Why the 64-bit (x64) Editions of Windows Vista?
32-bit CPU's and previous operating systems (Windows 2000 and XP) can only support a total of 4 gigabytes of physical memory. Further more, both Windows 2000 and XP can only utilize about 3 gigabytes of the 4 gigabytes memory maximum.
The 64-bit editions of Windows Vista break the previous 4Gb memory barrier. This requires a computer system with a 64-bit CPU and 64-bit system drivers.
Notes: 64-bit editions of Vista require 64-bit device drivers for correct usage. Any previous 32-bit device drivers are not supported by Vista 64-bit (32-bit drivers do not work in a native 64-bit OS)! This means you need to check if your printers, scanner, video card, sound controller have updated 64-bit drivers from the respective manufacturers.
Windows 64-bit - A performance factor:
For high-end users that are involved with complex CAD / CAM, database or scientific research, this access to larger memory can make a huge difference. It is also of great benefit on large server systems running a number of large applications.
Bench testing Vista 64-bit versus Vista 32-bit:
The above test shows an average performance increase of 11% by using a 64-bit Windows OS. Older 32-bit programs (the majority of the programs you run now) perform at the same speed or within a few percent points of Vista 32-bit editions. Newer programs coded for 64-bit extensions are shown to boost performance substantially.
Confirm that your system, applications, and devices are compatible with a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista before purchasing a new computer system. Vista 64-bit does NOT allow the use the older 32-bit device drivers!
What Processor do I require for Windows Vista 64-bit?
Windows Vista 64-bit editions support 64-bit compatible PCs based on the following CPU's:
- AMD-64 (Athlon-64, Opteron, Turion processors)
- Intel EMT-64 (Pentium D, Xeon, Core Duo, and Core 2 Duo) platforms
Windows Vista Edition 64-bit Maximum Memory Sizes:
- Home Basic = 8 GB
- Home Premium = 16 GB
- Ultimate = 128+ GB
- Business = 128+ GB
- Enterprise = 128+ GB
The 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are for the serious computer users who have advanced high-performance needs and require larger amounts of memory (greater than the Vista 32-bit versions 4Gb limitations.
The switch from 32-bit to 64-bit is a rather interesting historical event. Lets see the maths.
| 8-bit | 28 | 256 bits |
| 16-bit | 216 | 64 KB |
| 32-bit | 232 | 4 GB |
| 64-bit | 264 | 2 EB |
The past transition from 16-bit to 32-bit increased our memory space by a factor of 65,000. We have been in the 32-bit era since about 1992. The transition from 32-bit to 64-bit, will increase our address space by a factor of four billion.
32-bit Notes: It is common (and normal) for a computer with 4GB of RAM to have Windows XP or Vista 32-bit editions report between 3.1 and 3.6GB of RAM (outside this site) installed! This will vary depending on hardware.
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Why the 64-bit (x64) Editions of Windows Vista? - South Australia
