Windows Vista 32 bit or 64 bit?

I tried to see if this topic already exists, but found nothing. Also, I know this deals with software, but it isn't really about a specific game, as seemed more hardware related. Sorry if I did not post in the right forum. Anyway...

I'm about to get a new PC, and I have decided to make a jump to Vista Ultimate from my old rig that ran XP. I realize that most games that are backwards compatible can (at this point) only be played on the 32 bit version of Vista. I looked around on various websites, and I saw only two big pluses for the 64 bit version of Vista:

1) Better security

2) Can utilize a great deal more memory (up to 16 GB I think, but not sure).

Well, more secuirty is always good. For gaming, the memory is very imortant, but as it stands the motherboard I am looking at doesn't even hold close to 16 gigs. In fact, I will probably only have 2 gigs (4 at most, which is tons right now). However, I read that you need at least 4 to really start to see a difference between 32 and 64 bit (don't have the link off-hand, but I could probably dig it up if someone really wants to see it).

Anyway, it seems that, at least for the time being 32 bit offers much more compatibility and for the most part equal or comparible performance. Still I'm not sure about basing my judgements on an afternoon of internet research. Is there a good reason to go with the 64-bit version, even in the face of low compatibility? (One more thing: Since I'm getting the PC custom made, it will have 64-bit compatible hardware with the proper drivers if I do decided to go that direction. I know that driver compatibility is a huge issue for 64-bit, but my concerns are about the best option for software).

If this topic alreasy exists, please direct me to the thread. Thanks.

64-bit can address more memory than its physically possible to throw at it with any motherboard on the market and it allows for some great performance with things like video editing and encoding, but you've basically answered your own question..compatability is the problem and until that goes away for most people 64-bit simply is not worth it.

That's what I was thinking, but I'm glad to have it confirmed. Thanks.will477

Yeah, hopefully five years down the line companies will make sure things work with 64-bit it really is great for certain types of multimedia and it brings the memory maximum up to 16 exabytes (which is probably more than in all the computers you've ever seen in your life..combined).

[QUOTE="will477"]That's what I was thinking, but I'm glad to have it confirmed. Thanks.Runningflame570

Yeah, hopefully five years down the line companies will make sure things work with 64-bit it really is great for certain types of multimedia and it brings the memory maximum up to 16 exabytes (which is probably more than in all the computers you've ever seen in your life..combined).

crysis will benefit from 64 bit os by almost 10 % so wait and see

I'm running the 64-bit edition and not running any compatibility issues (if you don't count the damn printer).

I'm running all sorts of games on this rig--some aren't even from this century!