32bit vs 64bit - How do I tell? What benefits of 64bit

I am using v14, but don't recall whether I installed the 32 or the 64 bit version.  When I view the "About BricsCAD" screen, it tells me the version number (i.e. v14.1...) but not if it is 32 or 64bit.  How can I tell?

Also, I know that 64 bit programs allow for a program to access a larger portion of memory.  But, how can I tell if this is even necessary for me?  I also wonder if there is any penalty for going to the 64 bit version.  I.e. might a 32 bit program work nicer with a multi-core processor?

Note that I am on Windows 7, and our work is basic 2D drafting, with files under 1meg. Typically no more than two drawings open at a time.  But, in the future I plan on using some 2d constraints, as well as some of the 3D features available in the Platinum version. I would appreciate some advice about how to choose between the two versions.

Thank you,
Joe Dunfee

Comments

  • The label for the desktop icon should be something like "BricsCAD 14 (x64) en_US" for 64 bit.  You could also check the registry for V14 and V14X64 under HCU/software/Bricsys/Bricscad/. 

    The biggest thing that I see that you give up with 64 bit is VBA.  On the other hand, if you use 64 bit software with a 64 bit processor and a 64 bit operating system you will avoid the "thunking" layer necessary to convert back and forth between a 64 bit OS and a 32 bit program.

    Does it make a difference in real terms for the size drawings you use?  Probably not. 
  • To quickly recognise whether 32 / 64 bit version is running - see TaskManager : the 32 bit programs usually have a star appended ...
    there you will also see memory consumption to get an impression about the memory load with your normal workflow.

    Besides VBA (that is not available in 64 bit version) - the performance of BricsCAD x64 is around 10% ... 15% better than x86 version ...
    depends on the particular workflow, whether this will be noticed.

    Many greetings to all !
  • The 'About BricsCAD' dialog (menu Help>About) will display (x64) for a 64bit version;
    Following gets displayed in the dialog for a 64-bit and a 32-bit version respectively:
    Version 14.1.10 (x64) revision 32406
    Version 14.1.10 revision 32406
  • Since "About BricsCAD" does not say (64), then I have 32 bit installed. And, since I am hoping to use VBA, I need to stay with 32bit.

    Thanks for the info.
    Joe Dunfee
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