it depends on if your machine is good enough, plus if there is drivers for what you have. This is different for everyone depending on the machine they have!

 

My new 9000 Custom to Order came with Vista Ultimate x64 installed. They never asked!

 

I was recently confused about this as well. It turns out a 64bit OS will run all programs (32bit or 64bit). The only thing that 64bit cannot use are 32bit drivers/dlls. That means if you're switching to 64bit Vista/XP/Linux or anything to check on driver availability first. It would really suck if your sound card or something wouldn't work anymore because no one has released a 64bit driver for it yet.