Digital Home Thoughts: To go 64-bit or not to go 64-bit

"What’s that you say? “Shouldn’t everyone with a 64-bit capable CPU upgrade to 64-bit Windows?” Well, not quite. There are some major advantages to a 64-bit OS, but there are drawbacks to consider as well. In this article, we’ll describe the pros and cons of 64-bit Windows, so when the time comes to upgrade you’ll know which version is right for you."

One of the decisions you'll face when upgrading or installing a new Windows based computer is whether to use the 32-bit or 64-bit version. The most obvious factor in determining your choice is how much memory your system has. If it is 3.5GB or less, 32-bit Windows should be fine. If you're planning on going 4GB or above, the 64-bit version of Windows is pretty much your only choice if you want to take advantage of the extra memory. Still, the choice is not always so clear cut, especially if you have less than 4GB of RAM. Maximum PC has a quick article describing some other considerations, such as driver support and software compatibility. Check it out if you're stuck making the decision.