64 bit vs 32 bit

[Master Zerak]

On the website it recommends 32 bit version for most users; but wouldn't 64 bit be faster/better?
I have a Dell XPS15-9570 with 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, etc

[admin]

Hi,

The reason I don't recommend the 64 bit application for everyone is that there are a number of camera brands that don't have 64-bit support, meaning that users of those cameras would end up wondering why they didn't work if they install the 64-bit version. Additionally, the 32-bit version of SharpCap has advanced memory management built in that can access more than 4 GB of memory when using 64 bit Windows. This can be used to set up, for instance, a large memory cache to improve frame rates when capturing from high speed cameras.

Unfortunately some of the image processing techniques used in live stacking can't take advantage of the extra memory in the 32-bit version of SharpCap. That means that users who are live stacking with high resolution cameras (typically 10 megapixels up to 50 megapixels) may encounter out of memory errors in the 32-bit version especially if they use the advanced features in live stacking. These are the only users who will benefit by going to the 64-bit version.

Hope that helps, Robin

[donstim]

I've wondered about this as well. What would be the result of an out of memory error? Would it cause SharpCap to crash, or display some sort of error message? In other words, how would one know if an out of memory error occurred?

[Master Zerak]

Thanks for your explanation, Robin.

But since I have a ZWO ASI294 camera, and a laptop with a large amount of RAM and a fast processor, wouldn't it be better for me to install the 64 bit version?

I just don't understand why the 32 bit version would be better for me.

Thanks again,

Les

[Master Zerak]

Actually, I have 32 GB of RAM...

[admin]

Hi,

Yes, for you the 64-bit version would be fine and would probably be better than the 32-bit version.

My goal is to keep the number of confused people to a minimum – hence I recommend the 32-bit version in general.

Cheers, Robin

[rbgdmd@gmail.com]

I have installed version 3.2.6137.0 in November last year. Is that version a 32 bit or 64 bit. I tried to look it up under help but to no avail. I'm interested in using 64 bit with the ZWO 183 camera.

[admin]

Hi,

To tell if you have the 64-bit version of SharpCap, just look at the title bar of the application – if you're on the 64-bit version then it will say '64 bit' next to the version number in the title bar.

Cheers, Robin

[donboy]

64 bit version past & present has never worked for me. It always crashes when I start a Live Stack; even when I use the Test Camera.

Don

[admin]

Hi Don,

What CPU does your computer have? I have seen some crashes similar to that in the 64-bit version for older CPUs.

Cheers, Robin