32bit or 64bit Windows 7

[peteyt]

I've been using an old Windows XP Professional Academic version I bought on eBay years back and the disc has got corrupt. I've tried the serial on normal versions and it doesn't work, and there are no ISO's available.

I've decided maybe now is the time to upgrade to Windows 7. I tried the RC ages back and I do meet the specifications and have found a site recommended by Microsoft offering Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrades physically and digitally for £60 both in 32 and 64 bit editions.

I have a dual core AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ and 2gb ram.

It seems my computer can support 64 bit but would I benifit from it? I've heard that 64 bit is really only needed if you have 4gb of ram and upwards. But at the same time if I can support a 64, would it be better getting it over a 32 bit?

I'm not really sure about any of the real differences so I thought I'd come and ask as I'd rather get the best one.

Thanks.

[Recursion]

The liklihood is you need an OEM or VLK disc for the academic XP key you have.

You may aswell go for 64bit nowadays, more and more programs are using it and you will see a slight performance benefit over 32bit.

[peteyt]

Does the compatibility mode work for most programs that are only 32 bit? Just don't want to purchase it to find out a main program isn't going to work

[Stephen!]

all 32 bit programs will run normally on 64

[Agnostic Bear]

64 bit in 100% of cases where 64 bit is supported.

[Swearwolf]

64 bit every time.