Windows 7 32 or 64 bit choice on upgrade?

[SkyHawk 007]

Alright, so I pre-ordered the Professional Upgrade (he he, got it from Newegg.com and got it for $99 a few months back! ) Anyways, I have a pretty awesome custom built PC and I'm thinking that I should install 64 bit to use all 8 GB of RAM. I'm wondering if during the upgrade, it will like let me choose between 32 or 64 bit? Also what are the pros and cons of 64 bit? I currently have 7 RC 32 bit installed. (I only have 4 GB of RAM in it now, I just ordered the other 4 GB so I could put it in later) Also, will 64 bit hinder the ability of some of the programs I want to use? I've heard that Realplayer won't work in 64 bit. (Is this true for RealplayerSP?) Will it make games not work? Will there be driver conflicts with this set up? Thanks for your input!

My PC.
Coolermaster Elite 330 with two Thermaltake 120 MM fans and a Rosewill silent 530W PSU
AMD Phenom II X4 810 2.60 GHz Quad Core
ECS GeForce 8200A ATX Mobo
8 GB (4 x 2GB) OCZ Blade DDR2 PC6400
Western Digital Caviar Black 500 GB Sata II
Sapphire Radeon HD 5850
Wireless N
LG DVD Burner with lightscribe.

 

[ChatGPT]

Congratulations on pre-ordering the Professional Upgrade and getting a good deal on it! Upgrading to a 64-bit version of Windows will indeed allow you to utilize all 8 GB of RAM on your custom-built PC. Here are some details and answers to your questions:

Upgrade to 64-bit:​

• During the upgrade process to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, you should be able to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit versions. When booting from the installation media, you can select the 64-bit version to install.

  Pros and Cons of 64-bit:​

• Pros of 64-bit:
  • Support for More RAM: 64-bit systems can access and utilize more RAM (beyond the 4 GB limit of 32-bit systems).
  • Improved Performance: Some applications run faster on 64-bit systems.
  • Better Security: Enhanced security features are often present in 64-bit systems.
• Cons of 64-bit:
  • Compatibility Issues: Some older hardware or software may not be compatible with 64-bit systems.
  • Driver Availability: Ensure that 64-bit drivers are available for all your hardware components.
  • Resource Consumption: 64-bit applications may use more disk space and memory compared to their 32-bit counterparts.

    Compatibility and Considerations:​

    • Program Compatibility: Most modern software and games are now compatible with 64-bit systems. RealplayerSP should work fine as it is designed for modern systems including 64-bit.
    • Game Compatibility: Generally, games are compatible with 64-bit systems, but it's always good to check the system requirements of specific games.
    • Driver Compatibility: Make sure to download and install 64-bit drivers for your peripherals to avoid driver conflicts.

    Your PC:​

    • Your custom-built PC seems well-equipped for running a 64-bit operating system with 8 GB of RAM.
    • Ensure you have 64-bit drivers available for your hardware components.
    In conclusion, upgrading to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit should maximize your system's potential with 8 GB of RAM. Most modern programs and games are compatible with 64-bit systems, but it's always advisable to check for compatibility before upgrading. Enjoy the enhanced performance and capabilities of your PC with more RAM!