64-bit runs more efficiently as it utilizes a 64-bit pathway vs. 32. You generally see marked performance increases as the data flows faster. Also, it allows WoW to use more than 2GB of RAM.

For starters, a 64-bit application can utilize more than 2GB or memory as well as run more efficiently.

Ugh....reply system didn't take the first one....then it appeared....then disappeared....WTB new comment system yesterday! >.

It depends on the amount of RAM you have. If you have 3gb or less, don't worry about WoWx64.

However, if you're running 12gb like I am, WoWx64 will be able to store more and load less (at the least).

Kadzeroth hates screwy comment systems and their caching.

So...this sort of goes with Elmo's question.

How do you even know if you have a 64bit capable computer?
And er...I run a Mac...so any answer in windows speak will just make me more confused. :(

I do not understand the 32bit vs 64bit at all. @_@;;
I have tried to look this up, but I can't understand the answers. I have had guildies try to tell me but the words they use make no sense because I am simply not speaking the language kids who are programmers use.
I'm not stupid, just not very techy at all. >.>;;

It depends on what optimizations WoW64 has.

It shouldn't be faster for the most part; AFAIK, WoW does not use much in the way of 64-bit math, so no computational speed increase.

What could be done, reasonably easily, is to increase the amount of data WoW can hold in the memory, and use that to unlock memory-intensive graphical options that would otherwise crash the client. Anyone care for seeing Dalaran (or even ICC) while sitting atop Wyrmrest? :)

Even if just the cache sizes are increased, this would mean less loading, and faster loading screens from the second time onwards a specific zone is accessed.

Here's a shitty answer:

Look at your C drive. If you just have a Program Files folder, then you're running a 32-bit. If you have Program Files folder AND a Program Files (X86) folder, then you're running a 64-bit.

@ravyn

(previous attempt devoured by comment "system")

I think of it this way: There are 26 letters in the English alphabet. If I had 52, my words could be longer and I could communicate more infromation per word.

@ Ravyncat

The way to check if you have a 32- or 64-bit processor is shown here (refresh if it doesn't work at first):

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3696

Bottomline benefit on a decent 64-bit capable system? Probably around 5 more frames per second. Not too shabby.

Its more about compatibility than speed up. Although transparent to the user, behind the scenes the OS is handling 32-bit and 64-bit instructions and data differently where it has to be seamless offering one interface or the other. In other words, its not about "WoW" getting access to 16GB of RAM (although that is a nice benefit) but that the OS is free to handle "WoW" in any part of the 16GB of RAM.

Thank you! That link was exactly what I needed, Katrine.
(I totally need the idiot proof answers for my stupid questions or I get lost in a confusion loop.)

Mine is 64bit...groovy!

*Kitrine

Doh! I'm sorry I misspelled your name while thanking you. >.>;;
If I could edit on here...I would.