Pentium D 820 with 64-bit OS

[TiPEX]

Hi all, I need to install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on my computer, which has an Intel Pentium D 820. I read somewhere that 64-bit is only beneficial with more than 4GB of RAM, and that it's otherwise best to stick with 32-bit. Could someone please explain this? I have only 2GB of RAM, so if I upgrade will there be a negative impact on performance? I just don't want to spend time doing a clean install of Windows, and then be disappointed by poor performance. Thanks.

[rotNdude]

You won't see a negative impact by loading a 64-bit version of Windows, but you also won't benefit from it.

[TiPEX]

Thanks, that's what I expected :) I just need it to install After Effects CS6

[Bad 💀 Motha]

What OS r u running now?
Are you trying to run apps that require 64bit OS?

Overall though, best bet is from here on, always use 64bit OS.

[TiPEX]

Ok, one last thing: Does anyone know if my windows 7 32-bit key will work for 64-bit? Thanks

[Bad 💀 Motha]

If the OS is OEM, then no. That is the purpose of buying the retail version, u get both 32 & 64 bit of what edition u are buying, and that key works for both (just not at the same time).

Given your specs though I see no reason to change or upgrade the OS away from Win7 32bit, as u won't really benefit. As games/apps that really require 64bit, you probably wouldn't be able to run well on the current system specs, even if u had a 64bit OS installed anyways.

I would just wait til you either upgrade or build a new system, then by that time Win10 should be there and u could get the 64bit version of that.

[schnitzeljaeger]

Originally posted by Bad-Motha:

If the OS is OEM, then no.

From personal experience: The key works for both. It may not be legal in the US but it is in the EU.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Originally posted by schnitzeljaeger:

Originally posted by Bad-Motha:

If the OS is OEM, then no.

From personal experience: The key works for both. It may not be legal in the US but it is in the EU.

Yes; after further look into this, seems it's not an issue, even with OEM version.
I appologize...

It just have to be same edition is all.

For example if u currently have "Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit" then u can only re-use that key for "Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit"

And again, u can't do direct upgrade from 32 > 64 bit, you need to do "clean install"

And only one can be actively installed at any given time. Otherwise one would fail genuine/activation process.

You can download the ISO for Windows7 below, from Microsoft.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery
If you lack your own ISO burn/backup tools, then be sure to download the linked "Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool" listed on there as well.

[TiPEX]

Ok, thank you all for the help :) I have now successfully upgraded to 64-bit (clean install), and theres no performance impact which is great. The 64-bit program also works perfectly.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

You may find it running low on RAM though at times, depending on app usage and how much u multi-task. But 2GB RAM is doable on 64-bit OS. If anything, manually change the PageFile settings to reflect a higher amount to help when the system is running low on Physical RAM, which usually can happen in Win7 when running less than 3-4GB of RAM. Just set the PageFile to 4096 Min/Max and that should be plenty.

[TiPEX]

Thanks Bad-Motha, I'll do what you said as I have had this happen a few times :)