Q6600 on Windows 8.1 32-bit, should I download x86 or x64 version of JDK?

[Instinct212]

I've recently installed the 32-bit version of Windows 8.1 on my 7+ year old PC. Everything has been working fine but I was wondering which version of JDK I should download, the x86 or the x64?

Windows claims: "System Type: 32-bit Operating System, x64-based processor" but if I remember correctly I used to download x86 programs when I was using XP with the same hardware.

Since I'm using a 32-bit OS is there nothing to gain from going with an x64 download anyway and I should just get x86? Assuming if I were to add more RAM I would also be swapping out multiple other pieces of hardware and doing a fresh install of 64-bit 8.1 anyway.

 

[Shneiky]

If you use a CPU that supports x64, you should always install a x64 version of windows. A x64 Windows can run both 32 and 64 bit versions of software. But, a x86 can only run 32 bit software. You should download the x86 JDK.

On a side note, x64 operating system has more advantages than just addressing more RAM.

 

[Instinct212]

If you use a CPU that supports x64, you should always install a x64 version of windows. A x64 Windows can run both 32 and 64 bit versions of software. But, a x86 can only run 32 bit software. You should download the x86 JDK.

On a side note, x64 operating system has more advantages than just addressing more RAM.

Oh ok so I should have installed the 64-bit version of 8.1 (came with both discs)? I only chose the 32-bit since I only have 2 gigs of RAM, wasn't sure if the 64-bit would be innately more taxing on it or anything.

 

[nukemaster]

For a 32-bit OS you install the 32 bit version of the software(64 bit will not work). If you had the 64 bit OS installed, the 32 or 64 bit would both work, but you may as well use 64 bit. Browser plug-in depend on the browser, Firefox even when running a 64 bit OS is a 32 bit program and plugins are 32 bit as well.

I had that same gpu on Vista 64 bit with no issues so 8/8.1 should not pose any issues.