My benchmarking marathon last week seemed to generate more questions and requests for further benchmarking. A popular request from you, Constant Reader, was to see Windows Vista 32-bit benchmarked against Windows Vista 64-bit.

The Test System

To carry out this run of benchmarks I chose a base system that represents the sort of system that someone might want to have 4GB or more of RAM installed and therefore want to go the 64-bit route.  I’m certain that my choice of system will generate a lot of feedback relating to its suitability.

Here’s the spec of that system:

• Phenom 9700 quad-core processor
• ATi Radeon 3850 graphics card with 256MB RAM
• ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe motherboard
• 2GB (2 x 1GB) Corsair Dominator CM2X1024-8500C5D RAM
• Western Digital Raptor 10,000RPM 150GB primary hard drive
• Western Digital Caviar 7,200RPM 500GB secondary hard drive

The following OS combinations were tested:

• Vista 32-bit RTM
• Vista 32-bit SP1
• Vista 64-bit RTM
• Vista 64-bit SP1

Each system was fully patched with all patches available from Windows Update. 

Other noteworthy points:

• The only driver installed was the graphics card driver - Catalyst 8.2.
• No optimizations were carried out other than to process idle tasks and defrag the hard drive between each test. 
• Windows Defender was left on for all tests. 
• The Microsoft SP1 testing guidelines document was followed closely.

Full Article

Microsoft, Windows Vista, 32–bit, 64–bit, Benchmark, Benchmarking