Windows 7, 32 Bits vs. 64 Bits?

[Jesus I]

Hi, Im interested in trying Windows 7 RC, but don't know which version to download. Im planning to install it on a MacBook Pro (May 2008), in Boot Camp and in VM.

It has a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB of RAM.

Greetings.

 

[MacDawg]

Get the 64 bit

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Tallest Skil]

The forums. Actually search them. 😀

No one with a Core 2 or Nehalem Mac has any excuse to use the 32-bit version of Seven; 64-bit is what you need.

 

[Jesus I]

Thanks MacDawg and Tallest Skil, I will download 64 bit version then.

 

[Heb1228]

Is there actually any reason to get the 64 bit version rather than the 32? Are the differences pretty slim in actual usage? Maybe I need to search the forums too.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Is there actually any reason to get the 64 bit version rather than the 32? Are the differences pretty slim in actual usage? Maybe I need to search the forums too.

Maximum memory address space in any 32-bit OS is 3.3GB.

And with 64? Several terabytes, so you'll be able to use all of your RAM.

 

[Heb1228]

Sorry if this is a stupid question... then how does Leopard make use of 4GB of RAM on this Macbook?

Is addressable memory space the only real benefit?

 

[Stridder44]

64-bit, welcome to 2007.

 

[nanofrog]

Sorry if this is a stupid question... then how does Leopard make use of 4GB of RAM on this Macbook?

Is addressable memory space the only real benefit?

Though Leopard is a 32bit kernel, the OS was reworked/tweaked in order to allow 64bit programs to run, and allow for greater addressing space. SL is to be full 64bit BTW, so the kernel will become 64bit as well.

The increased addressing space, also means you can run larger files. Not just more memory. 😀 No, it won't speed up everything, but here's a simple way to look at it. You can process 2x the information per clock cycle. 😱 😉 So some programs can benefit, such as math intensive applications (rendering, simulation, engineering, scientific,...). This also includes things like audio and video playback. 😀 Even games, if you indulge, so it's not just for scientists. 😛

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[Syonidism]

also we will not have the 2038 problem with the 64 bits.

t.g. couldn't take another y2k