Many newer Windows PCs run a 64-bit operating system (OS), typically Windows 7 or later. The AX SoftJACE offers a 64-bit install, which provides certain advantages—most notably the 64-bit Java VM (Virtual Machine) does not have a 2GB memory limit. Coupled with the typical 4GB or more of RAM installed on such a Windows, this can allow a SoftJACE with a large station to run more effectively. A 64-bit install may also provide other benefits, depending on the host’s CPU architecture.

Therefore, for a SoftJACE PC running a 64-bit Windows OS, you should choose a 64-bit installation (setup_x64.exe on the AX SoftJACE CD, or from image download files), in almost all cases.

A possible (but unlikely) exception is if the host PC uses a 64-bit Windows OS, but has less than 4GB of RAM. In this case, the shorter 32-bit memory pointers could be advantageous. Note that the exact same station running in a 64-bit VM will require more memory than if running in a 32-bit VM.

Note that in any 32-bit Windows OS, if you try to install by selecting setup_x64.exe, the NiagaraAX installation wizard does not start. An error popup tells you it is “not a valid Win32 application”.

Keep in mind that on the same 64-bit Windows host, a 32-bit install and a 64-bit install result in different Niagara host IDs. This may cause licensing confusion if you install (and license) a 32-bit installation first, and then re-install as 64-bit—or vice versa.