hey guys,

So i am wondering, what is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit? i know there is more mathematics and such in 64 bit, but on a laptop with an amd turion 64 bit duo2 core processor, with 4gb of ram, running on windows 7, is it going to make a big difference. I have to decide when reformatting if i should reformat to 64 bit (which means many hours of finding the right 64 bit drivers) or just stick with the original 32 bit OS.

Also, are there advantages (or disadvantages) in installing sonar 8 64 bit...i was reading past posts and people were talking about how there are some different effects and such in 64 bit that are not in the 32 bit and vice versa.

Also, people were talking about installing the 64bit version and then installing the 32 bit version in a different folder? mostly because of the issue of different plugins and such in 64 and 32 bit. i was wondering...if i install the 64 bit and choose the full installation..doesn't sonar install everything and just puts the 32 bit stuff in like a sonar x86 folder and the 64 bit stuff in a sonar x64 folder? Or should i install both versions?

So, in summary, i think 64 bit is altogether better because it can do more things, plus it is becoming the "thing" now, 64 bit will soon enough be the new standard, but for my laptop running a AMD turion 64 bit duo2 at 2.3Ghz, with 4gb RAM, and windows 7, should i go with 32bit or 64 bit.

Thanks for the help
mike

Others may do a better job at this, and I'm happy to be corrected, but basically, the number of "bits" refers to the data bus width. 32 bit architecture works on information 32 bits wide at a time. 64 bit architecture works on 64 bits at a time. Simply put, the 64 bit architecture can do things faster and/or with more precision. To take advantage of a 64 bit processor, you have to have an operating system, and application software which is aware of and can use it. There -can- be compatibility problems running 32 bit on a 64 bit, and -definitely- problems trying to run 64 bit on 32 bit hardware (like, it won't even install much less run).

Personally, having programmed computer hardware starting in the 70's from assembly language on DEC PDP series systems to various high level languages, my advice is to get a 64 bit OS. Even if you end up running some 32 bit software. It is the way everything is moving because it is faster and better.

With Sonar. I gave up on the 64 bit version for now. It still has some bugs (undocumented features for you "JASPRs" :) ) that make it annoying (see my thread on the Rapture plugin). That said, the 32 bit and 64 bit co-exist with no problems. The 32 bit plugins can be installed in the 32 bit Sonar directory, and 64 bit stuff in the 64 bit Sonar. I've done it, and it all works fine. At one point, I had the 32 bit and 64 bit version for version 8.0 and 8.5 installed and  there was no conflict. The different versions do share some registry information it seems, but it's not really a problem. Just make sure they each scan the right Vst directories and it all should work fine. Remember, though, that the plugins will generally have different names between the 32 and 64 bit versions and you may not be able to easily use a project created in one version in the other.

Good luck.
David

Hey Mike,

For your system, the 64 bit version of Windows 7 (or other) is not gonna make any difference.  The biggest advantage of a 64 bit OS is in its RAM address space.  This really only benefit those with over 4GB of RAM installed who uses big sample libraries like those from VSL, EWQL, Synthogy, etc.  So don't sweat it.

And, yes, it is true that some of the plugins that come bundle with Sonar (plus other 3rd party ones) are incompatible with the 64 bit version of Sonar.  But the opposite is not true.  All the plugins that come bundled are compatible with the 32 bit version of Sonar.  The problem is with the 64 bit version of Sonar since it is the "new" format (if you will).  Plus, like you said, you'll have to hunt down all the 64 bit drivers for your system which may or may not exist.

So, in summary, just stick to the 32 bit version of Windows for now.  Later on you can try the 64 bit world if you want to, when it becomes more mainstream. 


HTH

One more comment. You shouldn't have to spend hours finding any drivers. Most of them should come with the Windows 7 install. When I upgraded to Windows 7 last night, my biggest hiccup was the driver for my SIIG card IEEE 1394 interface card for my MOTU mixer, and it wasn't a Windows 7 problem. Run the upgrade advisor first and it does a decent job spotting some potential problems. At least it did for me.

David

Hello
Is music creator 7 32 bits or 64 bits?
Thanks

I would think that MC is 64 bits, if it is a newer version.  Ask on the MC forum.
 
There is no practical difference between 32/64 bit programs except for memory, but new programs probably aren't going to be coming w/ 32 bit versions in the future.

kiranphalke
Hello
Is music creator 7 32 bits or 64 bits?
Thanks

It ships as both just like SONAR. By default, the command Center will install a version based on the OS.
 
In the future please post MC questions here

Thank you and i will post it on MC hereafterwards.