Switching from 32 bit to 64 bit + the Core i's

[Hunter Makoy]

Sorry if this has been on here before, I didn't see it anywhere.

I've been thinking for a while about switching my computer from 32 bit to 64 bit and I'd like to know from you guys, the real people, what that all entails.

During that time I also might be switching to the new Core i-style motherboard.

Here right now are my specs:

Motherboard: ASUS P5Q SE/R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775
RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
GPU: PNY GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0

Here is what I would like feedback on:
1. From a software standpoint, what is entailed in switching from 32 to 64 bit? (I know bout the OS) Like switching antivirus software, internet browsers, graphics drivers, anything like that.

2. I am not a gamer that needs the graphics turned to 11, but I do like to at least have them set on high. Given that, would it be worth upgrading the hardware? And would an i5 do just as well as an i7 in my situation? If so, which one would be the best buy at this time? Or at least by the end of the year.

3. If you had to pick just one option, moving to 64 bits or upgrading the CPU and possible GPU, which one would you pick? Basically, if you have a good-great CPU and GPU, and already pretty fast RAM, does 6 or 8 GBs really make that much of a difference over 4?

Thanks alot.

[Crazyeyesreaper]

nothing changes at all going from 32vbit to 64bit your web browsers will remain the same aka 32bit most games are still 32bit, only a few apps like Photoshop etc are 64bit overall it has no impact on your PCs performance antivirus remains the same id simply suggest MSE aka microsoft security essentials it interfaces with windows update and its resource usage is EXTREMELY low compared to everything else

I5 2500k + 560ti or 69501gb are the sweet spot when it comes to upgrading 32bit is okay for now but in reality if your system is running Windows 7 as long as its NOT an OEM pc you can reinstall 64bit windows without paying for it simply put the CD key given with system builder licences *newegg $99* is for either or aka 32bit or 64bit do to the disc but if you borrow a 32bit disc or 64bit disc the CD key will work for either or. its hard to explain but you can download Windows 7 legally from Digital river with the correct link, and burn it to dvd and just use a legit cd key to install windows. but anyway

Id take new hardware over an operating system. and windows 32bit can only see 3.2gb of ram so 4gb +64bit os is the minimum you dont really need 6gb or 8gb, as a 32bit APP or game can only use 2gb of memory regardless of OS


that said the main reason to go 64bit is there is no reason to stick to 32bit as it limits the hardware 64bit removes those basic limitation thus why most people suggest it.

but 32bit or 64bit os 64bit is the better choice hands down but if it comes down to a system upgrade that will give far more performance il ltake the performance boost over and OS update.

that said if your current PC is running Windows 7 and its not OEM you can reuse the CD key and most likely just use a 64bit Disc to install from, but if its a dell hp, acer etc OEM OS then your screwed.

[Hunter Makoy]

nothing changes at all going from 32vbit to 64bit your web browsers will remain the same aka 32bit most games are still 32bit, only a few apps like Photoshop etc are 64bit overall it has no impact on your PCs performance antivirus remains the same id simply suggest MSE aka microsoft security essentials it interfaces with windows update and its resource usage is EXTREMELY low compared to everything else

I5 2500k + 560ti or 69501gb are the sweet spot when it comes to upgrading 32bit is okay for now but in reality if your system is running Windows 7 as long as its NOT an OEM pc you can reinstall 64bit windows without paying for it simply put the CD key given with system builder licences *newegg $99* is for either or aka 32bit or 64bit do to the disc but if you borrow a 32bit disc or 64bit disc the CD key will work for either or. its hard to explain but you can download Windows 7 legally from Digital river with the correct link, and burn it to dvd and just use a legit cd key to install windows. but anyway

Id take new hardware over an operating system. and windows 32bit can only see 3.2gb of ram so 4gb +64bit os is the minimum you dont really need 6gb or 8gb, as a 32bit APP or game can only use 2gb of memory regardless of OS


that said the main reason to go 64bit is there is no reason to stick to 32bit as it limits the hardware 64bit removes those basic limitation thus why most people suggest it.

but 32bit or 64bit os 64bit is the better choice hands down but if it comes down to a system upgrade that will give far more performance il ltake the performance boost over and OS update.

that said if your current PC is running Windows 7 and its not OEM you can reuse the CD key and most likely just use a 64bit Disc to install from, but if its a dell hp, acer etc OEM OS then your screwed.

My OS is Windows XP, and I plan on upgrading to Windows 7 64 bit. When I do, considering I will only be using it on one computer, should I buy OEM or System Builders? Will OEM give me any reinstalls if something crashes?

I also don't really get what you are saying bout the CPU, can you explain that again?

Thanks

[Crazyeyesreaper]

System builders are OEM aka the $99 version on newegg or tiger direct etc etc

as in if you are going to upgrade to a new CPU and GPU just do it right the first time

2500k i5 + P67 socket 1155 motherboard for a cpu upgrade as far as a gpu upgrade 560ti or 6950 1gb minimum for future games

4gigs of DDR3 is fine 1600mhz 1.5v sticks are what you would want and there around $45 for a 4gig set.

your PC is at the point where a full overhaul is just about neccesary if gaming at resolutions above 1280x1024 / 1440x900

System builder lic is tied to a single motherboard when you install it, that said usually you can install it on a different motherboard if you do phone activation the 2nd time around and just tell them the motherboard died, etc.

[Hunter Makoy]

System builders are OEM aka the $99 version on newegg or tiger direct etc etc

as in if you are going to upgrade to a new CPU and GPU just do it right the first time

2500k i5 + P67 socket 1155 motherboard for a cpu upgrade as far as a gpu upgrade 560ti or 6950 1gb minimum for future games

4gigs of DDR3 is fine 1600mhz 1.5v sticks are what you would want and there around $45 for a 4gig set.

your PC is at the point where a full overhaul is just about neccesary if gaming at resolutions above 1280x1024 / 1440x900

System builder lic is tied to a single motherboard when you install it, that said usually you can install it on a different motherboard if you do phone activation the 2nd time around and just tell them the motherboard died, etc.

Would I be able to reinstall on the same motherboard without calling?

BTW my resolution is 1920 x 1080.

[Crazyeyesreaper]

you need to call but its automated, they basically ask you how many times you used the OS answer the question correctly and then they give you a key to enter you enter the key and presto it activates no big deal done it multiple times myself.