64 bit vs 32 OS

Hey people

Im planning on switching out my laptops hard drive soon, and I figured now would be a good time to ask. My laptop has a 64bit 3200 ~ghz processor(amd athalon) and currently has a standard 32 edition of windows professional. I have the 64 bit version upgrade, but never put it on, because it looked confusing and i would have to wipe my HD. Well, in the last year or so, i have heard of compatibility issues with the 64 bit edition, and others saying its great. What im wondering is, is there any reason NOT to put the 64 version on?


PS. if anyone nows of a good article/walk through on swapping HD's, id appreciate a link

@BFG: i was thinking more the software transfer/drivers/boot sectors and such. thanks

Windows 64 == glorified beta?

As for the hard drive in the laptop, most have an access underneath opposite the touchpad. It's fairly straightforward, but look up your model just to be sure.

Swap hard drive in a notebook... you mean dual boot?.
googled duel boot windows xp
http://www.winxpfix.com/page5.htm
http://muckyfeet.com/2006-dual-xp-vista-install/
http://www.vsubhash.com/writeups/multiboot_os.asp

Here are a few reasons not to put 64 bit OS on your system as your primary.
1. Lack of driver Support
2. Most applications/games are 32-bit

So at the moment switching to 64-bit will be more of a headache till more application and driver support becomes available. But if you want to try it out setup two partitions on your drive.

Actually, no dual boot. i currently have an 80 gig and want to remove it and put in a 120, with only 1 OS on it. apparently, the 64 does have a few problems.....but can i use regular 32bit drivers, and so not actually get the full benifiet of 64, but still be very backwards compatible? i wanted the 64 bit so i could take advantage of the few things that do use it, but i assumed that you didnt HAVE to use 64bit drivers and such

Oh, and no need to google for me i was just wondering if someone had an article they had used in the past and found it to be helpful

You REQUIRE 64 bit drivers for a 64 bit OS. You can use 32 bit programs and such. I've found it's not that much of a hassle for desktops to get 64 bit drivers for, however a laptop might be very different because of the propriety part. Check out the manufacturer's website and see if they have the drivers you need before you do any work.

Besides that, certain games have troubles installing on a 64 bit environment (Vampire: the Masquerade: Bloodlines for one) where you need to download a workaround or they simply won't work. Other games with 64 bit versions (HL2) work perfectly fine on a 64 bit environment however there isn't much increase to be seen. One review I read comparing 32 and 64 bit versions noticed a 1 fps drop and it took half the time to load on the 64 bit version. Apart from that, nothing. Is it still worth it? Your choice.

I've been running a 64bit OS for nearly 12 months and have not had any problems with drivers, all the major hardware companies do 64 bit drivers now.

And although most games are 32bit there are a few 64bit versions around. Think someone already mentions HL2 but theres also 64bit ver's of Far Cry, Riddick Escape from butcher bay and err many others i can't think of! lol

Personally I would say if your machine is capable of 64bit OS and you have the software then go for it

It's to early to switch to 64 bit. It is the future, but right now it's still unsupported by too many things. 32 bit apps do run, but a bit slower, since there not accustomed to it.


Personally, the only problem I see in 32 bit, is the maximum RAM limitation, and even that is big enough to satisfy all your gaming needs. Everyone should wait if they don't have a very good reason to change, just like everyone should stay clear of Vista until it gets rid of the "First Day" Syndrome...