32 bit -> 64-bit OS?

Hey guys, at the moment I have the chance to upgrade my Windows XP 32-bit OS to Windows 7 64-bit OS.I mostly use this PC for gaming, so seeing that I am jumping from 32 to 64 bit would that have any effect?I tried looking around the internet for answers it looks like there shouldn't be too many problems and there should be some performace increase even for s/w not 64-bit native, but I am still somewhat uneasy at the idea of any software suddenly not working due to the jump.Any of you with experience using 64-bit OSs?32 bit -%26gt; 64-bit OS?
Do you have enough RAM?32 bit -%26gt; 64-bit OS?
3GB atm, but I'm going to upgrade soon so I'll probably add some more in.
Well 32 bit OS cap is 3GB.
[QUOTE=''LiftedHeadshot'']Well 32 bit OS cap is 3GB. [/QUOTE]Yeah, I know, I'll only add more if I decide to switch OSs. I'm just worried about compatability issues.
I've been using Vista 64bit for about two years now and I've only had one application not work because of it. The only item of software that has given me any trouble is Duke Nukem 3D. I just can't get it to work on a 64bit OS. Other than one game I've had every Software application / USB / Firewire / E-SATA divice work as intended.If you are going to have any problems with moving to 64 bit its probably going to be something like your 5 year old printer / usb mic dosent work anymore.
[QUOTE=''soliderPp'']I've been using Vista 64bit for about two years now and I've only had one application not work because of it. The only item of software that has given me any trouble is Duke Nukem 3D. I just can't get it to work on a 64bit OS. Other than one game I've had every Software application / USB / Firewire / E-SATA divice work as intended.If you are going to have any problems with moving to 64 bit its probably going to be something like your 5 year old printer / usb mic dosent work anymore.[/QUOTE]



Hmm. Interesting, I could live with that. Thanks
64 bit Is the way to go if you have the proper hardware but if you use your pc for gaming I am positive you have the hardware. The cap for ram for a 32bit OS if I am correct is 4gb and that includes VRAM amd Memory RAM. So if you have 512mb Vram card and 4gb of memoery, windows would only use 3.5gb.
[QUOTE=''smc91352'']Do you have enough RAM?[/QUOTE]



What? That question makes no sense given the question.



[QUOTE=''LiftedHeadshot'']Well 32 bit OS cap is 3GB. [/QUOTE]



No, 32bit Operating Systems can address a total of 4GB physical memory. That includes RAM, video memory, HDD and CPU cahce among other things. If benbond332 didn't have a video card and just had a low end intergraded GPU, it's possible that he/she could utilise close to the 4GB of RAM.



The point is though, a 64bit OS is what you want in this day and age.
Theres no reason to stick with 32-bits.
[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]
[QUOTE=''raynimrod''][QUOTE=''smc91352'']Do you have enough RAM?[/QUOTE] What? That question makes no sense given the question. [QUOTE=''LiftedHeadshot'']Well 32 bit OS cap is 3GB. [/QUOTE] No, 32bit Operating Systems can address a total of 4GB physical memory. That includes RAM, video memory, HDD and CPU cahce among other things. If benbond332 didn't have a video card and just had a low end intergraded GPU, it's possible that he/she could utilise close to the 4GB of RAM. The point is though, a 64bit OS is what you want in this day and age.[/QUOTE]This is correct.
I'd be sure to check your current hardware for compatability, but I made the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit about a year ago and haven't had a single problem. That's 64-bit XP, Vista Ultimate, and Windows 7. Not a single compatability issue hardware or software side.
Ah, I see. Thanks for all the help guys, I'll be upgrading the OS to 64 bits then, AFAIK my hardware supports it.
Don't expect any performance increase however - in fact expect some loss.

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