Vista32 OS on a x64 bit machine

[perfection]

I have a legal purchased version of Vista 32 and am keen on buying a new PC running on a x64 AMD processor. Can I install my 32 bit Vista OS on the same??

Any disadvantages doing this?? Will i get the benefit that comes from a x64 machine or do i lose it becasue i am running a x86 OS on it??

What kind of OS should i be loading on a x64 bit machine if i am to utilize the maximum power and speed from my machine

[iMav]

I have a legal purchased version of Vista 32 and am keen on buying a new PC running on a x64 AMD processor. Can I install my 32 bit Vista OS on the same??

Yes.

Any disadvantages doing this?? Will i get the benefit that comes from a x64 machine or do i lose it becasue i am running a x86 OS on it??

Advantage:

Better app compatibility

Disadvantage:

Can't access more than 4GB RAM (if you're system has it.)

What kind of OS should i be loading on a x64 bit machine if i am to utilize the maximum power and speed from my machine

A 64bit OS.

Install a 64bit OS only if you have more than 4GB RAM on the system, else it doesn't matter.

[seti]

I can not see the sense the in having a 32 bit vista on the 64 bit personally. I have an AMD 64 system and have had no problems running anything on it, that I need, progamms applications etc. To get the best out of Vista and windows7 I think you really should use the 64 bit versions. You can run the 32 Vista on it ok, but not get the full experience or enjoyment.

[estra]

Personally I am running 32bit OS on my 64bit capable machine with 4GB RAM.

As I work with graphics intensive applications, I find that it is more efficient to go with 32 bits with this configuration, as 64bit OS and applications add more memory overhead and this slows my work down.

When I will have 8GB RAM, then I will switch to 64 bits.

[rkonit]

In a line .... If you have more than 3GB of RAM and 64bit processor go for 64bit Windows otherwise 32bit.