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General discussion

Processor for Windows 7 64-bit

Jul 11, 2010 4:13AM PDT

I'm getting a laptop with 64-bit Windows 7 and 8 MB RAM. In choosing a processor, I can opt for an Intel i5 (dual-core) or Intel i7 (quad-core). The i7 has a slower speed, but again, is quad-core. Is there any reason that I should go with the i7 - does the 64-bit work better with quad v. dual for any reason - or stick with the i5? The i5 is typically cheaper.
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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You should go with the best processor for what you intend
Jul 11, 2010 6:53PM PDT

to do with the laptop. If you want more of a desktop replacement and run high end software doing complex tasks such as video work, the i7 will do this better with it's 8 "effective" cores. If you do routine simple tasks, web surfing, etc., the i5 will serve well and save you some money. Either can run 64 bit programs. Keep in mind that laptops tend to have a shorter life expectancy than desktops and don't have much room for future upgrades.

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Avoid 64 BIT OS
Aug 26, 2010 10:57PM PDT

I avoid 64 bit opperating systems as there is a lots of software and hardware that will only run on 32 bit opperating systems, I installed the 64 bit version of Windows 7 ultimate on this laptop, there were no drivers for my printer no drives for my scanner no drivers for my camara no drivers for my bluetoot, found that my web editing software was only compatable with 32 bit version, so I had to re format my hard drive an start again with the 32 bit Windows 7, how ever some laptop display boards are 64 bit only and as a result you can only install the 64 bit OS My advice is when you buy a new computer ONLY BUY A 32 BIT computer, it might not be as fast but you will have less software and hardware compatability problems.

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There is not
Aug 26, 2010 11:19PM PDT

There is not. Your information might have been largely true 5 years ago, but it holds no relevance today.

At least 99.99% of programs won't care if you run them on a 64-bit OS. Of the 0.01% that won't run on a 64-bit OS, most of those won't run on the 32-bit version either, because they rely on a depreciated API that was finally removed. A few will be holdover 16-bit apps which should have been replaced over 10 years ago, so it's hard to have any sympathy for people there.

And since Microsoft chose not to support PAE in their 32-bit OS offerings, if someone buys a system with 4GB or more of RAM, your suggestion would necessitate them sacrificing all of that.

On the one hand, I commend you for not rushing out to buy a new camera or scanner just because there's a new model out. At the same time, developers can't be expected to support every product indefinitely. That last part is the one you seem to have conveniently forgotten in your rush to prove that you are right, and everyone should listen to you.

And just as an aside... You show me some bit of hardware with no 64-bit driver, and I'll show you a cheaply constructed POS I wouldn't want to touch with a stolen 10ft pole. Lack of hardware support isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it helps weed out the companies that aren't really committed to a product, either because they know it's crap, or just plain incompetence/indifference/greed. If a company stands by some product they sell, they will make a point to ensure it is available to the widest possible audience they can, within reason.

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Agree with Jimmie
Aug 27, 2010 12:55AM PDT

I'm runnin W7/64 on 4 and half year old hardware, only thing I have that won't work is a 2001 MS WORKS and I think that wouldn't run on 7/32.
64-bit is the wave of the future, and here now.

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Sorry. But my experience is exactly the opposite.
Aug 31, 2010 12:34AM PDT

I've had less problems with Windows 7 64 bit than Vista 32 bit and even less problems than when we went to Windows XP 32 bit.

The gains I've had moving to 7 64 bit had me gift an old scanner that didn't make the leap!
Bob