Vista 64 Compatibility

[Xerin7]

Anyone know of a good URL I can visit to see which hardware and games are compatible with Vista 64? I'm trying to decide whether to go 64 or 32.

 

[smopoim86]

Microsoft requires that any hardware manufacturer must have 32 and 64 bit drivers before they can be signed....... vista will not allow unsigned drivers

Anything that comes with vista drivers should work with either version

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: smopoim86
Microsoft requires that any hardware manufacturer must have 32 and 64 bit drivers before they can be signed....... vista will not allow unsigned drivers

Anything that comes with vista drivers should work with either version

Microsoft requires both in order to pass WHQL certification, but manufacturers are able to sign their own drivers separately from the WHQL process.

Edit: Windows Vista and Driver Signing.

 

[Xerin7]

Is that true for software as well?

Given that, why would someone choose 32 over 64 Vista?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Why choose 64-bit unless you have at least 4 GB of RAM?

It isn't any faster, and there is a lot of existing hardware and software that will never be updated for vista.

 

[Xerin7]

I've heard the Vista is very RAM hungry, and would like to enjoy the full benefits of 4GB. I'm just trying to figure out which hardware/software would not be compatible with the 64-bit version if I go that route.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Why choose 64-bit unless you have at least 4 GB of RAM?

It isn't any faster, and there is a lot of existing hardware and software that will never be updated for vista.

Better security with x64 ,larger memory handling,able to run 32 bit and 64 bit software, 64 bit is the future.I hear Microsoft's next OS is going to be 64 bit only.



I find Vista x64 to be very good with 32 bit software,glad I went x64 rather then x68.

If you have 64 bit CPU and most of the drivers then no reason not to go 64 bit version,unless you really need those old 16 bit software programs that you still have.

Games I have tried so far that work ok.


Steam (CS,TFC ETC..)
Vanguard
UT2004
UFO-Afterlight
KOTOR
Baldur's gate 1 and 2 with expansion packs
Morrowind with exp packs
Oblivion
Starcraft
I know WoW works too.

Software like uTorrent,firefox,CCleaner,Spybot,Spywareblaster,thunderbird ,Nero 7 etc all work ok.

 

[ebeattie]

Just pony up the cash for Vista Ultimate retail and dont worry about it. Ultimate retail comes with BOTH 32 and 64 editions in the box. home premium and I think Business editions have the option to send in for the 64 bit disk, but you have to pay shipping.

Install 64 bit and see how you like it. If you dont, uninstall and install 32 bit.

advantage Ultimate retail

 

[ebeattie]

double post.. sorry

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Mem

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Why choose 64-bit unless you have at least 4 GB of RAM?

It isn't any faster, and there is a lot of existing hardware and software that will never be updated for vista.

Better security with x64 ,larger memory handling,able to run 32 bit and 64 bit software, 64 bit is the future.I hear Microsoft's next OS is going to be 64 bit only.



I find Vista x64 to be very good with 32 bit software,glad I went x64 rather then x68.

If you have 64 bit CPU and most of the drivers then no reason not to go 64 bit version,unless you really need those old 16 bit software programs that you still have.

Games I have tried so far that work ok.


Steam (CS,TFC ETC..)
Vanguard
UT2004
UFO-Afterlight
KOTOR
Baldur's gate 1 and 2 with expansion packs
Morrowind with exp packs
Oblivion
Starcraft
I know WoW works too.

Software like uTorrent,firefox,CCleaner,Spybot,Spywareblaster,thunderbird ,Nero 7 etc all work ok.

I disagree. TOo much of development is focused on 32-bit still and 64-bit is just a "Oh lets make sure our stuff works on x64 and then it's fine." I used XP x64 for over a year and it was trash. Support was horrible. Sure Vista changes a lot of things, but still, 64-bit is still quite sketchy. I say give it another year at least before you fully migrate over.

 

[Cadaver]

Is it possible to upgrade the 32-bit Vista to the 64-version (presuming you've got both discs) without nuking and reinstalling?

 

[Minerva]

AFAIK there is no upgrade option when going from 32 to 64 bits.

 

[Xerin7]

Mem, have you noticed a slowdown in 64 compared to the same games in 32?

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Xerin7
Mem, have you noticed a slowdown in 64 compared to the same games in 32?

Slowdown not really,remember drivers in Vista are not as mature as XP drivers and Vista only supports software sound ,so you have to take those factors into account.

However games seem fine to me in Vista x64,I went from XP 32 bit to Vista x64 ,so can only base performance between those two .

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: Mem

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Why choose 64-bit unless you have at least 4 GB of RAM?

It isn't any faster, and there is a lot of existing hardware and software that will never be updated for vista.

Better security with x64 ,larger memory handling,able to run 32 bit and 64 bit software, 64 bit is the future.I hear Microsoft's next OS is going to be 64 bit only.



I find Vista x64 to be very good with 32 bit software,glad I went x64 rather then x68.

If you have 64 bit CPU and most of the drivers then no reason not to go 64 bit version,unless you really need those old 16 bit software programs that you still have.

Games I have tried so far that work ok.


Steam (CS,TFC ETC..)
Vanguard
UT2004
UFO-Afterlight
KOTOR
Baldur's gate 1 and 2 with expansion packs
Morrowind with exp packs
Oblivion
Starcraft
I know WoW works too.

Software like uTorrent,firefox,CCleaner,Spybot,Spywareblaster,thunderbird ,Nero 7 etc all work ok.

I disagree. TOo much of development is focused on 32-bit still and 64-bit is just a "Oh lets make sure our stuff works on x64 and then it's fine." I used XP x64 for over a year and it was trash. Support was horrible. Sure Vista changes a lot of things, but still, 64-bit is still quite sketchy. I say give it another year at least before you fully migrate over.

I guess you can argue depends on what software and hardware you have,however ALL my 32 bit software works fine (do note I'm not including games)....As to 64 bit drivers,I have them installed for Vista x64 except one, which is a Leadtek DTV USB dongle tuner(no Vista driver at all for either 32 bit or 64 bit version),but somebody emailed them and they said Vista drivers will be out real soon,if you look at this link you can see its listed in the Vista chart,so bascially I'll have all drivers available real soon ,Vista driver support is a lot better then XP x64 IMHO.


Btw there's even new Razor Diamondback mouse Vista x64 drivers available already, which I have installed( however Vista installation default ones did work ok ).

I should add ColorVision Spyder2Express now have Vista x64 software and drivers available too,which I also installed today,not bad for a OS that is not officially even a month old .

 

[Xerin7]

Sounds like 64 compatibility may not be a big issue...are there any modern devices or games that you haven't been able to get to work in 64?

 

[Ruptga]

Originally posted by: Mem

If you have 64 bit CPU and most of the drivers then no reason not to go 64 bit version,unless you really need those old 16 bit software programs that you still have.

But Scorched Earth is 16bit only!

 

[Mistwalker]

Is there any reason there couldn't be a Vista 64-compatible emulator (a la DOSBox) for playing old 16-bit games/software?

I mean, are you really closing the door on older apps forever by going Vista 64?

 

[mechBgon]

You could install Win95 inside of a Virtual PC 2007 Beta window, and run Win95 inside Vista x64 if you wanted. Or Linux or whatever. Just not WinME, because it's sure to wreak havoc somehow! :evil:

 

[Ruptga]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
You could install Win95 inside of a Virtual PC 2007 Beta window, and run Win95 inside Vista x64 if you wanted. Or Linux or whatever. Just not WinME, because it's sure to wreak havoc somehow! :evil:

LOL at the ME comment, anyway, if I was to do that I'd go with 98, but I don't have a 98 license so the point is moot.

 

[Beelziboss]

dp

 

[Beelziboss]

I was going the the same thing as the OP , Here is what I did - I decided to just go with Vista Home Prem 32 OEM for now. Its only $119. It gives me a good chance to get familiar with Vista and then a few months down the road, when things smooth out I will grab Vista Ultimate 64 retail.

It works for me, because I need an OS now (seems silly to even buy XP pro, even the OEM's at this point), and its a safe risk.

 

[Trader05]

i had xp64 and had the express upgrade to 64bit Vista Business. The only issue i have with drivers is creative's audigy 2 zs, driver is still beta.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Xerin7
Sounds like 64 compatibility may not be a big issue...are there any modern devices or games that you haven't been able to get to work in 64?

So far KOTOR2 does not work in Vista unless you disable sound,weird that KOTOR(first one ) runs ok.Btw few threads on KOTOR2 and Vista here, and here.

 

[davehammer4]

I have Vista x64 and have noticed VAST improvements over XP Professional. The x64 version combined with the x64 processor is like buying a Porsche and not having to drive in traffice anymore. For those that say there is no speed difference...I can only say I see much better speed in opening and closing programs...and definitely in processing in memory hungry programs. With the same computer I could not even render a home movie in Adobe Premier Pro 2.0. With Vista x64...its a dream come true.

I do not know the details of all the software, however I do look for Vista Compatability on every program prior to install.

Furthermore, I previously had Vista x64 RTM BETA installed with horrible problems. Once I upgraded to full retail there was again, CONSIDERABLE improvement.

X64 Bit processors are being made by the AMD and Intel for a reason, and not because they are slow.

Should anyone in this forum have a question, feel free to email me directly.

In parting, if...and only if, do you have a 6 month or newer processor, would I only consider Vista x64. Also, the ability to run over 2MB of RAM on your OS...well, if you haven't run it...you can only try before you kick yourself in the head for not doing it sooner.