Vista 64 bit vs. 7 32 bit

**CrossLOPER** · 08-12-2011, 20:49

It's going to be sometime before I can justify purchasing a new laptop. I am experimenting with operating systems and I have two choices for the moment. The laptop in question currently has an HP version of Vista 32 bit, which is inefficient. So of the two choices that I have, which do I choose. I don't really care which one I choose, I just want this laptop to run just slightly better for a while longer.

**Alexander the Pretty Good** · 08-13-2011, 01:11

How much RAM you got in there, and can it be upgraded, and if so, by how much?

If you've got less than ~3.2 GB of RAM and it can't go higher, 32 bit 7 is a no-brainer. If you've got more RAM (or can upgrade to more) then you'd need a 64-bit OS to take advantage of it. However 7 is better anyway so if you've only got a little more RAM it might still be the way to go.

**CrossLOPER** · 08-13-2011, 03:40

I have hardware that does not have drivers for 7, so that makes the problem a little more difficult to deal with. I've had people tell me that 64 bit Vista is simply more efficient, so I was hoping that I could squeeze a little bit more from it. I don't really plan on spending more money on it since I am may very well replace it in about 2 years.

**Alexander the Pretty Good** · 08-13-2011, 04:10

What hardware? If it's got drivers for vista you can usually use them with 7 as well.

The "more efficient" thing is probably in regards to memory usage, which as I said doesn't matter if you have less than ~3.2 gigs.

**LeftEyeNine** · 08-13-2011, 11:42

Comparing Vista and 7 is a no-brainer.

It's like "should I ask a zombie politely with the appropriate gestures to leave my skull alone or bash the

out of him ?".

**Lemur** · 08-14-2011, 15:45

Originally Posted by Alexander the Pretty Good

What hardware? If it's got drivers for vista you can usually use them with 7 as well.

Quoted for truth. I have run Vista drivers under 7 and they generally work like a charm. There is no real reason to go with Vista. If you have 2 gigs of RAM or less, go with Windows 7 32-bit. If you have 3 gigs of RAM or more, go with Windows 7 64-bit.