Not trying to start a x64/x86 war.
The details on speed/performance get fuzzy fast depending on the actual
setup.

32-bit applications must be emulated via WOW64 to run in 64-bit. This is an
extra step and causes a slight reduction in performance for those
applications compared to running them directly on a 32-bit OS.

64-bit applications require between 20% to 40% more "space" to run, even
though they execute at normal speed. This additional space requirement means
more paging occurs for the same 32-bit application on a 32-bit OS and a drop
in performance occurs.

That said, neither effect may be seen by some applications since they fit in
the available memory window, or are small enough that emulation is
unnoticed.

I ran x64 on 4GB for a year and did not "sense" a performance issue, but
when I added an additional 4GB, I definately could tell the difference in
response of my 64-bit applications. Most likely the paging issue went away.



"Curious >" <<spammenot@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:eWBPGx2DJHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> True; 32 bit applications do not run faster on Vista 64 and there are very
> few 64 bit applications available now. However,64 bit applications will
run
> faster as pointed out in the following link and since the 64 bit OS itself
> is a 64 bit application the operating system itself runs faster.
>
> http://64-bit-computers.com/windows-...benchmark.html
>
> "Mark H" <jmhonzell@nospam.comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:OqJHem2DJHA.1184@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > The table in this article is well done and may be of assistance:
> >
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/0...windows-vista/
> >
> > Notice there are no speed increases by switching to x64.
> > Additionally, if you have less than 4GB RAM and switch to x64, you _may_
> > actually experience a performance degradation.
> >
> >
> > "Jude Alvia" <guest@unknown-email.com> wrote in message
> > news:a56c1ae7d5c9b8b4d127095e3f54cc12@nntp-gateway.com...
> >>
> >> Currently have a pc with oem vista ultimate 32bit. I have a retail
> >> version of vista ultimate and trying to decide what version of vista
> >> (64bit or 32bit) to install on a totally new (just built) computer.
Very
> >> pleased with performance of my vista 32bit computer but the new one is
> >> going to be my toy. Any suggestions or opinions are appreciated. Is
> >> there any reason I wouldn't be able to install vista 32bit now and then
> >> later install 64bit later on down the road (like when it has more
> >> compatibility with programs)?
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance for input.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Jude Alvia
> >
> >
>