64 bit or 32 bit

[Cat]

I hava a 64 bit Athlon CPU, are there any disadvantages with the 64 bit Vista.

32 bit software will run on 64 bit Vista, but will 32bit device Drivers work on 64 bit Vista. If they do then why are so many 64 Bit PCs sold with 32 bit Vista?

[Westy5]

32 bit drivers ONLY work with 32 bit OSs

There are less 64 bit drivers out there, so there's your disadvantage

[jesush++]

I hava a 64 bit Athlon CPU, are there any disadvantages with the 64 bit Vista.

32 bit software will run on 64 bit Vista, but will 32bit device Drivers work on 64 bit Vista. If they do then why are so many 64 Bit PCs sold with 32 bit Vista?

No, 32-bit drivers wont work on Vista. 32-bit software only runs due to a Windows Emulation layer, called Windows On Windows.

As drivers can not be emulated, they wont work.

[Tom]

If there wasn't a driver issue, then there'd be no disadvantage.. But I think you'd struggle to see the advantages too, even in a perfect world.

Stick to what you know works, unless you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty and fix problems every weekend :)

[nicky munchkin]

I hava a 64 bit Athlon CPU, are there any disadvantages with the 64 bit Vista.

32 bit software will run on 64 bit Vista, but will 32bit device Drivers work on 64 bit Vista. If they do then why are so many 64 Bit PCs sold with 32 bit Vista?
You might find this interesting http://forums.kustompcs.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42717

[Cat]

It is the drivers
thanks

[Aztec]

what main performance improvements would you notice in x64 vista instead of 32bit?

[Cosmo_1847]

Only on 64bit programs.

[Tom]

what main performance improvements would you notice in x64 vista instead of 32bit?
Not a lot. The main reason to switch to a 64bit install, is the ability to support 4GB of RAM (or more) properly. :)