Windows 8: 32 or 64 bit?

[darrenlowjq]

Hi all, with Windows 8 launching soon, I was wondering which version of Windows 8 I should purchase. As I currently use my Asus Zenbook for school, I didn't want to mess with it, at least until I have made sure that Windows 8 fits all my work flows.

I am looking to play with Windows 8 though and I intend to download a copy of Windows 8 to run in bootcamp on my Mac Mini at home. I would have to purchase an OEM version (I think?) because its not an upgrade. Also, I saw that there are 32 and 64 bit versions available and was wondering which version to go for.

I read something online about 64 bit being able to do multi-tasking more smoothly, but am unsure about other specific benefits or disadvantages of 32 bit vs 64 bit. Currently running the current gen base model Mac Mini upgraded to 4gb RAM (not the one that Apple is rumoured to be releasing concurrently with their iPad Mini event). If some kind soul could enlighten me on which version would be suitable for me, I would be grateful.

 

[palandri]

I don't understand what you mean by "run in bootcamp on my Mac Mini". Do you dual boot two operating systems?

As long as your CPU is 64bit compliant, and you are not trying to dual boot a 32bit and 64bit OS, you could run either.

The 32 bit will only see like 3.75GB of your RAM That's the max for 32 bit.

The 64 bit will see all 4GB of your RAM and allow you to add more later. I have Samsung laptop with 8GB of RAM. If I wasn't running Win7 64 bit, the extra RAM wouldn't be used.

 

[darrenlowjq]

Yep, have OS X and intending to dual boot using bootcamp, which I'm currently doing using the consumer preview. Does it mean that 64 bit just utilises more of your RAM? If so since I have 4GB of RAM I should go for the 64 bit version?

 

[chriscookz]

I don't believe you'll notice much of a difference between 32 and 64, at least I didn't when I upgraded like 4 years ago. There was a time (again, like 4 years ago) when people were concerned about drivers because most things then were still 32 bit. The real advantage of 64 bit is that it's future proof, where as 32 bit is not. Just like processors are always getting faster, RAM is always getting larger and faster, hard drives are always getting larger and faster, so too should your OS follow that trend. Getting the 32 bit version, in my opinion, would artificially and unnecessarily cap your future growth potential. Mostly with your RAM as palandri said. There are countless articles online discussing 32 vs 64 bit OS's, but if you have a current machine I don't see the purpose of going 32 bit anymore.

 

[palandri]

Yep, have OS X and intending to dual boot using bootcamp, which I'm currently doing using the consumer preview. Does it mean that 64 bit just utilises more of your RAM? If so since I have 4GB of RAM I should go for the 64 bit version?

I over simplified the the differences between a 32 bit and 64 bit OS. It's more than just RAM.

I know nothing about Macs so i need to bow out and let someone with Mac knowledge answer your question.

 

[darrenlowjq]

Alright thanks! I was just a little confused about the 32 vs 64 bit but your advice helps. Can't wait to get my hands on Windows 8!

 

[darrenlowjq]

Well I presume the hardware should function similarly? Unless Mac hardware is made out of rainbows and unicorns like Apple claims?

 

[palandri]

There's a lot of articles/rumors about Windows 9 coming in a 64 bit and 128 bit version

 

[thed]

I'm surprised that MS even offers a 32 bit version of Windows 8. Every modern consumer CPU out there supports 64 bit computing.

You probably won't see a noticeable performance increase, but there are certain programs that might run faster. Don't expect your games to have a better framerate or anything like that. But you'll be able to use all your memory and add more if you want. Since every hardware manufacturer offers 64 bit drivers these days, there's no real reason not to go 64 bit.