32 bits vs 64 bits pc gaming

[yamilegend]

Dont know if im suppose so put this here or in the OS microsoft area, well anyway, This is really a sad question i think but does anybody can point out IF any gains are possible in running 64 bits for gaming instead of 32 bits ??? and if someone knows of a list of the games that can take the 64 bits and use it in a use full way ?

 

Thanks in advance.

[wevsspot]

I've never ran into a game that won't run on Windows 7 64-bit.

 

One major benefit you'll get from running the 64-bit version is the ability to utilize more than 4Gb of RAM for the OS and applications. With a 32-bit OS you're restricted to 4Gb maximum and most of the time not all of that will be available because some gets mapped to higher memory addresses for onboard hardware.

 

Simple answer;

 

If you're only running 4Gb of RAM and don't plan on upgrading with more, then stick with 32-bit OS if that's what you already have.

 

If you're going to run 6, 8 12Gb etc. of RAM then go ahead and invest in the 64-bit version.

[DanTheGamer11]

VRAM counts too in 4GB of 64bit? I remember seeing this with my old card?

[wevsspot]

I'll take your word for it

 

Haven't ever ran just 4Gb with Windows 7 or Vista 64-bit.

[ClayMeow]

I've never ran into a game that won't run on Windows 7 64-bit.

 

One major benefit you'll get from running the 64-bit version is the ability to utilize more than 4Gb of RAM for the OS and applications. With a 32-bit OS you're restricted to 4Gb maximum and most of the time not all of that will be available because some gets mapped to higher memory addresses for onboard hardware.

 

Simple answer;

 

If you're only running 4Gb of RAM and don't plan on upgrading with more, then stick with 32-bit OS if that's what you already have.

 

If you're going to run 6, 8 12Gb etc. of RAM then go ahead and invest in the 64-bit version.

Actually, most people will tell you that "4 or more", go 64-bit, not "more than 4", otherwise you're not using all the RAM since without major tweaking, a 32-bit OS will only use roughly 3GB.

 

As for games, the ones I know of that have native 64-bit clients are Far Cry (I believe the first 64-bit game), Crysis, HL2, and STALKER.

 

There are also apps, like Adobe's Creative Suite.

 

Basically, for the past few years, there has been no reason NOT to use a 64-bit OS.

[Fogel]

I installed the original StarCraft on my new machine (Win7 64-bit) and it is all graphically goofed up. I tried Compat Mode, etc, limiting the resolution under properties and I still can't get it to display properly. I have another game that crashes at launch saying it can't D3D - again an older game.

 

The newer games seem to run fine though. I am trying to figure out how to make the switch from XP 32-bit to Win7 64-bit smooth as possible, but I'm not having much luck.

[MandoPatriot]

I installed the original StarCraft on my new machine (Win7 64-bit) and it is all graphically goofed up. I tried Compat Mode, etc, limiting the resolution under properties and I still can't get it to display properly. I have another game that crashes at launch saying it can't D3D - again an older game.

 

The newer games seem to run fine though. I am trying to figure out how to make the switch from XP 32-bit to Win7 64-bit smooth as possible, but I'm not having much luck.

 

It's because it is based on old tech when 1GB of RAM was high end for a computer. You have to download the versions from the battle.net website.

 

To the OP, everything runs fine on 32-bit or 64-bit in this day and age. Programs need more and more resources, so more and more RAM is being used. Next few years and 64-bit will be the only OS out there because no computer is going to have less than 4GB of RAM. As far as gains, just depends on the game and what you have running in the background.

[bilcliff]

Next few years and 64-bit will be the only OS out there because no computer is going to have less than 4GB of RAM.

or so you'd think. i've seen new desktops / laptops available for sale that have 4gb of memory + dedicated graphics but were pre-loaded with 32bit.

[Muchoman1]

VRAM counts too in 4GB of 64bit? I remember seeing this with my old card?

 

yes VRAM counts towards the 4gb limit. i cant even boot into windows 32bit cause i got 6gb graphics ram, and windows always uses vram before normal ram for the 4gb limit, so i have no normal ram according to windows so i cant boot

[VaporX]

Okay there are some older games that will not run correctly under 64 bit but they are really old and usually not that hot to begin with. Personally I would not use a computer today with 32 bit OS.

[Waco]

Okay there are some older games that will not run correctly under 64 bit but they are really old and usually not that hot to begin with.

There are TONS of older games that won't run in 64 bit that are completely worth the time to get running. The easiest way for most of them is to simply install your VM manager of choice and toss an old copy of Windows 98 or Windows XP onto a VM. 99% of the time that works perfectly.

[Avinexis]

yes VRAM counts towards the 4gb limit. i cant even boot into windows 32bit cause i got 6gb graphics ram, and windows always uses vram before normal ram for the 4gb limit, so i have no normal ram according to windows so i cant boot

Holy Mother of God!