+- The Purge (https://thepurge.net)
+-- Forum: Public (https://thepurge.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Gaming Hardware (https://thepurge.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=53)
+--- Thread: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS (/showthread.php?tid=13220)
Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - OrsunVZ - 11-25-2013
I am switching from a 32x OS to 64x, and I need to make sure my hardware is going to be compatible. Can you guys_that_are_smarter_than_me give me a heads up on what I should pay attention to, and what I can do to make the swap as smooth and painless as possible?
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - Slamz - 11-25-2013
As far as I know the only hardware that matters is your CPU. I switched to 64-bit years ago and that was all there was to it. Just install the 64-bit OS and you're done.
When given a choice of drivers, of course, always select 64-bit (e.g., nVidia driver downloads).
32-bit stuff will still work, it just won't be utilizing all that it could.
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - strife - 11-25-2013
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-frequently-asked-questions">http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... -questions</a><!-- m -->
That should answer all your questions. Like slamz said, make sure your proc can handle it then just install... Should be painless.
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - Snowreap - 11-25-2013
old (or uncommon) hardware may be problematic. in general, if 32-bit Windows came with a driver built-in for your hardware, 64-bit Windows probably will also.
if you had to download and/or install drivers, make sure that 64-bit versions are available. some vendors are good about releasing 64-bit drivers for old hardware, while other vendors are terrible. mouse drivers are typically the most problematic (specifically software that lets you customize how your mouse buttons work) especially if you have something remotely unusual (e.g. a Kensington trackball).
-ken
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - grizzle - 11-25-2013
Along with the CPU advice above, make sure you have enough RAM to make the switch viable/worth it. (I'm assuming in this day and age most people, or at least us power users, have more than 4GB of RAM, but you never know...)
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - strife - 11-25-2013
grizzle Wrote:Along with the CPU advice above, make sure you have enough RAM to make the switch viable/worth it. (I'm assuming in this day and age most people, or at least us power users, have more than 4GB of RAM, but you never know...)AKA at least 12 GB :mrgreen: Anything less is for women.
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - OrsunVZ - 11-26-2013
well I have 16G, 12 of which is thoroughly wasted atm. When I install the 64x OS, is it like reformatting? will I need to reinstall everything?
Re: Swapping from a 32x to 64x OS - Diggles - 11-26-2013
fresh OS install is always best, plus if your harddrive isnt NTFS format would be wise to do that.
If you use firefox, remember to backup-export favorites to html file so you can import them later