Would installing 64 bit Windows 7 make any real difference to the performance of my laptop?

My laptop is currently running Windows 7 32-bit.

It's got an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz processor, and 4GB of memory installed, only 3 of which it can use of course, due to only running a 32-bit operating system. It has an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3670 graphics card.

It's 'Windows Experience Index' scores are 5.9 for 'Processor', 'Memory (RAM)' and 'Primary Hard Disk', and 6.3 for both graphics scores.

I use it for some casual gaming (mostly older games), video editing, sound editing, media use, etc.



There are pros and cons to upgrading to the 64-bit Windows 7:

Pros: Use the extra GB of memory

Cons: Possible loss of compatability with certain programs

Having to wipe PC, install Vista 64-bit and then upgrade to Windows 7 (due to only having the upgrade pack!)



I just want to know if upgrading and using that extra memory will make my computer any faster or better to use, as I don't want to sacrifice all the fuss for a zero notable increase in performance.|||Use 64 bit. Most modern programs and drivers now have 64 bit versions (which perform better compared to their 32 bit counterparts). The 64 bit OS also has a compatibility mode that will allow it to run 32 bit programs, so no problems with compatibility there. Also, 64 bit will allow you to make use of all your RAM. You are wasting 1 GB of the RAM you paid for. With the programs and games nowadays, you will need all the RAM you have. A 64 bit OS has better security features compared to a 32 bit OS.



Get 64 bit. There will indeed be an increase in performance and security,|||It really shouldn't make that much of a difference because most programs don't really use that much RAM anyway.