hey all. I just bought 4Gbs of ram and I have the 32-bit version of Vista. Should I spend the extra $100 and upgrade to 64-bit Vista or should I send 2Gb's back and just live with that and my 32-bit OS?

for those out there with 4Gb's and Vista, what version do you have and can you see/use all 4Gbs in Vista 32?

I've been running the 64-bit version of Vista with 4GB of RAM and am really liking it so far.  Before I began, I ran through a list of every application I use daily, and downloaded patches and updated version of everything where possible to ensure the best compatibility.  Then I updated the BIOS and all of the firmwares for all of the components in my rig, and downloaded all of the most recent drivers for everything.  I finished re-doing the machine and setting it up just the way I like it a few weeks ago and have had only one persistant problem - I have no sound after the machine comes back up from hibernation.  Other than that, all my apps work great and I'm really digging the OS and interface.

So, if you have the funds, I say go 64-bit.  You're going to end up doing it eventually anyway.  And you've already got the RAM.  No 32-bit version of Windows is going to access all 4GB.

On a side note, have you tried installing the 64-bit version and using your 32-bit key?  The version of Ultimate I bought uses the same key for both the 64 and 32-bit versions.  Maybe you could do the same?

anyone care to ship me their 64 bit OS for me to try my key on? everyone I know around here in on XP or 32-bit Vista Home Premium.

so if I install my 4 gigs and put the 32-bit version on my machine, my games still will not use all 4 gigs? Can someone please explain this to me? I thought 32-bit OS'es supported all the way up to 4GBs? Just as long as my games can use the ram i'm happy and I won't be upgrading now.

 My understanding is 32bit games still wont use the full 4 gig even on a 64 bit 0S because they are still written to basic 32 bit protocols. You would have to find a 64 bit patch for whatever game you were running. You should get abould 2.7 Gigs out of them ( I think your graphics cards account for a portion of the useable memory as well), just the same as with a 32 bit OS.

Could you run a 64bit game on a 32 bit OS and get the 64 bit benefits fo that game alone? 

After reading various fourms and writeups on the situation, everyone pretty much has the same feeling- stay with the 32-bit Vista for now until games start to actually use 4GB of RAM. After that, make the switch. Like Bigwop said up there, i already have the RAM. I was reading that games only use like 2.5-3 gigs due to all of them being written for 32-bit OS'es, so Thunder was correct. Thank you guys, I'll hold on to my 32-bit for now...and unleash hell once I actually do make the upgrade. My mobo actually supports the full 8GB limit of the 64-bit Vista. :) Another upgrade perhaps? :)

Actually Thunder is incorrect.  There are two memory limitations in Windows that are mutually exclusive - the OS's 4GB limit and the 2GB Win32 application limit.  Every 32-bit Windows application has a 2GB limit, but you're forgeting that there are probably 30+ applications running on your machine at any given time (background processes, anti-virus, IM, etc.), so even though the app has a limit, the more memory that is available to the OS the better.  This is the reason these 32-bit apps will only use up to 2GB on the 64-bit version of Windows.

The OS limit has to do with address space reserved for devices in the mahince.  Typically a 32-bit versions of Windows will show 2.5 - 3.4 GB of available memory when 4GB is installed in the machine.  32-bit Windows technically has a 4GB limit, but that can be extended through machanisms like PAE.

And all those people that said stick with 32-bit until games are written in native 64-bit code are going to have to waiting for a half a decade.  There are pros and cons to running 64-bit now, even though the apps you're going to run are 32-bit.  Because the OS can natively access much more memory, older 32-bit application will each have their own full 2GB where avaialble.  You also benefit from the security of running a native 64-bit OS.

As of now, the only real disadvantage to running 64-bt Windows are incompatibilities with some older applciations.  Every manufacturer has been releasing 32 and 64-bit drivers concurrently as of late, so driver developments on both sides is about equal now.  And MS has done a good job of patching the OS for performance and stability.  The ONLY applications I had to sacrifice to make the switch were applicationst that weren't Vista compatible - it wasn't because they weren't 64-bit compatible.  (FYI the apps were from MS - surprise, surprise.)

OK, no more ranting I just want to make sure you've got the correct information.

Here's my take.  Don't think of your upgrade strictly from a memory perspective.  You've got the 4GB of RAM, keep it and use it.  If you want to do less tinkering and be more confident your apps are going to run, stick with 32-Bit Vista.  If you're willing to potentially sacrifice some applications for the sake of compatibility (and this is only a maybe) and want the benefits of a 64-bit OS, make the switch.

Sorry for ressurecting an old post 1st off.....

2nd, HEY GUYS!! I am back!!

3rd -- BipWop, what is your position on enabling PAE within Windows? I have read bits and pieces about how its dangerous especially for drivers as they are only meant to address the normal 32-bit address....but do you think that enablnig PAE for an increase to 36-bit and support for (I think) 64GB of physical memory is truely dangerous? I realize its not really something most people want to do but I just like to experiment :)