What version of Windows 7 RC should I install on my macbook pro? 32 bit or 64 bit?

[gamerw00t]

I'm talking about on the most recent $1999 macbook pro.

[URPREY]

I'm running the 64bit Windows 7 RC on my MBP in VMWare Fusion without issue.

[LtRammstein]

32-bit is dead in the OS era. Run 64-bit.

[gamerw00t]

Can it run both? What is better?

[fehhkk]

Rule is, if you have 4GB or more of RAM, always run a 64-bit OS. With a 32-bit, you'll be able to only use around 3.5GB.

[NovemberWhiskey]

Rule is, if you have 4GB or more of RAM, always run a 64-bit OS. With a 32-bit, you'll be able to only use around 3.5GB.

If you are only allocating 1 gb to windows, and 3 to osX, is there any point to getting the 64 bit?

[NT1440]

If you are only allocating 1 gb to windows, and 3 to osX, is there any point to getting the 64 bit?

OP hasnt said if hes using bootcamp or not.

[Eidorian]

64-bit unless you have that EFI CD booting issue.

[gamerw00t]

Rule is, if you have 4GB or more of RAM, always run a 64-bit OS. With a 32-bit, you'll be able to only use around 3.5GB.

A 32-bit Windows 7 on a MBP with 4GB RAM will still work, right? It just wont be able to use the 4GB of RAM to its fullest potential, correct?

The reason why I'm kind of opting toward the 32 bit version is because I think I remember reading somewhere that my campus's internet doesn't support 64-bit Windows OS's (which sucks)

[PoitNarf]

A 32-bit Windows 7 on a MBP with 4GB RAM will still work, right? It just wont be able to use the 4GB of RAM to its fullest potential, correct?

The reason why I'm kind of opting toward the 32 bit version is because I think I remember reading somewhere that my campus's internet doesn't support 64-bit Windows OS's (which sucks)

All the recent Macs and Macbooks contain 64bit Intel processors. This means they can run either 32bit or 64bit code. Install the 64bit version of Windows 7, there is no reason why your campus LAN would exclude a 64bit OS.

[touchdownjesus4]

A 32-bit Windows 7 on a MBP with 4GB RAM will still work, right? It just wont be able to use the 4GB of RAM to its fullest potential, correct?

The reason why I'm kind of opting toward the 32 bit version is because I think I remember reading somewhere that my campus's internet doesn't support 64-bit Windows OS's (which sucks)

Yeah it still works fine, I did this because I didn't know what my macbook could handle and windows works great with 4gigs of RAM. Since I don't need to utilize 4gigs of RAM when i am running windows I am fine with 32bit

[stainlessliquid]

Unless you have to install software to log in to the internet then that doesnt make sense

[Stridder44]

I'm talking about on the most recent $1999 macbook pro.

64-bit, welcome to 2007. There is ZERO reason to run a 32-bit OS nowadays on any decent hardware. Windows 64-bit has something called WOW64, which basically means it'll run any 32-bit application at native speeds. There's no emulation involved.

The reason why I'm kind of opting toward the 32 bit version is because I think I remember reading somewhere that my campus's internet doesn't support 64-bit Windows OS's (which sucks)

Whoever told you that is full of crap.

Good Lord, what who are these idiots out there that spew these lies? (that wasn't aimed at you gamerw00t)

[Gav Mack]

I'd go for 32 bit unless you think you'll actually hit the 3.5Gb barrier. I've found that very difficult, even working with multiple RAW images in Photoshop along with Quark, Illustrator and Firefox open. If you're working with HD video or using massive databases then 64 bit is the only way to go but for the vast majority the 32 bit barrier is still some way off.

[22Hertz]

This may not mean anything to you but I tried putting 32bit on my PC and it gave me several problems with stability and felt a little slow.
For kicks I downloaded the 64bit version, installed and it has been MUCH faster and rock stable.

I only have 2Gb of RAM so I have no idea why it was faster and more stable, but I thought I would share what my experience has been.

[veterator]

I am going to be installing Windows 7 with Parallels in my MBP (early 2009 2.4GHz/4 GB). Will I notice any speed/performance difference between 32 bit and 64 bit installations? I have already installed 64 bit version in my Mini and it seems to work fine, I'm curious what version would run faster and be more compatible with the majority of available software.

[uberamd]

The reason why I'm kind of opting toward the 32 bit version is because I think I remember reading somewhere that my campus's internet doesn't support 64-bit Windows OS's (which sucks)

That makes no sense, unless you (as others have said) need software to log on to the network. My college uses software to scan Windows systems for vulnerabilities before allowing them to register, so to avoid the headache of fixing the Windows issues without internet access, I just have them throw in a Ubuntu Live Linux CD and register that way since they don't security audit Linux systems. Reboot, and boom, authenticated for the year because they register you as a linux user. Mac's also don't get the audit :)

Idiots who spew this garbage don't know what they are talking about, ignore them. That is just as bad as colleges saying you can't have a Mac.

[gamerw00t]

"Unfortunately, as of now, VPN does NOT work on a 64-bit Windows XP or 64-bit Windows Vista machines."
http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/hd/VPN1

Using VPN Software


and then they say
http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/us/connecting-to-penn-state-wireless-network-using-vista-64bit


..........

[PoitNarf]

"Unfortunately, as of now, VPN does NOT work on a 64-bit Windows XP or 64-bit Windows Vista machines."
http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/hd/VPN1

Using VPN Software


and then they say
http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/us/connecting-to-penn-state-wireless-network-using-vista-64bit

So you need to VPN in to the campus network to connect to the wireless successfully? I wonder what "genius" network admin would think that would be a good idea for a large educational institution.

I'd call the IT department there and ask them what the deal is. I'm sure the number of 64bit systems they'll encounter will increase significantly once Windows 7 is released to the masses.

[SnowLeopard2008]

So you need to VPN in to the campus network to connect to the wireless successfully? I wonder what "genius" network admin would think that would be a good idea for a large educational institution.

I'd call the IT department there and ask them what the deal is. I'm sure the number of 64bit systems they'll encounter will increase significantly once Windows 7 is released to the masses.

Windows 7 still comes in x86 and x64 versions right? People will see the lower [already expensive] price tag of x86 editions and buy that. Some people won't even upgrade.

[Eidorian]

Windows 7 still comes in x86 and x64 versions right? People will see the lower [already expensive] price tag of x86 editions and buy that. Some people won't even upgrade.The media now contains both binaries under 7.

[PoitNarf]

People will see the lower [already expensive] price tag of x86 editions and buy that.

x86 and x64 editions of both Vista and 7 are the same price, and Eidorian is right that retail copies of 7 will contain both 32 and 64 bit discs.

Anyway, I was speaking more in terms of new computer purchases coming with Windows 7 pre-installed. I wouldn't be surprised to see many manufacturers installing the 64bit version more often with 7.

[elgrecomac]

64 bit. There is no rational reason to install the 32 bit version. I use the 64 bit version of Win 7 RC under Fusion with NO PROBLEMS and all my Win-based apps run like a champ.:cool: